The rest of the day blurred, the image of that figure stubbornly etched into my mind. Tall, dark, clad in clothes that spoke of both power and freedom. I pushed the thoughts aside, trying to focus on the impending council meeting, the trade agreements with the Wing Kingdom, anything but the disturbing allure of my stalker.
As dusk settled, I found myself drawn to my closet. Reaching high, I pulled down a dusty box filled with forgotten books. I rummaged through them, familiar titles passing through my fingers, until I stumbled upon something unfamiliar. A slim, leather-bound volume, its cover worn smooth with age. "What is this?" I murmured, a sense of unease prickling at my skin.
I opened the book, my breath catching in my throat. The script was elegant, flowing, undeniably my mother's. Mom's diary… My fingers traced the familiar loops and swirls, a wave of longing washing over me.
The first page was dated decades ago, written in vibrant red ink, adorned with a delicate blue flower pressed beneath the signature: Elara.
Roses are red, violets are blue, You wore my favorite color, Violet, just like the flowers in June. I know we never met up close, But I sense you every day. You're waiting for me, I know you are. I hope we can meet, Someday…
A shiver ran down my spine. Who was she writing to? "Is she talking about Dad?" I whispered, confusion clouding my thoughts. "What does she mean, they never met up close?" My parents had always seemed so… settled, comfortable in their love. Could there have been someone else? A forbidden romance hidden in the shadows of the Northenglades' history? I shook my head, trying to dispel the unsettling idea. Mom loved Dad. She had to.
I carefully closed the diary, the weight of its secrets heavy in my hands. Placing it back in the box, I returned it to its place on the shelf, the questions swirling in my mind. Could my mother have loved another man?
Exhausted and unsettled, I returned to my room, seeking the oblivion of sleep. But slumber proved elusive, the unsettling image of the figure and the cryptic words of my mother's diary playing on repeat in my mind.
Suddenly, a slight thud shattered the stillness. My eyes snapped open, my heart pounding against my ribs. I sat bolt upright, gasping for breath, scanning the room for any sign of intrusion. Silence. Holding my breath, I slipped out of bed, my hand instinctively reaching for the small dagger I kept hidden beneath my pillow.
The room appeared undisturbed. Until I turned towards my vanity.
A white flower candle burned brightly, its delicate scent filling the air. I gasped, a wave of horror washing over me. I didn't own any candles, let alone ones that reeked of lilies! My hand flew to my mouth, stifling a scream. My first instinct was to call for Wilson and Isaac, my trusted guards stationed just two doors down, but something stopped me.
A golden envelope lay beside the candle, sealed with a pristine white lily. Fear warred with morbid curiosity as I reached for it, my fingers trembling. I carefully broke the seal and unfolded the delicate paper, my eyes scanning the familiar golden script.
I saw you today, my love. You looked so beautiful today, Wearing that gold dress of yours. Enjoy the candle and flower. I will be back soon. Mia Stella -loved shadow
I finished reading the note, my breath hitching in my throat. Shadow. That's what he called himself. Who was he? And what did he mean, he would be back? Panic clawed at my throat, threatening to suffocate me.
Turning slowly, my gaze landed on the chair by the window. A bouquet of golden and white flowers sat there, bathed in the pale moonlight. Flowers not only made me sick but I had a severe allergy to them. Flowers that hadn't been there a moment ago.
My legs trembled as I approached, my hand reaching out hesitantly. Tucked amongst the blooms was a small sticky note, the same golden script scrawled across its surface.
I told you I would come back… I'm always watching, my dear. -shadow
I stared at the flowers, the note, the candle, my mind reeling. How did he get in? When? I hadn't heard a thing. He was in my room, watching me, and I had no idea. My gut twisted with a cold dread, a primal fear that burrowed deep within my soul. I thought I was going crazy.
What should I do? Should I run? Alert the guards? But what if he was still here, lurking in the shadows, waiting for me to make a mistake? He'd already proven he could bypass my defenses with ease. Even if I told them, he would probably target the guards instead of me.
Maybe…maybe it was best to just ignore it. Pretend it didn't happen. Hope it was just a nightmare.
With trembling hands, I blew out the candle, plunging the room back into darkness. I placed the flowers on the vanity, their scent choking me. I crawled back into bed, pulling the covers over my head, and squeezed my eyes shut, desperately trying to convince myself that it was all just a dream, a figment of my overactive imagination. But deep down, I knew the truth. Someone was watching me. And he was getting closer.