Aurora Magazine 2019

“She’s my twin sister” replied Francis. “You sentenced her to death but she went to Hell and became a Witch. She too has learned of wisdom”. Xavier recoiled at this revelation, and feared for his daughters. “What do you want, vile witches?” “Only to teach you the pain of your laws,” replied the Witch. With a wave of her hand, Everly was trapped, lofted in the air by an invisible force. “When we were but young, your law outlawed twins. We did you no harm, yet we were ostracized. And for what? Only for you to have twin daughters of your own?” Xavier was taken aback, and replied. “I passed this decree to help our country, not hurt those alive.” “We suffered well under that decree,” replied Francis, whose charm had withered away. “Outcast, we were forced to live in separation for years, never knowing each other’s love and friendship.” “Indeed,” continues Marigold, whose fingers shook with the magic containing the twins. “When we heard the good king Xavier had fathered twins, we knew it was time to return.” With that, the Witch got to work. Casting spell after spell, she bound Xavier to his throne, immobilizing the old King. She then pulled out a spell book from her long black robe, and began to chant. Everly sat motionless, suspended midair, and spoke to her sister. “Oh, Aileen, I’m sorry I got us into this situation.” Don’t be, responded Aileen. I never told you about my feel- ings, so why would I expect you to know them? I am sorry as well. Those would be the last words the girls ever exchanged in this fashion, as Marigold finished her spell, and the force around the girls grew stronger, tighter. Restricting them. Pulling on them. Eventually, Everly felt a great pain, and she fell to the floor. Her body, once heavy with the weight of two souls, now felt light. Next to her lay Aileen, her twin sister. Xavier called out in pain at the sight of his daughters’ 91