[Incomplete/Abandoned] Eyes Like Stars || A Heartless Marissa Meyer Story

Prologue- Strength

The woman took a great risk in getting to the sister's well. Her husband was a baker back in Hearts, and she was willing to follow his lead no matter where it lead. If he wished to stay in Hearts despite the queen, she would stay by his side until the end.

Both of them agreed, however, that they could not play with fate with their children.

So in her depth of need, the woman found a place to hide away her children. The three sisters appeared before her, already knowing what she wanted. The woman simply looked toward them imploringly, a small child in her arms, only a year old. Her other hand clutched that of a seven year old boy.

"I'll give you whatever you ask for," the woman promised the sisters, "anything my husband and I can give you. It's worth it to keep my children safe."

The middle sister looked at her without blinking.

"We ask but a small fee," she said.

"And for this price we will raise as our own the children you care so deeply for," continued the sister on the left.

"All we want," said the sister on the right.

"Are the memories of them," finished the sisters in unison.

The sister on the right stepped forward to clarify.

"If you are willing," she said, "to give up all memory of them in the whole kingdom of Hearts, even those of you and your husband, then we shall care for them. We must also wipe your son's memory."

The woman felt tears rise in her eyes. But she steeled herself.

"I agree to your terms as you have spoken them," she spoke quietly, but the childlike sisters heard her. 

"They will take effect upon your departure. You may say goodbye."

The sisters disappeared into the well, giving privacy to the mother and her children.

The woman knelt down.

"Jack. I know you won't remember this, but I'm counting on you to protect your sister. I love you."

She hugged the boy against her skirt. Tears flowing fast.

She kissed her one year old daughter. The little girl was asleep, not knowing what transpired, simply dreaming peacefully.

The woman placed the baby into her son's arms.

It took more strength than she knew she had. By far, it was the hardest thing she had ever done. She stood, and walked out of the clearing.

As soon as she left, Hearts had never heard of Jack and Jill. And Jack and Jill had never heard of Hearts.

Jack sat against the stone well and held his sister.

"I love you," he whispered to the sleeping bundle that was his little sister.