Only Barks

The woman standing on the patio was magenta and silver, her gaze resting heavily on Celeste like an anchor holding a ship below the waves. Celeste didn't know who the girl was, only that she looked at her with pure hatred—as if she wished she could tear off her head with just a stare.

Beside her, Avond was surprised, if not stunned, to see her there. Whoever she was, Celeste guessed, was someone the family knew well but didn't like all that much, which made Celeste even more curious. Why let her in if she wasn't supposed to be there?

But it was the look on Nirmala's face that made Celeste completely pause. She was hurt, rattled even, by the woman's presence, and Celeste couldn't help but feel sympathy for the older lady. Celeste moved to stand beside her, placing each hand on her arm for comfort.

"Nirmala? Are you alright? Let's go inside; it's hot out here," Celeste said, receiving a thankful look in response. She just wanted to get away.