Raena stood stunned as the woman transformed into a bird and flew out the train window. Out there she could see the bird flying just over the treetops of a verdant forest, resplendent with the light of the setting sun. She looked into the distance, and gasped as the bird burst into bright orange flames, glittering ashes falling into the trees. It was then that she realized to whom she’d been speaking.

Raena rushed to the head of the compartment, skirts flying. She had to get off the train immediately. There was no time to lose, and nothing she could explain. As she neared the exit, she bumped into a man with a book and a brown bowler hat, apologizing as she ran. He stared after her.

The train was building speed, and she needed to get off before they got too far away. She must get into that forest; it was all the hope she had. She inhaled deeply, closed her eyes, and jumped.

The world flew by in a whirlwind of color and sound. When she opened her eyes, Raena was in a forest clearing.