Shadows Of Betrayal

Chapter Six.

I've decided to wander off. Maybe not the brightest idea I've ever had but I feel suffocated between the walls of the cabin and the two fae soundly sleeping on their makeshift beds and the woods a calling my name. I slowly slide my boots on before sneaking out the back door to the cabin, the creaking of each footstep causes my anxiety of getting caught to spike but finally I make it out.

Well I guess sneaking out of my old house all the time came in clutch.

The crisp air filled my lungs entirely as if I was spending my prior breaths underwater. I absentmindedly pick at my fingers as I walk towards the stump of a fallen tree in the clearing, wondering what my life would be like if my mother was still alive.

In the heart of the garden, the sun cast a warm glow over the blossoms, painting everything in hues of pink and yellow. I knelt among the daisies, their cheerful faces nodding gently in the breeze. I plucked a delicate flower, its petals soft against my fingers, and turned to my mom, who was kneeling nearby, tending to the roses.

"Penelope," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "promise me something."

I look up, brushing my hair back from my face, seeing a gentle smile playing on her lips. "What is it, mom?"

"Promise me you will be safe Petal, no matter what happens." She says looking at me through her beautiful big brown eyes.

"I promise I'll always be safe. I'll never trust anyone but you." I felt a swell of determination; my little heart beat fiercely. The world outside the garden felt big and uncertain, filled with shadows that loomed just out of sight.

My mom's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look I couldn't quite decipher. "Oh, darling, that's a heavy promise for such small shoulders I shouldn't burden you with this."

"But I mean it," I insisted, tightening my grip around the daisy. "I won't let anyone hurt me. I'll be careful."

She nodded slowly, her eyes searching my face as if trying to find some hidden truth her brown eyes staring into my purple ones. "You're strong, Penelope. I know you are. But you also need to trust a little. Not everyone is bad."

I frowned, shaking my head. "But what if they are? What if they pretend to be nice and then—" I couldn't finish the thought, but a shiver ran down my spine.

"Sometimes it's okay to let people in, even if it feels scary," she said gently. "But always remember, you have me. I'll always protect you."

"I know," I replied, my voice firm. "But I'll protect myself too. I'll keep my heart safe."

She smiled again, but this time it looked tinged with sadness. "You're wise beyond your years, my little flower. Just don't forget to let the sun in sometimes."

As I stood, the daisy still clutched in my hand, I felt the weight of my promise settling around me like a cloak. Surrounded by the vibrant blooms, I vowed to guard my heart fiercely, no matter what lay beyond the garden's edge.

I plop down and bring my knees up to my chest looking up at the stars as tears burn at my eyes while brushing off the memories that rush in. Rustling to my left causes me to jump and drop the daisy I'm holding before realizing it's just a raven hopping from some branches.

"Hello beautiful." I say to the creature reaching out my hand and to my surprise it hops over to me. As I run my hand over its feathers tingles shoot up my arm and warmth radiates up my arm. I draw back quickly at the foreign feeling and the raven flies off frightened. Disappointment runs over me as my little friend may never be seen again.