Violet couldn't describe the happiness that she saw on Ellen's face. A wide smile appeared, and her eyes sparkled with glee.

"I knew you still loved me." She said quietly, almost to herself.

She leapt up, pulling Violet to her feet.

"Come on, then!" She giggled.

Grabbing Violet's hand in her own, she led the purple-haired girl out a side door, into a room that contained a small table and two chairs. She pulled one out for Violet and gestured for her to sit in it.

"I'll go make us some tea. I'll be right back, wait here."

She ran back into the other room.

Violet observed the room as she waited. She had to admit, she was nervous.

Did Ellen really mean it when she said "forever"?

Could she trust her?

But Ellen would be happy now. She would feel loved with her best friend by her side.

Perhaps she had nothing to fear.

"I'm back!" Ellen came into the room, carrying a tray with tea and other snacks on it. It looked similar to the one Violet had seen in the first floor room, but this one was fancier.

"You like two sugar cubes, don't you?" Ellen handed her the teacup and saucer. "Here you go."

Violet noticed that Ellen had a peculiar smile on her face, but ignored it as she took a sip of the tea Ellen had made. It tasted of apples and cinnamon, and was very delicious.

"Thank you, Ellen." Violet smiled. "You don't mind if I call you that, do you?"

Ellen shook her head. "Of course not! You can call me whatever you want, my friend." She smiled.

Violet nodded and took another sip of her tea.

"So what all is there to do here?" She asked curiously.

"Well, we can read, and go out in the garden – the library and garden aren't as big and spectacular as the ones in my other house, but they're quite nice. There are lots of animals in the forest, and we can cook all kinds of wonderful foods, and…"

Violet found her eyes drooping as Ellen droned on about the things they could do here. She felt a bit ashamed of herself, but the exhaustion fell upon her like a curtain.

"Oh, Viola, are you tired? I'm sorry, you're probably exhausted after all you've been through today. Here, I'll take you to your room."

Violet stood and followed Ellen as she led her through the house. She was so tired she couldn't quite tell where they were going.

After leading her through many halls and staircases, Ellen finally opened the door to a dimly lit room. Violet all but collapsed on the bed. Ellen giggled.

"Goodnight, Viola. Don't worry, we can talk later."

Poor, sweet Viola.

Even after all that had happened, she still followed after Ellen with such blind trust, like a lamb being led to the slaughter.

She didn't notice the extra ingredient Ellen had added into the tea.

But no matter.

Now, Ellen could make sure that Viola never left her. That they would be together forever. Happy. Just like things were supposed to be.

Finally, at long last, her tale would have a happy ending.