sorrow

There was so much to learn, so much to do.

Francis taught Aurora to swim, to read, and to ride.

Aurora’s father, Duke Fullbright, taught her to use the light magic deep inside of her.

She loved her father and brother. They were good men, kind men, but Aurora still yearned for the day her mother would come back for her.

As she had promised she would.

Francis knocked on her door then came and sat by Aurora’s bed.

“You miss your mother.”

Aurora nodded, the tears still wet on her cheeks.

“I’m sorry she couldn’t stay, but I’m glad you’re here.”

Her brother hugged her, and Aurora felt a little better.

Aurora slept alone in a room larger than her house had been.

Her mother was gone. She’d promised to return, but she’d told Aurora she had to stay with her father.

That he would protect her from the shadows.

Aurora didn’t want to be protected. She wanted her mother.

For the first time, Aurora cried.

Fullbright magic. Power of the light runes.

Aurora had understood none of it until she had met Francis.

Now she understood too much.

She was a Fullbright, a descendant of the Paragons., blessed with the brilliance and responsibility of light magic.

She could never go back to the theater.

“You’re my sister, so I ‘spose this won’t hurt.” Francis tugged off his gloves.

“No!” the mean woman screamed.

But it was too late. Francis took Aurora’s bare hand in his.

Their light magic joined.

There was no doubt. This boy was her brother.

Aurora stared down at the strange gloves he wore, gloves that cut-off his magic from hers.

“We will get you some,” Francis promised. “Helps control the magic.”

But she didn’t want to lock away the magic.