Annika's eyes moved rapidly, following the words as they changed and disappeared with each flip of the page. Whatever this book was, it was incredible, and even as the words started to fade, the golden lettering remained with Annika. Whoever wrote this had either ventured into the Everdark or was attempting to capture her father's retellings of his home.

The pictures showed a younger Jack. A Jack that looked carefree, happy. Annika touched the photo, wishing she could have known that version of her father. 

Annika's attention drifted to the second man in the photo. Whoever they were, they seemed to make Jack happy. A friend maybe? Or a lover? Annika shuddered. Her father never looked for anyone whenever they left home. At least, no one who looked like this person in the photo. There were some people, like Uncle Max, but Jack mostly took Annika from the Everdark for shopping, errands, or a learning expedition of some kind through the various timelines.

[color=#663399]"Who are you?"[/color] Annika questioned.