Devious Journal Entry

Part of a new story I'm currently writing. This one may have potential.

Feathers cascaded down Kadence's spine like eager fingers, reaching out. Her appearance was shocking to most; appalling even. Sharp cheekbones and deep teal eyes, along with her “hair” of course, were her most prominent features. The colors of her plumage altered with her mood, matching her eyes in times of distress, which happened more often than not recently. She walked in a way that made her seem like she was floating; far beyond just elegant and beautiful. Passing horse-drawn carriages heaved upper class women across town, who glared at Kadence from afar. After all, they hated anything different from themselves.

Most days, she could take comfort from the steady beat of horse hooves and people going about their business. But today was different. Everything seemed off; her corset too tight, townsfolk too rude, smells of rubbish-ridden alleyways too strong. She had even lost a feather the night before, a sure sign he would be arriving soon. She scowled, remembering the last time they had met. Her father was a bitter man, cruel and mysterious, but nevertheless intriguing. Raven black hair fell onto his shoulders, his large frame accentuated by a long, ebony trench coat.

She wasn't prepared in the least. Not for what he expected of her. His deadlines were more than unreasonable; they were downright barbarous. How did he ever expect her to finish her assignments that had to take place halfway around the world? Kadence has been lucky so far to survive his brutal punishments. The scars down her back remind her each day that the only reason he didn't kill her, is because she's his daughter.

A strong wind took her by surprise and sent a chill through her. The gray, dreary skies were typical for London, but she knew better. A storm was brewing in the heavens, and it wasn't anything to do with the weather. Her chest heaved for oxygen, and her skin lost it's glow altogether. A whisper in her ear sent her spinning abruptly toward the voice, to find it was only William.

“Billy Cole, how dare you! You can't just go sneaking around like that! You gave me such a fright!”

“Oh, come on now, you should be used to me coming out of nowhere! I've done it since we were children.”

He had a grin which was nearly too big for his face, and messy hair that looked as if it hadn't been combed in ages. He was so unlike the other boys. He was raised in a well to do family, but you couldn't tell by looking at him. He even sounded so uneducated at times. He was goofy and childish, but could be proper if he wished.

“You know, I've been thinking.” William said.

“And what about?”

“You seem so distant lately. I never know what's running through that had of yours. It seems like I scarcely know anything about you even after all this time,” his voice drifted off with the wind, and he spoke with a worried tone I didn't recognize.

She kept silent, unsure what to say. It was the first time She had seen him since his mother passed from the pock. She was been so busy collecting that she had nearly forgotten him.

“I would at least like to know about your feathers.”

She sighed, hoping that was the one question he wouldn't ask. After all, she didn't even know the answer.

“I don't know where they came from, Billy. They've been here ever since I can remember.”

His gaze was enough to break her heart. Kadence had kept so much from him, and although she loved him dearly, her life has been a complicated mess that she couldn't explain to herself, let alone Billy. The secrets she hid from the world were enough to damn the purest souls for eternity. He didn't need to carry the burden.

Raindrops were beginning to tumble down, dampening the world around her. The sound of them hitting the cobblestone seemed deafening, which she could blame on her heightened senses.

The last words Billy uttered were, “My hat!” before bolting indoors without so much as a farewell. The people who were just conversing and wandering about scrambled to their homes and inside shops. She stood, leaning against a lamp post, relishing in the cool moisture. It was possible that this was the last moment of serenity she would get to experience for quite a while.