"No," I managed to say to the stranger.

"A real beauty. But she escaped Margin's slave auction and ran off wearing a thin blue coat. Angered quite a few potential buyers." He sniffed. "Doesn't matter, I suppose. She's more than likely dead already."

My tongue soured, and I fought down a swallow. He might not be talking about Jade. It could be anyone. Still, my stomach hardened into a worried knot. I couldn't imagine being someone's slave, but to choose winter, ...