Never, ever tell me that childhood and youth are time of purity. Don´t insult my experiences and sufferings like that, if you have any decency.
Ruby
Red velvet cape, lined by black fur, warmed by Ruby´s own body, protected her when she climbed out of the carriage. The driver had disappeared, and Ruby thought, irritated, that he should have carried her trunks in first. Then she thought that coldness must had driven him to warm up.
The black coach with black horses had been waiting for Ruby in the train station. She had climbed in and they had rolled through the snowy landscape. The sun had set and they had heard the wolves howling.
Ruby watched the mansion in front of her. Every window was black, no one came out to greet her; but the doors were open, inviting Ruby in. She rose the steps.
Moonlight lit the empty cold hall. Ruby closed the door behind her - at least she was safe from direct draught - and stared at the open coffin.
Surrounded by the candles half-buried by wax, the coffin was located under the crystal chandelier. Despite silvery light, Ruby could see the colors.
Old woman was laying on lilac satin. Her body was fresh, with rose-red cheeks; her hair was red, too, and so was her velvet dress. Purple eyes were open and looked like jewels. She was decorated with autumn leaves and flowers, local charms to protect from unclean intentions and for good luck.Keeping her safe from harm and filth...
Why?
The wolves began to howl again, and now they seemed to be near the house. Irritated to the servants, who had left the house cold and dark, Ruby hurried to ring the bell.
No one came. She rang again, angrily this time.
Was she alone in the mansion? No, the driver was here.
She went to the upstairs and found out a room with fire and a tray of food and wine. Thanking silently the driver she ate and drank and climbed to the bed, kept warm by bottles full of hot water.
.
Her trunks were appeared behind her door during the night, and when she came downstairs, she found that her grandmother´s will was put over the body´s crossed hands.
The estate and all the money went to Ruby under certain terms: she would live in the mansion, she would never hurt the wolves of the land and she would let her grandmother´s body to stay in the condition it was found.
When she returned to her room, the trunks were in and fire burned in the hearth. Both breakfast and warm bath were waiting for her, and a book was put near the tray. Book of the werewolves, told the ornate letters on the cover.
Ruby knew about werewolves, just like everyone else, and old women burned as witches. She took the bath, changed her clothes and started to eat, drink and read.