Gains of the Graceless | Part One

"Alice,

I am writing you in hopes that you might convince Father not to send me away to that damnable estate.

You've heard of it, have you not? Not only of the name Ashenwood, but of that which takes place within its walls. I've heard they not only keep the unwell within the sanitarium, but terrible beasts as well. Even crossbreeds, malformed and limping around, shuffling until their next meal, and making one of those who get too close!

Father finally caught me with Leonard. There was little I could do to deny it. I thought his journey to New Ashen would take until nightfall, at least, but you should've seen the look on his face when he caught us, red as the coals that heat the steamworks.

He thrashed Leonard a bit, but he managed to escape the worst of it. Then, he turned to me and promised that in a weeks time, I will be sent to be among those who have lost their minds, since I clearly have.

His words, but you must write to him and confirm my virtue. It was just a kiss, I swear by it to the Mother above. So, please, do so with haste.

Maybe you can include some of those greyberry currants to put him in better humors. I have never seen him so cross, but I am hoping he comes to his senses soon enough so he doesn't make good on his threat.

With Love,

Ayra"