Vanessa and I marched passed the foyer and into another hallway of mirrors. I glanced into every one as we passed hoping one of them would be like the tailor said and show no reflection. I found none.

The clopping of Vanessa's heels broke across on the marble floor. Her giddy nature had returned with full force probably since Lord Blackwell was scheduled to arrive at any moment. Having not seen the man, I wondered just what sort of flare he possessed that made a girl like Vanessa admire him so.

We soon came to a large set of glass doors with golden handles in the shape of giant roses. Two men in white suits and top hats stood by ready to open them. They bowed at the waist and raised their arms in a welcoming gesture.

"Lady Vanessa," they chimed together. "Mirrorbender Hope."

"Thank you?" I said not sure what to do.

"Don't address them," snapped Vanessa lifting up her chin and shoving the men away. "They are beneath you, now." She sucked in a lung full of air, pumping up her chest. "You must show the world who you are. Poise, elegance, and perfection. These are the values of a true high class woman. Never associate yourself with the working ramble. Chin up, chest out, men like Lord Blackwell accustomed to opulence will expect nothing less. Now onward." We looked like two princesses galavanting into high court totally bathed in vain affluence. For a split second as I twirled in my dress and puffed up my chest, I believed I was someone else and all my worries were gone. Tripping over my heels and nearly falling on my face was enough to remind me of who I was and that to be a lady of class I had a long way to go. We entered arm and arm into a dark empty room. I turned to Vanessa curiously.

"Uh, Vanessa," I said. "There is nothing here. No table, or chairs. I thought we were going to have dinner."

"Don't be silly. It is full of light and the table is right over there. Do you not see it?"

I squinted my eyes and looked again. All I saw was a dark emptiness.

"I still don't see anything," I replied cautiously. Vanessa sighed.

"It is because you are wearing those horrid glasses." Vanessa reached for the glasses on my face.

"No I need these to see," I said holding them tight.

"Nonsense," said Vanessa. "They are the things holding you back from seeing the true beauty of this place." I moved away. Vanessa placed her hand on her chest and gave me puppy dog eyes. "Awe, sister. Do you not trust me?"

I paused wondering if removing my glasses was a wise decision. Vanessa had made many attempts this evening to snatch them off my face. I recalled the time in my room when my glasses had found themselves on the side of the bed. Perhaps this was all part of Beatrice's plan to take my memories. Perhaps I was being lured into a trap. I wished Owen was here to guide me, warn me, but it was already too late. Before I could make a decision, I found my hand acting against my will. Like blinking into reality from a daydream the room burst with light as the glasses left my eyes.

I gasped at the room's astonishing size and grandeur. Where there had been nothing moments earlier massive white stone pillars and arches encircled the round room. Long golden banners fell from the archways and puddled on the floor. Each one contained thousands of flower designs stitched with silver thread. Light cascaded from the large glass dome ceiling. I knew it to be late in the evening, so the appearance of a brightening sky took me by surprise, but the thing that surprised me the most of all the splendor and glory of the room was that I could see it clearly without my glasses. Vanessa lead me further into the room; her gentle hand guided me to a table in the center surrounded by silver chairs.

"See," she said. "I told you those glasses did you no good." She sat me down at the table. It was a single pane of clear glass etched with scenes of forest life of deer grazing on the grass and squirrels scampering from tree to tree. The table stretched longer than two school busses set end to end, and on its surface golden plates and golden utensils set out in perfect etiquette style.

"Oh, where are all the flowers?" scowled Vanessa looking around the room. She plopped herself down next to me and clapped her hands for the nearest servant. A man standing nearby holding a humongous white feather fan on a golden stick stepped forward.

"Yes, Lady Vanessa?" he asked bowing.

"Where are all the white roses Madame Beatrice requested?"

"The florist has yet to finish painting the roses, Lady Vanessa."

"Well bring in what you do have. I refuse to ruin this occasion for a few unpainted roses."

"Of course, my lady." The man rose and quickly trotted away.

"They are painting the roses?" I asked confused.

"Indeed they are," said Vanessa fanning out the folds of her dress. "Madame Beatrice likes to celebrate the festival a day early. So as custom, white roses today and red ones tomorrow. Since we have no white rose bushes, it makes sense to paint them."

"But can't she just use her magic to make them white?" I asked watching as men in suits hauled large vases filled with white roses into the dining room.

"She could," said Vanessa twisting in her seat. "She just chooses not to. Much like adding makeup to a face. We are enhancing and preserving the beauty of the flower by covering up what time would otherwise take away." 

Suddenly the loud haunting ringing of the bells began warning of the coming night. Everyone in the room stood perfectly still. Even the men urgently carrying the large bouquets of white roses halted. The whole mansion shook on its foundations. Glasses and plates clinked against one another. The town had begun its nightly descent into the earth. The ground broke and crumbled scraping the sides of the mansion. The sconces in the room flickered to life and the great domed ceiling that once shone the sky started to darken as soil overtook its surface. I did not know how deep we were descending, but all I knew was my anxiety rising in my chest. Here I sat in a foreign place being swallowed by the land like a hungry mole gnawing on a worm. Vanessa grabbed hold of my arm and smiled.

"It will all be over soon," she whispered. Then as quickly as it happened, the shaking stopped. I looked up. The dome now showed a black starless sky.

"So we are under the ground now?" I asked.

"Yes," whispered Vanessa. "Safe and sound until morning."

A few seconds later, the glass doors opened and Madame Beatrice entered. Her silver outfit dazzled with rhinestones jingled with each tantalizing step. The sconces on the wall cast light upon her dress reflecting beads of light around the room. Like a mobile disco ball Madame Beatrice arrived at the table's head. One of the servants paraded over to her side and pulled the chair out. Beatrice sat and placed her arms on the table. Each one adorned in silver bracelets and precious jewels.

Vanessa rose from her chair. She motioned me to do also. "Does my beautiful mistress approve of the decoration?"

"Excellent, darling," cried Beatrice's smooth voice. "Everything is as I envisioned it. Gold plates and silver dresses. White and yellow. How divine for this year's theme. Perfect for greeting two honored guests." Madame Beatrice turned to me. "Are you pleased with the work that Vanessa has done, Mirrorbender?"

"I am," I said nervously sitting down. "But not as impressed as your beauty, Madame Beatrice."

"Ah, I see the flower has kept her manners to the sun." Beatrice motioned to herself as she said the word, sun. "Did you know sunflowers will follow the sun across the sky as the day passes?"

"Yes, madam," I responded. Vanessa made a horrified face as though I had said something terribly wrong.

"You did, did you?" Madame Beatrice laughed unassumingly. "It seems the flower knows more than the sun. Bathe too long in its tempting light, and the flower will scorch and wither. I see there is still a lot to teach you. Respect of your superior will be your first lesson." Vanessa whispered across the table.

"Psst," she called. "Don't act like a know-it-all. Madame Beatrice hates that."

"Am I just supposed to act dumb then?"

"Yes," whispered Vanessa.

"I am sorry, madam," I said bowing my head and correcting myself. "I actually did not know that sunflowers follow the sun. My mind must have spaced. Thinking about some other flower I was."

"I see," said Beatrice; her eyes narrowing. "Some other flower then."

Vanessa suddenly jumped from her seat smiling at the dining room entrance. Both Beatrice and I turned to look, and sure enough a richly dressed man had appeared.

"Lord Blackwell," cooed Vanessa as she patted her hair into place and checked her breath. The man approached knocking his cane on the floor beside him. I understood instantly why Vanessa was so enthralled by the man. He was by no means ugly or unattractive as I had envisioned such a pompous, rich man to be. Everything from his regal white tuxedo, to his elegant blonde hair, to his tight satin pants, to the gold chain that lead to his pocket, to the rings on his fingers and the delicate cane held between them showed all who were present that this man was powerful in both authority and wealth.

"It is an honor to welcome the mighty Lord Blackwell to our table," said Beatrice beckoning a servant with her arm. One of the suited men hurried to the table and pulled back a chair near me so Lord Blackwell could sit.

"It is a pleasure to be part of your beautiful fantasy, my lady," said the man as he promptly sat and crossed his legs. "I would have it no other way. Especially since I have recently heard of the Mirrorbender's arrival. The whole town buzzes with excitement." Lord Blackwell turned to me. He smiled showing off his bright white teeth. "It is an honor to be in your presence, dear Hope."

"Thank you, sir," I said. "It is an honor to be in yours."

"How quaint, how curious," puzzled Lord Blackwell as he studied me. "I never imagined this Mirrorbender to be so young." Blackwell looked at Beatrice. "Not your type at all is it, my lady?"

I looked up. "I am only sixteen, my lord. Soon to be seventeen coming this spring."

"I see. Even younger than I thought." He leaned over. "How interesting." I swallowed anxiously as Lord Blackwell's eyes wavered over me judging my every detail. Noticing my discomfort Blackwell looked away. "Forgive me for staring."

"Oh, it's nothing really," I said, hiding the fact that the man was creeping me out. "I'm honored you find me interesting." Beatrice clapped her hands in the air bringing attention back to her.

"Servants! Serve us."

Servers rushed to the table carrying all manner of drinks, trays of food, and push carts filled with dessert.

One man leaned over me and asked, "What shall you drink tonight, miss?"

"Umm," I said. "Do you have any of that tasty honey water?"

"Hope," said Vanessa. "You have to try the lotus milk. It is delicious."

"Alright," I said. "I'll take the lotus milk." A young gentleman placed a glass of amber liquid in front of me. Floating in it was a lotus blossom. Hesitant to taste it at first, I removed the blossom, took a tiny sip, and like Vanessa said, it was quite delicious.

"I will have a rose water," said Madame Beatrice. "White petals this time."

"Nothing for me," said Lord Blackwell placing his hand over his glass. After handing out the drinks, the servers began placing plates with covers in front of each person.

"Ah, my favorite," said Vanessa as the servers removed the plate cover. "Onion soup in a bread bowl." 

The server raised my plate cover. It was beef tamales with some calabacita on the side. I stared at the dish curiously. A part of me knew it was my favorite meal but I was unsure where I had eaten it before.

"I had the chef prepare everyone's favorite dish," said Vanessa dipping her spoon into the soup.

"How did you know I liked this?" I asked taking a taste. The flavor was divine.

"You told me, remember?" said Vanessa. I couldn't recall that conversation but my stomach was too happy to care. I scarfed down the meal in a less than lady like manner.

"Ughmm," coughed Vanessa. I got the message and slowed down the pace. As we ate, Blackwell turned his attention to Vanessa and Beatrice.

"The court and I were wondering why you did not show for our meeting the other day. We were discussing plans for the future." Beatrice gave Blackwell an austere glare.

"Such politics do not concern me," said Beatrice looking away. "You were summoned here for two reasons, Lord Blackwell. One to confirm the Mirrorbender's presence and her inclusion in my festival, and, two, your word that my celebration tomorrow will go undisturbed. Neither of those reasons were to criticize my involvement with his holiness."

"My apologies," said Blackwell placing his hand on his chest. "I assure you the festival will go uninterrupted. No one in the court knows the Mirrorbender is here. So let it be known your festival to be the best this town has seen in many years especially if you succeed in your plans."

I looked up from my plate. It was strange that Blackwell was speaking as though I was not present, and what could he mean by 'the court.'

"You hear that, Hope," said Beatrice sipping a bit of her drink. "You will be one of the stars of the festival. Second to me of course."

"I don't wish to be a star," I muttered.

"Nonsense," said Blackwell twisting a side eye to me. "It is a privilege to be included. My lady rarely shares the spotlight with anyone."

"Madame Beatrice," I said sucking in a confident lung full of air. "I was wondering after the festival is over if Owen and I could continue our travels? I mean it as no offense to you. I do love your beautiful town and the treatment this past day has been wonderful, but I feel that I am not meant to remain here."

"I quite agree with this notion," said Blackwell. "Should the festivities prove fruitless, the Mirrorbender should have permission to depart from this town. She has duties to the people of Tartarus. Who are we to take that power from the world? There is peace here. Let her go heal the broken hearts, do as what a Mirrorbender does best."

"No," yelled Beatrice. She slammed her hands so hard on the table that her hair fell out of place. Everyone jumped in their seats. "No one may leave this place. No one!" Beatrice flipped her hair back into position. "The Mirrorbender is never leaving this town. She is mine."

I stood up. Vanessa gasped.

"Sit down, Hope," she cried. I ignored her. "I am sorry, Madame Beatrice, but you can't keep me here. I am not a treasure fo you to hord. I have people counting on me, friends who will miss me."

"Friends you say?" said Beatrice with a cruel smirk. "Friends do not abandon one another."

"What do you mean?" I said watching Beatrice rise from the table.

"Look around you foolish child. Do you see another empty chair here?"

I counted only four chairs, mine included. There was not one for Owen.

"What have you done with him?" I shouted. "Where is Owen?"

"You trust too easily, Hope. Did the thought ever cross your mind that you were in the presence of a thief and a liar. I knew from the moment I saw you two in my home, that he would sell you out. So is the nature of thieves."

"Owen would never do that!" I cried. "He's my Glasswalker. It's his duty to be at my side."

Beatrice laughed while sauntering around the table towards me. She placed her hand under my chin. "Anyone can be persuaded to betray their closest of friends when the price is right. I simply offered the boy something he could not refuse." I growled at Beatrice. She yanked her hand away, brushing it across my arm and over my shoulder. Her breath tickled the back of my neck. "I offered him his freedom. Freedom from this town. Freedom from you. I told him I would take good care of you, cherish you, spoil you. I would keep harm away, sickness and pain away, a reprieve from the cruelties of the world. Within my walls, Mirrorbender, you are safe and mine to do with as I please."

"No, it can't be?" I plopped down in my chair filled with heartbreak and disbelief. "I trusted him completely. I watched over him, took care of him, even saved his life."

"People can be deceiving and heartless." Beatrice sat back down. "They often show their true character when faced with hardship. Owen may have had good intentions to bring you to Vetra and the Sages, but he was quick to give you up when offered his old life back. Like those pigs that wished to bring you to Tempestmist in exchange for their freedom from me, Owen was no different. I control all that enter my domain. Not just the buildings and streets of this town but this whole desert is under my spell. I gather lost souls looking for peace and offer them paradise in exchange for their unwavering devotion, their memories, and even their freewill. I have eyes everywhere. I know all and see all. How do you think those pigs found you if they did not already know where to look? Why do you think those flowers lulled you sleep when you were afraid? I wanted you, comforted you, guided you. You are my prize, Mirrorbender. The final piece to my lifelong collection."

"So it's all been a lie," I cried, "a twisted illusion to have me as your play thing, a living doll you can dress and show off?"

"It's more than that, Mirrorbender Hope," said Beatrice grimacing. "But, sadly, you will never know the truth purpose as to why you are here. In mere moments you will be completely consumed by my influence. You will lose your name, your dreams, your fantasies, and when you are empty, I will fill you with my desires and shape you to my needs. And the best part, you never know anything else."

"No!" I yelled. "I will never be yours." I bolted from the table and dashed across the room to the glass doors.

"After her!" demanded Beatrice. I looked back to see the servants rush towards me. Vanessa and Lord Blackwell sat still at the table watching in calm awareness.

"Owen," I shouted as tears burst from my eyes. "Owen, where are you? Don't leave me here." I ran down the hallway of mirrors to the foyer beyond and grabbed the handle to the front door. I ripped it open only to be met with a wall of dirt blocking my way.

"Oh god! So I am underground. I'm trapped."

"There she is!" cried the servants. "Get her!"

I twisted down the hallway under the stairs hoping to get to my room in time. Owen's room door which was at one time across from mine was now missing. So he was gone along will all the promises he made, I thought. The sound of charging men grew louder and louder. They were gaining on me.

I entered my bedroom and began barricading the door with all manner of objects. If I could not outrun Beatrice's men, perhaps I could keep them out until morning. Then when the mansion rose to the surface, I could flee from the window. The ginger cat hid and meowed from underneath the bed. He was just as scared as I. The men banged on the door and pushed, but they could not open it. It was at that moment I had a brilliant idea.

"You're a Mirrorbender, silly," I said to myself. "Why didn't I think of it before? You got stuck here by scrying, so you can get out of here the same way." I yanked a mirror off the wall, and like I had done at the pond in the forest, I held it up to an opposing mirror. Nothing happened. No light, no ripples, no portal to the Mirror Passages.

"Why isn't it working?" I shook the mirror in frustration. "Open portal! Open!"

"That won't work," said a voice behind me. I turned around to see Beatrice and Vanessa standing by the bed. Beatrice laughed.

"How did you get in here!" I screamed. "The door is blocked."

"You naive child," said Beatrice. "Do you think I would have made it that easy for you to get away from me? I know all your mirrorbending tricks including that special power you have to pass through reflections. Observe." Beatrice waved her hand in the air. All the mirrors in the room and the one in my hand dissolved leaving behind bare wooden frames. "None of these mirrors are real. Like much of this town they are illusions. Even where you see walls, I see doors. You see only what I allow you to see. How else do you think these mirrors cast your reflection. A true mirror could never do that for a Mirrorbender."

"What are you? How do you have this much power? Martha told me magic was limited by one's strength and one's will. You're only human. No one can have this much strength to control a whole town."

Beatrice leaned forward. "That is because I am not human." She smirked causing her eyes to glitter a bright purple. "Now I think it's time you see the world through my eyes." My nightmare, the vision I had seen in my mother's room had come true. I stepped backwards falling to the floor. Beatrice raised her hand to my face. A sharp pain cut through my eyes, digging deeper into my skull. It was the same jarring pain I had experienced in the Ether and when I first met the Half-Life Desire in the Vaulted River. It felt like something was inside me and moving through my body sinking its way down my throat and into my chest. Then when I could take no more, I collapsed. My vision and hearing succumbed to deaf and darkness.

The next morning as the daylight seeped into my room from the open window, I stood quietly at the desk brushing my hair and humming the delightful tune of the Jolly Hollyhocks. My glasses here nowhere to be seen. Behind me on the bed sat Vanessa. She carefully laid out a gorgeous red dress and kicked her feet delightfully in the air.

"For being one of the many flowers to have found home in these halls," she cooed, "I have never seen one bloom so beautifully before."