Chapter 3

Caramel was always the richest of desserts. 

Father would always bring me a piece for myself on my birthday, and on some rare occasions when he wanted to celebrate good news. Just like that rich dessert, the same color belongs to the richest men.

“Mr. Floyd,” I bowed my head in greeting. 

“Miss Yadis, what are you doing out at his hour? Aren’t you aware of the dangers that lurk in the shadows?”

My smile was small, but it must have pleased him. He invited me to give me a ride home, to which I tried to decline. My eyes darted behind him, waiting for someone else. But his insistence could not be overlooked, he was my father’s boss. Despite his young age, he was able to grow his late father’s business. Now, he was the one bossing men older and more experienced than him. 

Lambs can become quite fearful when placed above a lion. 

He placed me in front of him as we both rode on his horse. My back pressed against his chest as he held the reigns in front of me. I could see the delight showing in my mother’s eyes as she saw us arrive. Her mind already imagined her dining at Floyd’s mansion. My cousin’s face however held a souring scowl. 

How much can the peacock strut?

This was the question I always asked myself whenever my cousin’s persistent failed attempts to catch the eye of Mr. Floyd. Elize stared me down with such heated hatred as Mr. Floyd helped me down off his horse. Father rushed forward, thanking his boss for bringing his daughter back home safely. I stood there as everyone flocked around the man, his eyes centered on the people before him. 

A flower blooms best when left alone. 

I walked forward into the house, my thanks being carried over the wind. As if in a state of enchantment, I walked into the room I shared with my cousin and prepared for an early night. Any appetite I had for life had decreased heavily during the past hours. Instead, I lay motionless, staring out the window. 

A starless sky was overtaken by the shine of the glistering moon. 

Yet, my eyes would still dart to the woods under the silver orb. Its shadows beckoned me to join them in their absolute. My mind resisted the urge to let myself go, but my heart was already being tainted with its dark shades. Instead, I said a silent prayer in its stead. 

May the cloud part ways through the midnight sky.