Ashes of Thornwood

Chapter 3

I woke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the heavy curtains, the air in the room still and quiet. For a moment, I lay there, gathering my thoughts, trying to shake off the lingering heaviness from the night before. Today was the day before the wedding—a day that should have been filled with excitement and anticipation, but instead, all I felt was a knot of anxiety tightening in my chest.

As I pushed the covers aside and climbed out of bed, my bare feet sinking into the plush rug beneath me, I couldn't help but feel like I was sinking in more ways than one. The weight of what lay ahead pressed down on me, and I found myself longing for the comfort of home. I chose a simple, casual gown, one of the few I had brought with me that didn't require the help of a servant to lace up the back. The fabric was soft and worn, a comforting reminder of the life I was leaving behind. I didn't bother with shoes, preferring the cool touch of the floorboards against my skin. As I pulled my hair back into a loose braid, I barely cared that it wasn't as neat as Mrs. Thorne would prefer. If she thought I was feral, then maybe it was time I started living up to her expectations.

The house was eerily quiet as I made my way downstairs, the weight of the silence pressing down on me with each step. The air felt thick, almost suffocating, as if the walls themselves were closing in. As I wandered aimlessly through the corridors, my fingers brushed against the cold, polished wood of the bannister, the smooth surface a stark contrast to the roughness I felt within. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched, though the house seemed empty, devoid of life.

It wasn't long before I ran into Sarah, who was hurrying down the hall with an armful of linens. The sight of her, someone familiar in this strange place, brought a small measure of relief.

"Good morning, Miss Evangeline," she said, dipping her head respectfully, though her eyes widened slightly as she took in my appearance.

"Morning, Sarah," I replied, forcing a smile. "I'm just... wandering, I suppose."

Sarah hesitated, glancing around as if to make sure no one else was nearby before speaking again. "Mrs. Thorne is out this morning, Miss. She's gone into town to choose your wedding gown."

Her words hit me like a blow, knocking the breath from my lungs. For a moment, I couldn't speak, couldn't even think. "She... she's choosing my gown?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sarah nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Yes, Miss. She left early this morning. I'm sorry... I thought you knew."

A hollow feeling settled in my stomach, a cold emptiness that seemed to spread through my entire body. Another decision made for me, another piece of my life taken out of my hands. Even the dress I would wear on my wedding day was not mine to choose. It was as if I were a doll, being dressed and prepared for some grand display.

Forcing myself to stay composed, I managed a small, tight-lipped smile. "It's fine, Sarah. Thank you for telling me."

Sarah looked like she wanted to say more, her brow furrowed with concern, but she shifted awkwardly and asked, "Is there anything else I can help you with, Miss?"

"Yes," I said, trying to focus on something else, anything else. "Do you know where Sebastian is?"

"He's down by the lake, Miss. He goes there sometimes when he wants to be alone."

"Thank you, Sarah." I turned to head for the back door, eager to find some comfort in Sebastian's presence, but not before catching the worried look on Sarah's face as she watched me go.

The morning air was cool against my skin as I stepped outside, the breeze carrying the scent of the water and the faint rustling of leaves. The path to the lake was easy enough to find, winding through a small grove of trees before opening up to the wide, serene expanse of water. The sounds of the house faded behind me, replaced by the gentle lapping of the water against the shore and the distant chirping of birds hidden among the trees.