She was as gold as the sunrise, the way her confidence carried her across the office from east to west. Her laughter was warm and rich, like aubergine—no doubt why everyone flocked to her the way they did. She was magnificent, and gave off a marigold glow. She had us all fooled, but I could see past that, I could feel her pain. The sadness she kept hidden was as blue as the bruises she kept covered at all costs. I had to admire her strength though, it radiated throughout her like a coloured pebble beach, each pebble a piece of who she was—a path behind her of all the pain that had brought her here. To this mundane office Monday, and still, she sparkles an optimistic pearlescent white, knowing she still has her future ahead.
The elders described them as angelic, with feathered wings and pearlescent hair. No one mentioned anything about fangs. But now, under the glow of the moon, I saw them gathered—hundreds of them—feasting like animals. More kept coming. Here, behind the warehouse, their once-elegant wings hung tattered like old dish rags. They had ink black eyes, that gleamed from faces gaunt and feral. I had to get out of here. If they saw me, I wouldn’t be able to outrun them—at least, not all of them. I just had to make it three more days, and then it would be over.
This was Fiesta Del Asesinato, or in English, The Feast of Murder—a spirit-driven festival that occurs once every 207 years. Luckily for me, it falls on the eve of my 13th birthday, which, for any other birthday, might not matter. But for a Witch, there is no more important day than the day she turns 13. Today, I should be granted my powers and given my family’s spellbook. Instead, I’m in a storage room, hoping these murderous little Fairies don’t notice my prying eyes.
Savage untammed, little beings, not at all like the textbooks described, wistfully floating around, glowing an ambient, beaming light. Occasionally, someone would catch a glimpse of one in a forest or near a stream—a fleeting glow, just zooming past your peripheral vision. The Fairies were shy, humble, and good-natured forest dwellers who loved snacking on berries. Small in stature, the tallest one recorded was no more than 12 inches off the ground. These magnificent creatures were worshiped across the Everworld, even more so among the Witches and Elves. This was because the glow each Fairy held was the fuel that generated our magic. Without the Fairies, none of us would have powers. But to get their glow, they first need to feast.
While chasing your ghost I became one myself For years, it felt true Once vibrant eyes that sparkled A bright effervescent ocean blue This present girl the same, Only now a deeper hue
Cheeks flushed, warm rosy pink Awkward questions and subtle winks Patiently I waited, but it was never official I said I’d wait a lifetime for you Were you really all that special?
Long drives that end at sunrise Will always make me think of you How foolish I was to think, that I could be your muse A fleeting dream you couldn’t lose Twice my fingers brushed my nose A secret sign for us to hold
Remember that time? You held me so close My hand in yours, we flew Who knew two people could run so fast, Spilling laughter as we passed through Feet pounding beneath us Hearts racing in our chest A moment so pure I’ll never forget For once, it wasn’t me choosing you
Southbound drives beneath moonlit skies Stale yellows and long goodbyes A tap on the roof, you said, for luck Had me fooled, when you picked me up
Nights I thought would last forever I would always run to you Up you would lift me Round in circles we’d spin Light as a feather—I loved you But then my heart crashed Like the drop of a pin
And now I chase your ghost, Still running, but now on my own The laughter has faded, Our memories jaded As I watch you walk beside someone new
Morning dew against cold lips Sparkle like tinted blue frost A little bird watches, but can’t understand How time passes—so still. Soft-etched paths echo with silence, A secret clearing—a special place. Slowly passing clouds above Cast shadows vacant—hollow. Gold sun spreads luster on snow-white skin, The forest watches over, For a new life to begin.
The coffee shop felt particularly busy today. I felt as though I was being watched, and maybe I was. There was just something about the warm smell of espresso that brought me so much comfort on my worst days, and this was definitely one of those days. I leaned across the table and whispered to Miles, “I know I haven’t been seeing her long, but I had to tell her. I wanted her to hear it from me. It’s not like I told her I had a twin! Why do you care so much?” Miles scoffed as he continued to lecture me. “It’s not safe, Athena. Why don’t you get that? What if she tells someone? Stop acting like a dumb teenager in love. You don’t even know this girl!” It was true. It had only been two months with her, but already I couldn’t imagine a life without her by my side. It wasn’t fair—I never asked to be the hero of this city. I just wanted to be normal. Miles and I were twins, part of a cloning project gone wrong. The Society was an underground research foundation hidden from the government. A group of scientists formed The Society with the goal of finding a cure for cancer. The scientists believed that the government was keeping the cure from the world in order to pocket the money donated to fund cancer research. What started as a small research project soon grew into the corrupt biohacking society it is today. Miles and I were each gifted with powers unnatural to the general population. Miles was fast and boasted strength you couldn’t find in a gym. I had the ability to regenerate and move things with my mind. I was done being a science project. Liv made me feel a high I had been chasing my whole life—a high I wanted more of. “I have to go, Miles. Thanks for the coffee.”
