She didn't know which was worse, going downhill or going uphill. She used to think that down was easier. She didn't have to fight the pull of the earth that way. But her shoes were heavy and sometimes she stumbled over them. She'd once plunged headlong, tumbling …

Ruby's dress was stained with blood. It was a raw ochre over the rough azure satin. It had trailed down and onto the key ring on the sash around her waist. The golden key that unlocked the room was red with her blood. It almost looked as though …

Ruby had shed all the items that Jack had given her other than the simple blue dress she wore, leaving socks and shoes and gloves and mantle in her wake. She wanted to be beholden to Jack as little as possible. In her hands, she held a piece of an …

They stooped to entire. A corona of hair appeared first, black and only held back by a hair band. It was Acacia, not Jack. Ruby sank in relief. “It's good to see you,” she said. “It is actually good to see you again too,” Acacia responded. “I see you …

Jack meets up with them all. Acacia and Jack nearly fight. Ruby takes control compile: 2 Without thinking, Ruby was on her feet, pressing Cora to her shoulder, who woke during the shift. “What's happening?” she mumbled. “Shh, shh. I've got you.” Ruby waited for Jack to make …

“Has the magician gotten back to you, Acacia?” Ruby asked. Acacia shook her head in response. “Well then, first thing's first. We have to find a place that's safe and warm with food. If we can get new clothing, that would be ideal. What do you know?” “There …

Jack's goal - To get her to go to the holders without telling her what they are Ruby's goal - To find more information about her siblings label: 1 compile: 0 Dressed and bathed for the first time in far too long, Ruby joined Jack at …

Goal is establishing the setting and Jack's character. Douglas will make his entrance at the end. label: 1 compile: 0 Ruby watched the scenery go by, making the occasional hum of affirmation or nod while Jack chattered next to her. He told stories about the places he …

The grass grew as high as a man's knee. Tiny spring flowers peeped from within, dots of purple and white. A river wended through, its narrow banks dropping steeply into the water. The cobalt of the water set off the brilliant greenery. A poet would call it idyllic, a …