It’s Complicated

Breaking Tradition

Thunder and lightning crack across the sky as the shutters rattle the castle. I sit by the fireplace, listening to the logs crackle, until the shutters slam against the window, leaving it slightly ajar. I rush to close it tight. 
I glance up. “It... it can’t be?” A reaper-like figure stands in the storm, the wind whipping his cloak wildly while his hood stays perfectly in place. I shake my head and look again—he’s gone. “I’m imagining things,” I mutter, leaving the room and heading to the kitchen for a glass of water. That uneasy feeling returns—the same sinking sensation of being watched when no one’s there. I turn just in time to see a dark shadow slip across the end of the dimly lit hallway. 
I grab my water and hurry back to my grandmother’s room, my mind swirling with visions of the mysterious man who keeps crossing my path. Who is he? Why is he always where I am? Is he stalking me? It’s frightening—school was only part of the reason I left. Rosewood is a dangerous place, full of bandits and people you can’t trust. 
Two weeks had passed, and my stalker friend was getting bolder, showing up in places no one else knew about. Whether it was a business trip or a quick run to the market, he was there. Still, there was one thing I enjoyed—seeing the combat fairy. Lately, I’ve been going to the market twice a week just for a chance to see him. He’s so beautiful... fairies have always fascinated me, so free and graceful, with wings that are utterly mesmerizing. My grandmother used to say their wings are as transparent as their intentions, and fairies always speak their minds. I’ve never spoken to one before, but I’d like to. I guess that makes me no better than my stalker, huh? 
Maybe I’ll bring him a treat tomorrow at the market. I’m sure the keeper wouldn’t mind. Following the scent of Amy’s delicious cooking down the stairs, I found a wide spread of food laid out across the long table. 
“Amy! This is incredible—did you do this yourself?!” 
“Yeah, cooking has always been a passion,” she said, placing her hands over her heart with a big smile. 
I sat down and began eating the mouthwatering steak, vegetables, and side dishes. Lost in thought, I stared off into the distance. 
“Cel?... Celeste!” Amy called from the end of the table. By then, everyone had gathered for dinner. 
“Huh?” I look up, confused.
“You coming with us tomorrow? I need more veggies.” She stared at me, puzzled, as if trying to figure something out.
“Yeah, I’ll be ready in the morning.” I smiled, thanked her, and made a quick exit from the kitchen. I ran upstairs to my grandmother’s room, lay down, and closed my eyes.
*Knock knock*
“Celeste! Get up! If you’re coming with us, we’re about to leave! Wouldn’t want to keep your fairy waiting, would you?” A small chuckle followed, and I heard footsteps walking away.
I jumped up, combed my hair, and got dressed, lacing my corset quickly before heading out the door. Wait... how did she know about the fairy? Oh well, no time to think about that now. I hurried down the stairs to meet the others heading to the market.
I kept my gaze fixed on the passing scenery through the small dusty window, avoiding eye contact with Amy. It’s not what she thinks—owning a fairy went against my grandmother’s beliefs, and mine as well.
“ROSEWOOD MARKET!” the driver bellowed, rattling my ears again. I tried to slip away, but Amy caught my wrist.
“Hey! Nobody would judge you if you bought him, you know. We all see that creepy man following your every move. He might be good for protection. Not to mention, he’s a striking-looking fairy.”
II gave a small nod and made my way through the crowd to the baker for my pastries. 
“Here you go, Miss Thorn.” 
I took the basket. “Um, could I get one extra, please?” 
“Hungry today, are we?” 
“No, no,” I chuckled. “It’s for the fairy at one of the trader’s tents.” 
“Be careful, okay?” 
I offered a reassuring smile and walked out. What was that about? I’m always careful. Which is why I was really considering buying him—for protection, of course. He’d be free; I wouldn’t cage him. 
I approached the trader. “Hello, sir. I’d like to give this to your fairy, if that’s alright.” 
“Sorry, miss, but this isn’t a petting zoo. No feeding the fairies!” he huffed. 
“Why not? They have to eat too!” I raised my voice, frustration bubbling up. Passersby turned to see what the commotion was as we argued. 
“He’s afraid I’ll be strong enough to break free and kill him if you fed me,” the fairy said, meeting my eyes. 
“I’d like to... buy him.” 
The fairy narrowed his brows, locking his gaze on mine, making it hard to breathe. 
I handed the man the coins, took the small chest holding the fairy’s spirit, and accepted the items he’d been captured with. Unchained, the fairy walked toward me—more like towered over me, honestly. 
“Why?” he asked flatly, still staring into my soul. 
I held up one of the pastries and offered it to him. To my surprise, he took it, his fingers grazing mine and sending shivers down my spine. 
“Come,” I said, stepping into the busy street as he followed. “What should I call you?” 
“Shade,” he replied blankly, though I could still feel his gaze on me. A lump formed in my throat during the silence that followed. 
“Should I call you master?” 
I spun around, crashing into his chest and nearly falling. Strong hands gripped my shoulders to steady me. 
“No! You can call me Celeste... I don’t intend on owning you, Shade.” 
“Then why buy me?” 
“To ask if you’d like to come work in the castle for me?” I lowered my head, embarrassed by the conversation I had to initiate. “I have a stalker of sorts, and my grandmother just passed, leaving me the thorn wealth.”
“Dangerous for a small lady, yes?” His hands slipped from my shoulders.
“Yes... and in return, you’d be safe from hunters with your spirit in the castle. Which I’ll return to you.”
“And if I take it and leave?”
“Then nothing.” I shrugged. “I don’t believe in owning fairies. It’s not right.”
“Lead the way... Celeste.”