Annika watched Jack with rapt attention as he created something from seemingly nothing. Although Annika knew the shadows were not [i]nothing[/i]. There was substance to shadow, and as Jack created the bookmark from shadow, Annika knew there was potential, too. She played with the fridge of the bookmark before her father’s voice captured her attention again. 

Every lesson Jack taught was another moment to get to know her home better. Every story, more instructions on what Annika needed to know. This was no different, and yet she understood it more deeply.

[color=#663399]”Influence over the shadow,”[/color] Annika murmered. She touched the inky, black rose with light fingers, waiting for it to vanish. When it didn’t, she took the stem out of her father’s hands and examined the flower closely. [color=#663399]”But if the shadow doesn’t want to be manipulated, it won’t be. Or can you really control it?”[/color] She looked back at Jack, holding the rose to her chest protectively.