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“Okay, I can work with that.”
“What are you going to do with me?” Ace looked down at Rehan’s clothes that had become dirty and dusty. Even the fine cloak that his mother had made looked dingy on the edges. Not to mention the blood.
That would explain why everyone looked at her in blatant horror. How she could have forgotten that she’d bled all over the place…how long ago?
Her attention lifted to the mirror. The glass needed cleaning but Ace could see herself clear enough. Her hair was matted in clumps of blood, her cheeks streaked with dirt, her lips were cracking, and the laces of Rehan’s shirt were stretched to reveal more of her chest than she normally would.
Great. I’m sure Shelby’s mom loved that too.
“Don’t worry, it’s not going to hurt, and it won’t take that long. We’re all supposed to meet back in the town square in like an hour. Everyone is so excited; it’s going to be so grand! We haven’t had anything like this in my entire life. I’ve always wanted a sister too. You’re almost like a sister. Close your eyes.” Margo paused, her tongue caught between her teeth as she waved a hand in front of Ace’s face. Ace obeyed, sitting still with her eyes closed.
Ace could picture her skin clean and clear. Margo waved her hand again, giving Ace the image of finely crafted makeup.
“You’re kinda like a sister,” the girl continued. “I know Shelby said that you two weren’t together but I could see the spark.”
“The spark?”
“Yeah, I can see lots of things that other people can’t. That’s how I knew you were coming today. Mom says I’m very lucky; most witches don’t have that gift. When I look between you and Shelby there’s a glowing light that connects you.”
That was probably their shared soul.
“All of the couples that love each other the most have that same spark.” Margo nudged her suggestively with her elbow.
Maybe not.
“Don’t tell Mom I said this, but her and Dad don’t have very much of a spark. I don’t think they really like each other all that much. They fight a lot. But that’s okay because if they are fighting then I can just be in my room reading. Do your parents like each other?”
“Oh, my parents passed away.”
Ace could visualize her hair carefully secured up and away from her face, small perfectly curled strands framing her face a moment before she felt it lift off her shoulders.
“That’s sad.” And Margo really did sound sad.
“It’s okay, it was a long time ago.”
“Do you have any sisters?”
Did she have to sound so hopeful? Ace took a deep breath. “I do. I have four sisters.”
“Four sisters! That must be so much fun. You can borrow each other’s clothes, play games together, and have someone to share all your secrets with. You must love them so, so much.”
Margo talked so quickly occasionally her words would jumble together. Ace was still able to make out most of what she was saying. A warm smile spread across her face; even though she didn’t much like her sisters any longer they had been close at one time, and Margo’s enthusiasm was contagious. She was absolutely nothing like her brother.
“I don’t see them much anymore.” An edited version of the real truth was all she could give such a young girl while keeping her conscience somewhat clear. “But we did used to do all those things. It was nice. Surely you have friends you could do that with here, right?”
The girl paused. “Eh, no.”
“What? How? You’re so bubbly and easy to like!” Ace opened her eyes. Just as she’d seen in her mind’s eye, the layer of dirt that clung to her was gone, the blood too. Rouge colored her cheeks, a soft shadow of color helped the orange in her eyes pop even more, and her lips no longer felt so dry. “Oh wow!” She made sure to be careful as she touched the soft curls that were pinned back.
“Do you like it? Really?” Margo’s eyes were wide.
“Stunning. See,” Ace scooped up Margo’s hand and squeezed it gently, “you’re so talented! People should be lining up to be your friend.”
“I’m sure they would if there was anyone my age here.” She said it so plainly. “After the wards went up all magic in Glatton stopped and so did births. I’ve been the only child born here since. And that’s because I’mspecial.” She rolled her eyes.
“You are special.” Ace grinned even if her heart ached for the girl. Imagining growing up without anyone else her own age was nearly impossible. It had to have been a lonely childhood. “Even if Shelby and I aren’t anything, I’ll be your sister any day of the week.”
“Eeek!!” Margo squealed and threw her arms around Ace’s neck. “Don’t worry I already know you and Shelby will find a way. Strong sparks always do.”
