Her magic was only beginning. A spark at first. Nothing but a wisp of smoke faltering between the tips of her fingers--there, then gone. She knew she had to leave. Staying would be a death wish. Not to her, but to everyone around her. She couldn't control the power that was encased inside her, held deep in her bones. But she could at least make sure no one got hurt because of her.

She knew all too well what she would leave behind. Her home. Her sister who depended on her so heavily, her mother with scars already too deep. She feared they'd never recover.

At least they'd be alive, she thought. With wounds so deep it tore them down, but beating hearts nonetheless.

She'd make it, alone, in the woods. Her power would grow, and maybe it would consume her--maybe that's what she deserved, but no matter what happened, what was to come, it was better if she was gone.