13 years later

I stared down at my desk, the wooden surface worn from years of use. It was a constant reminder of the mundane world I now found myself in, attending school alongside my younger sister, Andy. Our parents had insisted on this change, urging us to integrate into the human world. 

The classroom was quiet until it was shattered by a sudden burst of light. My skin prickled with tension as I looked up, my eyes locking with his. My eyes were a bright sapphire red, reminiscent of my father's, although the last time he saw my father, his eyes were a calming shade of blue. Yet, even with the difference, there was an undeniable recognition in those eyes that sent a chill down my spine.

his footsteps echoed through the room as he walked towards me, the sound reverberating in the silence. Every step seemed to bring him closer to unraveling secrets long buried. When he stopped in front of me, my breath caught in my throat. "Hey, you," he said, his voice cutting through the air. I met his gaze, trying to mask the unease rising within me with a forced, innocent smile. "Hello, Michael," I replied, the innocence in my voice at odds with the tension in the room.

Without warning, his demeanor shifted, and he pressed his sword against my neck. Instinctively, I stood up, my hand instinctively finding the necklace my mother had given me for protection. "What are you going to do with that, throw it at me?" he sneered, a mocking tone in his voice. In that moment, my fear transformed into determination as I flicked my wrist, turning the necklace into a sword, ready to defend myself against my uncle's aggression.

"You know, Morningstars like you are incredibly judgmental. Question one unfair thing, and suddenly you're banished," Michael sneered as our swords clashed during our intense fight. "Your parents brought evil into our world," he accused, his voice dripping with resentment.

"For the last time, it wasn't us! He was your brother, and you betrayed him," I countered, frustration simmering beneath the surface. His sword grazed against my cheek, a sharp reminder of the family rift that had torn us apart. "He betrayed us for some girl," Michael continued, his words laced with disdain. "You look just like her," he added, knocking the sword out of my hand.

Reacting on instinct, I lashed out with a punch, catching him off guard. "Yeah, well, I also inherited her high-spiritedness," I retorted, seizing the opportunity to gain some distance.

With newfound resolve, I grabbed my sword and bolted into the hallway, my sole focus on reaching Andy. She was my responsibility, my sister, and I couldn't let Michael harm her. Bursting into Andy's classroom, I grabbed her hand without hesitation, urgency in my voice as I explained the danger. "Andy, we need to leave, now! Michael has found us."

Confusion clouded Andy's expression as she tried to make sense of the abrupt upheaval. "What's happening, Libby?" she asked, her voice trembling with apprehension. "There's no time to explain," I replied urgently, a sense of protectiveness driving me forward. "We have to go, trust me."

As we fled, I glanced back to see Michael in pursuit. "Stay back, Andy!" I shouted, swinging my sword as we faced off once again. The clash of our blades echoed through the corridor, a testament to the familial turmoil that had resurfaced. "Now!" I yelled to Andy, a mixture of fear and determination in my voice.

With a determined nod, Andy summoned her powers, creating a portal just in time. I clung to her tightly as we dove into the swirling vortex, leaving behind the chaos and danger. As the portal closed behind us, relief washed over me, mingled with the raw emotions of our escape. Andy hugged me, tears streaming down her cheeks, and I held her close, whispering reassurances that we were safe, for now.

Remember to Vote