At his tease regarding her age, Ruby lets out a soft laugh. "I am. I'm probably older than your father's father." Maybe even older still, despite her appearance.

"I won't deny that I was intrigued by the fact that your father and uncle weren't human like the men and women they fought alongside but my true interest came with you. Your mother protected you and loved you so fiercely despite the fact that she had been told that putting you out of your misery would be better for you. You were special. So I offered her my assistance in helping to ease your pain and I decided then that I would do whatever I had to to keep you safe until you were able to do it yourself.

"I didn't stay in Kattegat for your family. I stay for you."