In the Realms
All recognizable things belong to Libba Bray, that amazing woman who deigned to give us a glimpse into her mind. All else… Well, I suppose you could say it was mine. I would prefer you did not, though.
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My name is Gemma Doyle…and I have a secret. No one in my family knows who I really am; for that matter, I doubt that I know who I truly am. However, this is not the point I wish to make in the course of my narrative. I have become a rebel over Christmas holidays away from Spence, quietly choosing my own will over another's.
Perhaps it was not so quiet, though. Over that winter break, I changed. I had to fight a woman I had once considered a friend, someone I had trusted enough to bring into the Realms.
The Realms. How could I have been so stupid? All the evidence pointed to Miss Moo – No. She is Sarah Rees-Toome, and so she shall remain in my memory. If I had not been so blind with accusations, with trust, I might have been able to prevent the loss of Pippa to the Winterlands.
Yet, in losing her, I have gained a Realm of allies. I still visit Asha, the Untouchable, when I need my senses and head cleared. I visit the Gorgon; she is my best source of Realm information, and I rely on her the most, of all the Realm creatures.
So far, I am the only one of the New Order who has gone back into the Realms. Fee says she is not yet ready to re-enter, and I respect that. Ever since Pip was lost to the Winterlands, Fee has not been the same. Ann, on the other hand, has adjusted most beautifully at Spence, though she also says she is not ready for the Realms. Apparently, the spell I placed on Cecily at the opera has yet to wear off, and she has convinced the other girls that they should treat Ann with respect. I think Kartik is also unready, since he has yet to contact me face to face.
I know little of what he does right now, as our communications must be written so that only we can understand them. Since coming up with a code is so difficult, I have only received three letters from him in the five months we have been apart. Of course, I care nothing of receiving letters from him – why should I?
After all, I am a gentleman's daughter, and recently sixteen. I am above such petty things as first crushes.
Truly, I am.
A/N: Yes, it was short. Yes, this will be Gemma/Kartik -- for now. Any other questions, comments, or concerns should be left in a review. Blessed be.