The Ballad of Never After

Evangeline is shocked, sure he must be lying despite the stone. However, as she thinks back, she can’t remember Jacks saying he wanted to open the arch. She searches the Hollow for information about Jacks but finds nothing before he reappears. As she glares at him, her legs give out from exhaustion, and he catches her. She tries to fight but is too weak, and she hates her body for “mistaking his arms for somewhere safe” (263). That night, Evangeline dreams of a handsome stranger who warns her to be careful of Jacks so she doesn’t end up like his first fox.

Evangeline considers the idea that Jacks is the archer but dismisses it, not wanting to start forming new theories without more information. She explores the Hollow, marveling at its wonders and hoping that Jacks won’t want to leave yet because she feels calmer and safer than she ever has. In a closet full of lovely dresses, she finds Aurora Valor’s diary, which she spends the entire afternoon reading, surprised to find time slipping away.

At one point, the Hollow’s door opens on its own, admitting a little dragon that flies to the food clock and bumps its head against the glass as if trying to get to the glowing pendulum within.