Magic's Escape: Wingless

No matter how cautious we moved, how exact we followed, she found us.

Shards of glass crunched underfoot like brittle bones as I raked my fingers through my hair, unknotting it. Bugs scuttled over the paint, peeling from the walls, where broken picture frames dangled loosely.

Across from me, my twin brother Kyle tugged at the loose carpet, exposing rusted nails beneath. He hid our meager belongings underneath the floorboard, his greasy blond hair shining against the dim light. He wore an old collared shirt with a small stain at its edge and a hole in the back.

I gave him my small pillow and straightened my torn long-sleeved shirt. I repeatedly glanced at the door, moving to put myself between it and Kyle. There were a few items we were allowed to have, such as clothes and shoes. If she caught us with something not on the list, we’d pay the price.

My breath grew ragged. Who would want to help us?

The TV ran in the background, a news lady mumbling words I barely made out. “Magic users... accused of mass destruction across the southern regions. Nemesis, the self-appointed guardians… pledge to protect us, using any means necessary.”

I stiffened, clenching my trembling fingers. The Nemesis pledged to protect us, so would they help us with her if they fully knew what she’s done? Or is that another lie?

The creaking in the floorboards grew louder. I met Kyle’s gray eyes, his irises rimmed with gold held a trace of horror in them; but it was mainly acceptance. He messily replaced the floorboard, his frame shrunken inward.

The woman, Mom, stumbled into the doorway. Her shoulders slumped, and a smile twisted on her lips. A strong stench of weed and alcohol emanated from her. Her words enchanted people.. But not to us. We knew better.

“My friendssss… come today. Better be— good,” she slurred, eyes darting behind her. She held a glass bottle in one hand and a strange modified gun in the other, scanning us for a few moments with dull eyes and a puzzled face. Slowly, her brows furrowed, and she raised her arms. “Areee you trying to escape? I told you and you don’t listen!” She slammed the bottle against the doorframe, breaking it in half, and entered. I flinched, squaring my shoulders as Kyle crawled over to me. “You have no idea what sacrifices were made for you to have this life, you ungrateful brats! You would’ve been dead!”

“I’mmmm your only family,” the woman drawled. “Who are you looking for? Who would you go toooo?”

I forced myself to nod, my whole body tensed. These situations have become common in recent years. Fighting back only made it worse. I shifted to hide Kyle more. “We won’t do anything. We’ll be good. I promise.”

Straightening, the woman smiled, raising a hand. “Like I believe youuuu, idiot.” I braced myself, but she twisted away. She exited the room, shouting over her shoulder, "If I catch you, then you'll wish you were dead.”

Kyle brushed my arm with his. When she was out of reach, he muttered, “Our dad may be dead, but we have siblings. I-I think. Remember that memory I told you of that boy with silverish hair and glowing eyes?”

“Of course. I believe you.” I glanced at him, forcing my shoulders to relax. “One day, when we escape, I will make sure we’re safe. Then we can find our lost family and never let her hurt anyone again.”

With a deep breath, I stood. When that day comes, I will be ready for it and whatever choices it may bring.