One

'Would you like to go up or down?' the Cheshire cat asked her, pointing a finger at the display screen of the lift. 'Down please' she said. 'Things are not always what they seem in this place' sang the cat and pressed the arrow pointing down. The floor she stood upon opened into a black hole and she fell. 'Nooo...that's not what I wanted' she screamed.

And she rolled onto the floor with a painful thud. Sarah Williams scrambled from the floor as if in a drug-induced state, one hand gently stroking her much abused hips. What a strange dream...

"Too much to drink last night at the office party, that's why", she mumbled while making her way to the bathroom. It was not like Sarah, to booze like there was no tomorrow, but with Heather Kincaid egging her on about how much of a bore she was, Sarah had wanted to prove that she could be as fun as the flirty blonde. This in retrospection had not been one of her best decisions, especially when she noted James from marketing ambling towards her from across the room. It was a marvel how an inebriated Sarah had managed to slip out quietly, using receptionists Linda and Evelyn, who were giving a rendition of 'It's my Life' in surprisingly dulcet tones, for cover.

"Hey Sar, you decent?" a mob of hair, artfully arranged to look messy in the latest teenage fashion poked through the door.

"Morning Toby," was the muffled reply. "You are too early."

"I thought I'll help you pack," ...and escape the incessant nagging at home but that thought he kept to himself, "but I see you're already done." Since there was nothing to do Toby let himself fall onto the ottoman by the window and spread out comfortably. "Well, I'm glad you are not taking that stiff neck with you."

"Don't call him that", said Sarah automatically, implying the argument had been worn out in the past.

Roger Maynard was a lawyer, a practical fellow and predictable as a cuckoo clock. He was handsome and as passionate as withered stone, though Sarah did not see any fault in that. Toby fiercely protective of his sister firmly believed she could do better. For Sarah however butterflies, racing hearts, ardour and all that nonsense only belonged on the big screen. She had never encountered in real life after all.

She had booked the tickets to Europe even though Roger would not be able to accompany her. He was working on an important case that could make him partner in his company. Sarah did not mind going alone. She had an aunt in England from her father's side of the family whom she was very fond of. Elisabeth Hayden had followed her British husband across the Atlantic, but had always returned home during the holidays to visit her family. Having no children of her own she had grown particularly close to Sarah and the two have always kept in contact through letters. Aunt Elisa firmly believed that handwritten letters were the best way to communicate with a beloved niece and Sarah wholeheartedly agreed.

"Where is dad, Toby?"

"He's gone off shopping after dropping me off. He'll be back soon he said. You've still got time right?"

"Shopping for what, exactly?"

Toby snickered. "Remember how last year he forgot Auntie Elisa's Christmas present? He's probably thinking, better late than never." Winking mischievously at Sarah he added. "You know, I would never forget to get something for my one and only sister."

"One and only sister?" Sarah wriggled her eyebrows at him. "You never know, Tobes. There is still time. Before you know it you might have another one."

"Ugh... Sar", the boy made a disgusted sound as he fell back onto the pillow. "Now you've put images in my head."

Laughter was his answer.

This would be Sarah's first time travelling out of the country and she felt excited. She was immensely looking forward to be spending those weeks exploring with her aunt.

It was a pity really, the thing about best laid plans and their tendency to go wrong. Sarah was about to find out.

A foreboding feeling enveloped her once she arrived at Elisa's little cottage, what Sarah put down to an upset stomach possibly induced by the less than stellar food served previously on the plane. The little thatched house sat further back from the road, in a quaint little garden, enclosed by woodland. "Here I come, grandma, your little red riding hood," whispered Sarah unable to help herself.

Aunt Elisa was one of those lucky enough to have kept their youthful figure. Her hair was completely white, the consequence of grief when she lost her husband to cancer couple of years ago. She was a very energetic woman and upon seeing Sarah ushered her into the house with warmth and happiness.

"Oh Darling, how even more beautiful you have grown since I've last seen you. Come in, come in", Elisa cupped Sarah chin and looked from one side to the other, blue eyes scrutinising closely. "Far too serious", she mumbled. "Oh well, you must be starved. I have tea ready so you go and freshen up. It's up the stairs, first room to the right. You'll love it. It's the best room in the house."

Sarah couldn't help but laugh at her aunt's exuberance but she dutifully dragged her luggage upstairs. Once she inspected the four walls she would occupy for the next four weeks she had to agree with her. It really was a lovely little room decorated in pale greens and light pinks. The view of the endless green forest that enclosed the back of the house was amazing. French windows opened onto a balcony with stairs that led down to the garden. Sarah stepped out, took a deep breath of fresh air and sighed contently.

...heartbeat thundering in her throat she ran through a flurry of white that obstructed her view. The uneven ground made her stumble now and then. When the white storm lightened, she noted the surrounding forest, bare blackened branches laden with snow. She heard the tread of her pursuers coming closer and urged her feet to pick up speed. Suddenly they cut across her, circling her. The pack of wolves numbered two dozen at least. Chest heaving from the exertion, gripped by paralysing fear, she vaguely noticed that her hands were shaking. Knees buckling she fell onto the soft deep snow. The animals stopped circling her. One stepped out of the circle, a beast slightly larger than its companions its colour a brilliant cobalt blue. It seemed to be the leader of the pack. It slowly came closer and halted a few feet away. She could not wring her eyes from its deep amber gaze. Inexplicably as if touched by sunshine her fears melted away and a warm feeling spread through her. "Welcome home, Mistress", a rough voice reverent in tone echoed in her head. She knew it was coming from the furry creature in front of her. Then the ground opened up beneath her...