* * * * *
"Where's Tom? Where is my husband?" Madeline demanded again. Annith had come back alone, as I knew she would. I watched her stretch, moving freely again. Her step was lighter and quicker, even her face seemed fuller. Soon, she'd be strong enough to leave this remote mountain valley. Annith refused to answer, but Madeline wouldn't be ignored. The frantic woman grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her.
"Where is he! What have you done with him?"
Carelessly, Annith shoved her away. Madeline's body hit the cabin wall with a thud, and she slid down it, weeping softly. Sister Angelica hurried to comfort her. I saw the nun wipe the fear from her own face as she took Madeline in her arms. The boy, Thomas Junior, stared silently from where he crouched in the corner. He knew his father wouldn't be coming back. Looking over her shoulder, Annith smiled at him, and he shuddered.
As for me, looked into the heart of the ruby I wore, where memories glittered in crimson light on my hand, and I knew I'd done far worse than Annith, and done it in the name of love.