فصل 20

20.

In Which Luna Tells a Story

Listen, you ridiculous dragon. Stop wiggling this minute, or I will not tell you a story ever again in my life.

You’re still wiggling.

Yes, cuddling is fine. You may cuddle.

Once upon a time, there was a girl who had no memory.

Once upon a time there was a dragon who never grew up.

Once upon a time there was a grandmother who didn’t tell the truth.

Once upon a time there was a swamp monster who was older than the world and who loved the world and loved the people in it but who didn’t always know the right thing to say.

Once upon a time there was a girl with no memory. Wait. Did I say that already?

Once upon a time there was a girl who had no memory of losing her memory.

Once upon a time there was a girl who had memories that followed her like shadows. They whispered like ghosts. She could not look them in the eye.

Once upon a time there was a man in a robe with a face like a vulture.

Once upon a time there was a woman on the ceiling.

Once upon a time there was black hair and black eyes and a righteous howl. Once upon a time a woman with hair like snakes said, She is mine, and she meant it. And then they took her away.

Once upon a time there was a dark tower that pierced the sky and turned everything gray.

Yes. This is all one story. This is my story. I just don’t know how it ends.

Once upon a time, something terrifying lived in the woods. Or perhaps the woods were terrifying. Or perhaps the whole world is poisoned with wickedness and lies, and it’s best to learn that now.

No, Fyrian, darling. I don’t believe that last bit, either.