Chapter 2

The Moonpetal Blossom, when Elara finally found it after days of searching, was small and unassuming.

It glowed faintly in the twilight, a soft, pearlescent sheen to its petals.

She carefully picked a few, wrapping them in damp moss.

Back in her kitchen, she crushed a tiny piece. A delicate, almost imperceptible fragrance filled the air.

It was exactly as the old book described.

A few weeks later, Sadie visited.

She wore a new dress, simpler than her usual style, her hair tied back neatly.

"Elara," Sadie said, a carefully constructed sweetness in her voice. "I wanted to see how you were."

She was trying to look traditional, appealing. For Mrs. Sterling, no doubt.

"I' m well, Sadie," Elara replied, her voice calm.

Her kitchen was filled with the scent of simmering berries.

Sadie' s eyes scanned the room, lingering on the bubbling pots.

"Still making your famous jams?" Sadie asked, a hint of her old envy seeping through.

"Just a few small batches. For family," Elara said.

She gestured to a small bowl on the counter. In it lay a single Moonpetal Blossom.

"Oh, this? Just something I found. An old wives' tale, probably. Supposed to make things taste a bit brighter," Elara said casually, downplaying its significance.

Sadie peered at it. It looked like any other small white flower.

"Are you using it in your festival entry?" Sadie asked, her voice sharp.

Elara laughed lightly. "Oh no. I told you, I' m not competing seriously. And this is far too plain. I' m sure you have something much more special planned."

Sadie visibly relaxed. If Elara wasn't using some secret, powerful ingredient, then her own path was clearer.

"I might," Sadie said, a smug little smile playing on her lips.

"Would you like some?" Elara offered, gesturing to the blossom. "I have a few extra."

Sadie' s eyes narrowed. "No, thank you, Elara. I have my own recipes."

She suspected a trick. If Elara was truly helping, why offer something so bland?

Elara hid her satisfaction. Sadie' s suspicion was a predictable part of her nature.

The Festival preparations were in full swing.

Elara, despite her claims of not competing seriously, prepared her station with her usual quiet diligence.

Mrs. Sterling, Beau' s mother, a woman who valued propriety and tradition above all, watched the young women.

Her gaze lingered on Elara' s neat setup, her focused work.

Beau Sterling wandered through, charming and handsome, his eyes flitting over the contestants.

He barely glanced at Elara, who kept her head down, absorbed in her work.

Sadie, however, made a grand entrance.

Her dress was a little too bright, her laughter a little too loud.

She made a point of greeting Beau effusively, touching his arm.

Mrs. Sterling' s lips thinned almost imperceptibly.

Beau, however, seemed pleased by Sadie' s attentions.

Later, Mrs. Sterling approached Elara.

"Elara, dear," she said, her voice surprisingly warm. "Your station is impeccable, as always."

Elara looked up, offering a small, respectful smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Sterling."

"I hear you' re not as focused on winning this year," Mrs. Sterling continued, her eyes searching Elara' s.

"I enjoy the craft, ma'am. The winning isn't as important to me anymore," Elara said, feigning modesty.

Mrs. Sterling nodded slowly. "A refreshing attitude. Beau needs a sensible, grounded young woman."

She paused. "Are you... seeing anyone, Elara?"

Elara' s heart gave a small jump, but her face remained serene. "No, Mrs. Sterling. My preserves keep me quite busy."

Mrs. Sterling smiled. "Well, don' t let them keep you too busy. A girl with your talent and composure is a rare find."

She patted Elara' s arm. "Do your best, dear. Some of us appreciate true quality."