Delilah Morel - The Unpicked Flower

Golden light bled through the canvas as Delilah dabbed at her painting, the brush trembling slightly in her grasp. The desert stretched across the fabric in impossible pink hues—far rosier than reality, but truer to how it had felt yesterday evening.

"It doesn't look right..." she murmured, tilting her head.

Nearby, Curtis lay curled in the grass, tail flicking. "You're romanticizing it. The sky looked pretty average."

Delilah smiled, swiping a streak of cerulean across the canvas. "Yeah. Averagely amazing." Her voice softened. "I missed you, you know. I wish you'd visit more often."

The cat stretched, claws kneading the earth. "It's in my nature to wander. You could join me, though."

"Oh, Curtis." Her voice carried quiet resignation. "Don't get started on—"

Her ears snapped upright at approaching footsteps. Before she could react, Curtis vanished into the bushes with a hiss.

Two figures emerged from the garden path—Chase Digger, grinning like this was all a game, and Billy Catcher, crushing delicate blooms underfoot without care.

"Baltazar, dear?" Delilah called out, too sweetly. "Is that you?"

Billy snorted. "Sorry to let you down."

Delilah's grip tightened on her brush. "Billy. You know you can't just come in like that."

"That's how things work around here, missy." Billy bared his teeth, not quite a smile. "Get used to it already. Where's your fiancé? Need to talk to him."

Chase cut in, all false charm. "An old friend of his is back in town. Oh, he won't be happy with the news. Heh."

The bushes rustled. Baltazar stepped into the light, his massive frame blocking the sun for a moment.

"I've seen him."

Billy startled. "B-Baltazar!"

Baltazar's growl was low, dangerous. "You should have told me immediately."

"I thought I'd just deal with him!" Billy's bravado cracked. "I almost had him at the saloon, but—"

"You don't get to decide that." Baltazar's voice could have frozen fire.

Billy ducked his head. "O-Of course."

Chase twirled a playing card between his claws. "Eveler means business, y'know. Heard him saying he knows where it's buried. And he's gone after it."

Delilah's ears pricked. "What? Who's Eveler?"

Baltazar didn't look at her. "A traitor. Someone who should stay far away from here." His gaze pinned Chase. "Are you sure of what you heard?"

Chase's smirk widened. "Absolutely. I'd bet my last con that next time you bump into him, he'll have what you want."

Baltazar turned on his heel. "Then we need to act now."

As Chase and Billy followed stepped out, Delilah's paws clenched in the dirt. She waited until the gate clanged shut behind them before speaking, her voice tight but controlled.

"I never agreed to let them in and out freely—especially Billy. Why didn't you say something?"

Baltazar didn't slow his stride. "I need him. It's not about how you feel."

Delilah's posture stiffened. "Really?"

For the first time, he stopped. Looked at her. The weight of it made her want to shrink back—but she held her ground with quiet defiance.

"There's something I need to take care of," he said, each word measured.

"I'll go with you."

Baltazar's muzzle twitched. "No. Oddwind is no place for you."

Delilah's voice wavered slightly. "It's been a year since I walked past these gates! I thought we'd work together..."

"Dogs are going missing." Baltazar stepped closer, looming. "Outlaws are overtaking the land. You want to risk your life for what? A stroll? You should be smarter than that."

Delilah looked down, the fight draining out of her, leaving only the ache.

Baltazar's voice softened, just barely. "I need you. You're safe here."

Then he was gone, the manor gates screeching shut behind him. Delilah stood there, the pink desert on her canvas glaring back like a taunt—a world she could paint, but never touch.

The garden had never felt so much like a cage.