The Clockwork Saint: Tiana and the Devil’s Deal

After Tiana’s restaurant opened, rumors swirled about her “special seasoning” — a flavor no one could name. Patrons swore they felt euphoric after eating it, like a spirit had touched their tongues.

One night, during Mardi Gras, a fire consumed the kitchen. When firefighters broke in, they found her standing before a boiling pot, weeping.

In her diary (preserved by her descendants), she wrote:

“I wished for success, and he gave me taste.”

She claimed the shadow man didn’t take her soul — he gave her an extra one. The second spirit lived in her food, feeding on joy, seasoning it with longing.

Those who ate too much began dreaming of a bayou voice whispering, “More sugar, child.”

A century later, a culinary historian sampled a jar of Tiana’s preserved sauce. Within days, his voice grew hoarse, then deepened to a tone not his own.

The jar shattered that night. On the wall behind him, in caramel streaks, were written the words:

“The feast ain’t over yet.”