No matter how many times she listened, Evelyn would never get tired of hearing Paultin play.

He sat on a stool at the front of a tavern, strumming away at his lute as he hummed along to the tune. A gaggle of young women gathered around him, entranced by his music. Evelyn watched from afar, hovering above the girls’ heads with her winged boots. From her vantage

point, she had a perfect view of Paultin. She admired his relaxed posture and easy smile. How his blond locks seemed to fall effortlessly into place. The masterful way he played his lute, barely even looking down as he performed each song. And his eyes. Oh, his eyes. Evelyn couldn’t help but get lost in his big, beautiful blue eyes. She loved the way they sparkled while he played. She sighed happily, her heart fluttering.

Paultin finished his last song, slinging the lute over his back and hopping off the stool. “That was so amazing!” One of the girls swooned. “Yeah, you’re so talented!” Cooed another. Paultin smirked. “No problem ladies, It’s my pleasure.”

“You should come here more often! Everyone loves your music!” Insisted a third. “Maybe I will.” Paultin replied. “Now, If you’ll excuse me…” He pushed past the women towards a table where Diath and Strix were sitting.

Evelyn floated down to the floor and walked in step with Paultin to the table. “You played real well tonight.” Evelyn smiled, sitting down next to him. “Thanks.” Paultin shrugged, pulling a wineskin off of his belt and taking a sip. “I really liked that last song you played. Was it new?” She asked.

“Nah”

“Oh.”

Is Paultin ignoring me? Evelyn wondered. No, surely not. He wouldn’t do that. She glanced over at him. He looked right at her, and suddenly Evelyn was drowning in those wonderful blue eyes. She was so deeply in love. She didn’t think she could look away even if she wanted to. She-

Suddenly, Evelyn started coughing. Gently at first, then harder, until she could barely breathe. She gasped for air, but it only made her cough harder. All three of her friends were staring at her as she hacked and choked into her palm. After about a minute, but what felt like an eternity to Evelyn, her coughing fit finally subsided and she was able to catch her breath.

“You good?” Paultin asked, a look of concern on his face. Evelyn cleared her throat and nodded. “Yeah, I just-”

She stopped. She looked into the palm of her hand. Lying there, was a perfectly pristine sunflower petal.

Oh no.

Evelyn leapt from her chair, clasping a hand over her mouth. She muttered a vague apology, and ran from the tavern. “Hey, where’re you going?” Strix shouted after her. Evelyn didn’t respond. She dashed outside as she was struck with another coughing fit. She braced herself against the cold stone wall, choking on the petals that forced their way up her throat. Aggressive coughs wracked her small frame, bringing up mouthful after mouthful of flowers. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. The petals just kept coming.

At last, with a few shuddering coughs, the last of the sunflowers fell from her lips. With shaky limbs, she carefully lifted herself from the wall. She stared blankly at the pile of blood speckled petals on the ground. “Evelyn..” A voice pulled her from her daze. She turned to see Pautin, staring at her in shock. A single tear rolled down Evelyn’s face.

“I guess you don't love me after all.”