“It’s gone! It’s gone! All of it!” Ivy’s voice echoes through the house. I’ve never heard her demure voice move beyond a loud hush. At the sound, Rowen jumps from the bed and opens the door. “What’s going on?” he asks Alder. “Don’t know.” Chaos floods the air. I rub my eyes trying to wake up. Rowen rushes out of the room. I jump out of bed and run out behind him. Ivy sits at the kitchen table, her white robe painted with dirt. “It’s gone, all of it. I’m supposed to be its keeper…and….it…it’s gone.” Her demeanor goes from panic to despair. “Did you check everywhere?” Arcos asks. By now the entire house has come to life and everyone is standing in the kitchen, their faces blank with confusion. “Everywhere. The entire area.” She’s out of breath. “They’ve taken it all. How did they know?” Ivy’s crystal eyes pour clear blue drops like a tropical fountain. It’s yellow muck, but she acts as if she’s lost a loved one. “Ruis,” Coll speaks up.
