[ although she hadn't yet allowed anyone else inside this place, Rudbeckia isn't oblivious to its effect. certainly her home—whichever home that might be—always felt this way to her, but even she knows this is far more extreme, all her fears superimposed on reality to create a nightmarish replica of the places she has lived. there isn't any way she could explain this that would make sense for "Ruby's" character, and so all she can do is pretend that nothing is out of the ordinary.

Callisto's question is incisive, but it's something she can interpret in the easiest way: literal. ]

Hmm? I don't, really. It's difficult to get here, and the Shadowlands are scary... [ as they cross the ostentatious castle foyer towards the grand staircase, Ruby tucks herself into Callisto's side, her fingers curling around his bicep with a nervous squeeze. ] Oh... There really is something in here, isn't there? Look at the state of things.

[ they're words that should come with some measure of distress, or at least sadness. Ruby's gaze passes over toppled plants and broken statues littering the foyer with dispassionate regard, her only anxiety focused on whatever lies further inside the castle. ]