Get out, get out, get out.
Tears threaten to fall as my eyes burn with anger. How did I not see this coming? I gave her too much access to her power when I needed to get rid of that poltergeist. Who now seems to be helping that little strumpet.
Marybeth has taken so much from me my entire life. I refuse to have Barrett added to that list.
Finally, the tip of my pointer finger snags against the smallest button concealed at the top right corner. I press it and watch in awe as the glass shimmers then pops like a balloon. Crawling out of the space, I scramble into the dresser hard enough to leave a bruise. I have no idea how much time has passed. All I know is I need to hurry.
Voices greet me as I careen down the railing, sliding down the banister as fast as possible. “Barrett?” I call out as I get closer to the ground floor.
“He went to check the fuse box.” Some gentleman answers. A few people have found some candles, giving enough light to the room to allow me to snake through the crowd. Several people are leaving, and I don’t blame them. Who knows what horrors my twin will inflict if given the chance. Scanning the crowd I notice Jasmine tucked away in the corner wearing a bright blue dress. Her eyes connect to mine and she mouths the word, “Danger.” My skin prickles as a heavy stone sinks in my stomach. I hope I’m not too late.
“Everyone, I’m so sorry. We will have to reschedule. If you would kindly find your coats post haste, and exit through the front door, that would be most appreciated.”
I see Jasmine try to make her way to me., but I shake my head no. I have to face my sister alone, without her using any more leverage against me. Jasmine wavers for a moment before realizing I’m not budging from my decision. Turning, she reluctantly leaves with the rest of the guests.
“Ms. Peppins, didn’t you head downstairs just now?” A dashing gentleman asks as I hurry past the line of people.
Of course, she went down after him. I don’t think about anything but getting down to him in time. I don’t even answer the man. Instead, I pick up my skirt as I dash towards the door, finding it locked. Snapping my fingers, the lock falls apart in my hands, letting me through.
Crossing the threshold of the stairs, I’m immediately assaulted by Barrett’s screams. I know those types of screams having heard it my whole childhood. Those were the sounds of someone being slowly torn to pieces by none other than Bloody Mary.
Heart hammering up into my throat I snap my fingers once again, hoping that my birds aren’t far behind me. Marybethhatesmy birds.
“Stop!” I cry out seeing Barrett splayed out on the floor, blood leaking from his eyes, mouth agape in a scream.
“Oh good, you’re just in time for my favorite part.” Marybeth says as Harriet blocks my way.
“Move, or so help me I’ll make you wish you were never born.” I say to the wisp of a woman threatening the love of my life.
Harriet runs her tongue over her teeth, tilting her head to the side as if to ask, “What can you possibly do to me?”
Reaching deep within myself, I fuel my magic with the rage coursing through my body and snap my fingers. Harriet lets out a scream before melting into the ground, becoming nothing but an inconvenient stain on the floor.
“H-how did you-“Marybeth stutters, mouth dropped in surprise.
“You left a little of your magical imprint behind in the mirror. Thanks for that.” I say with a wink, hoping to throw her off balance. I snap my fingers again, but she’s ready for me, throwing up a shield and blocking my attempt to do trap her.
Alfred and the rest of my birds flock into the small space, diving at Marybeth in droves.
“Back! Back you feathery devils.” She swats at them, allowing for Barrett to take a breath. I rush over to his side and run my hands over his wounds, pouring what magic I can into him.
“Not so fast, Marigold.” My sister says, gripping onto Alfred’s neck, her fingers digging into his feathers.
My eyes go wide as I watch her slink up behind Barrett. “You make one move and I’ll end both of them. You know I can.” She smirks, holding two pieces of my heart in her hands.
I look over at Barrett, knowing what I have to do.
“Barrett.” He shakes his head no, voice too hoarse to make any sound. Tears track down my cheeks. “Barrett. Thank you for loving me. I need you to know that you’ve given me so much happiness. It was the most precious gift, no matter how fleeting it was, I don’t regret it for a moment. Even though, you’ll forget me after this, I need you to know that I loved you. I will always love you.”
His brows furrow, his mouth straining to make the words. “I …love …you.” He manages to croak out and I close my eyes wishing beyond all hope that there was another way. But I know there isn’t.
I face my sister, a mirror version of myself. Perhaps, had I been born first I would have turned out just like her.
“I used to envy you, sister. I wanted what you had, so badly. There were nights I cried myself to sleep, wishing I could switch places with you. But I don’t feel that way anymore.” Her eyebrow raises. “Now I just pity you, because I never realized just how miserable you truly are.”
Snapping my fingers behind my back, I pull out the sword I used to end our father. The same one I used to end Charles.
Her eyes go wide realizing too late that I’m aiming right for her heart. I plunge the tip of the blade in her, blood sputters down her chin and seeps into the glittering fabric that matches me.
