How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. One is the city of ghosts, two is the moon made from glass and silver. Three is the clock almost touching midnight, each second a heartbeat. Time is never long enough. She dreams of waking.

The apple was bright with poison, and the flesh tasted bitter. Her skin faded to the color of snow, yet her lips were stained blood-red. True love’s kiss is an antidote that I can’t find. The prince isn’t coming for her. He isn’t coming for me.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?

The mirror shattered. The bright shards glinted like starlight.

Did you know I loved you? Did you know I loved you?

I know you didn’t.

The clock begins to strike. One. The earth trembles. Two. The moon is breaking, bright dust drifting through the city. The apples fall from the tree. The red queen laughs, and the dark queen joins the ghosts. I was your white queen lying in the snow. They always said it would end like this.

Eight. Nine. Ten. Let me count the ways. My breath turned to ash.

Twelve.

Her eyes never opened.