Ruthless~ a sequel to Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Preface

"Is it real? It isn't just an illusion, a trick?"

Hatta shut his eyes "No, it's just an illusion."

Cath let out a sigh, relieved that it was only a figment of the sisters' imagination. Jest had been silent when Hatta told her that it was an illusion, his lemon sunshine eyes quickly darted from Cath to Hatta. Cath knew that Jest had been relieved too. Jest offered his hand, Cath followed as his soft leather gloves traced her skin, leaving her tingling. The small bottle had sat there waiting for her. With a faint pop, hatta unplugged the cork, leaving hints of cherry custard, pineapple and turkey, toffee and hot buttered toast lingering in the air. Cath's stomach grumbled, realizing that she hadn't eaten anything all day. "Ladies first," Hatta said, almost mockingly. "Or should I say, your majesty?" His comment had gone ignored by cath who had taken the elixir from Hatta's hand. A sip would be more than enough. She let her lips touch the cold glass as the sweet liquid proceded to make it's way down, warming Cath inside out, embracing her in a soft blanket of joy. Her thoughts were interrupted by a gut-clenching scream. Another scream. Followed by another. The screams became louder as she became smaller and smaller, until Jest had picked her up and placed her in front of the mirror. "Wouldn't you like me to stay this way? I would be much easier to carry if I weren't a walrus." Cath said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. he smiled, a smile which reached his eyes, lighting them up, his dimples stretched into his face. "I wouldn't want you any other way Lady Pinkerton." A scream shot through the air, piercing Cath's ears, she forced a smile and stepped into the looking glass. Mary Ann's screams still haunting her.