Yes, this is the new copy of Shattered to Ashes. No, I can't even stand to look at that draft. Quite frankly, I can hardly stand to look at this draft. It's getting a whole new rewrite, with a redone plot and everything. Same characters, just...different. For those of you who have already read this, I'm sorry. The major changes don't happen until later, though some of the earlier chapters may be easier to read/understand/get through. I won't upload the new version, whenever that gets done, because I will probably attempt to have it refined enough to publish. (To brag on myself, I've had two book reviews published.)
Every once in a while, life hands you love, and I don't just mean infatuation, but true and pure love. It is a rare occasion indeed when life gives you a fairy tale. All fairy tales come at a cost, though. My fairy tale had a high price. Yet even though the cost was high, I owe all of who I am to my own fairy tale. It was the beginning of a new adventure for me, and it all began on my first trip to Fairy Lane.
I was quite young when I went to stay with Lady Allodia, the strange woman who lived in the house on Fairy Lane. People called her a witch. They all laugh now, but it was quite serious back then. I suppose that I could blame much of my troubles on Allodia. But frankly, I'd rather consider her the reason why things turned out so well. She is the reason why I met the Prince of Corvaux.
"Take care of my little Mari for me, Allodia," ordered my father, smiling and waving goodbye. I ran up to him, my six-year-old arms wrapping around his waist. He was all I had left, next to Allodia. My mother had died when I was a baby, and I wasn't about to let my father leave anytime soon. We only had each other for family, and I didn't want to let that go.
"Do you have to go, papa?" I asked. He nodded, bending down so he was eye to eye with me.
"I will return soon, Mariella. Don't worry, my trips are short, and do not come often. Besides, one of these days, I may bring you back a new mother," he said. I pouted.
"I don't want a new mother, I'm happy here with you!" I exclaimed, sticking my lower lip out dramatically. Father patted my head.
"I promise, when she comes, she'll be nice. Besides, you will have fun with Lady Allodia. Your mother and I found her company very enlightening," he encouraged. "I love you, Mari." I hugged him once more and kissed his cheek, and then he left. I looked up at my new caretaker, Lady Allodia, a strange, rich woman with an unusual taste in fashion and art. She smiled mysteriously. The other children in the village called her a witch. I could understand why. I looked up at her, my innocent blue eyes gleaming.
"Can we explore the house?" I asked. Allodia stared down at me, her violet eyes stern. I was scared. I was only six, after all, and I had never seen anyone with purple eyes before.
"I already know every inch of this house; hence, exploring it again would be utterly useless. It will ignite your imagination, causing fanciful and ridiculous thoughts. Therefore, my recommendation is that you start in the den; there are secret passages there," she replied. I did not understand what I later took to be her sense of humor, but at the mention of secret passages, I was off.
I found two secret passages in the den, one behind the bookshelf, the other through a secret door opened by a knob on the fireplace. I explored the tunnels for hours, my imagination running wild. Did escaped prisoners use this tunnel? Or perhaps some frightened monarchs. Maybe even some fairies on the run! All too soon, Allodia called me down for dinner. I ran to my room, which was large and dramatic, to change into my dinner dress. The one I was wearing had become soiled while running through the tunnels. Her house was like a castle. I loved it!
After a delicious dinner, Allodia helped me explore some more. I discovered several new secret passages, and that Allodia was also very kind. She was not cruel, just a bit unusual and misunderstood. I knew that we were going to be great friends.
As I grew older, I found her quite amusing, as well as a helpful guide and support during times of trouble. And everyone knows I attract trouble like a magnet.
After a week or so, my father returned, gifts and money in hand. I rejoiced at being with my father again, but was sad to leave Fairy Lane, as it was called.
"You'll be back, Mari. I know you will," said Allodia. She winked at me as I left, and I smiled. Allodia was magical; I was sure of it.
The next day, my father and I went into the marketplace of Corvaux (the kingdom in which we lived) to buy some supplies for a special dinner in honor of my father's safe return. Father bought me some sweets as well. In my mind, it was the perfect day. Oh how things changed so quickly!