Page 196 of Castings & Curses

Watching her sister holding their beloved pet, Bellatrix felt at peace.

“Why did you come through the window?” asked Jaiyana. “Why didn’t you just knock on the door?”

“I said the same thing,” added Jinx.

“There is a ferocious bear guarding the door, I thought you were trapped.”

“What? Oh no! That is my friend Aspen. He protects me from harm. He is a sweetheart.”

Bellatrix’s heart fluttered. She glanced out the window and breathed a sigh of relief. It appeared Eryx and Grün had made friends with Aspen, for the large bear lay on the ground while the two men scratched his ears affectionately.

“How did you find me?” asked Jaiyana as she put Jinx down.

“Magic and the power of being twins,” replied Bellatrix. “We are witches, Jaiyana. Our talents are emerging.”

“Your hand,” whispered Jaiyana. Bellatrix looked down and saw that the thorn which had snagged her flesh earlier had drawn blood.

Taking her sister’s hand, Jaiyana waved her fingers over the open wound on Bellatrix’s palm. Warmth buzzed against her skin, and Bellatrix felt her wounded healing as if being sewn by an invisible needle. In a matter of seconds the cut had disappeared.

Jaiyana nodded, “I know we are witches, I realized that when I escaped the palace. I have been practicing magic during my time here. What happened to you, Bellatrix? I was worried! You seemed to have vanished entirely out of the realm!”

The princess relayed the events of what had transpired over the past year including the curse and the Good Witches’ forecast about the Blood Hunter Moon.. Her twin listened intently.

“My poor sister. I am so sorry you had to suffer the effects of such evil enchantment. After you ran off into the woods, I entered the castle to hear Prince Roarke arguing with our father. I did not hear much because mother grabbed me and told me I had to leave, as well. It was not safe to remain with my father in such an angry mood. She took me to the opposite side of the old wing, and told me that I had to follow the berry path, and upon reaching the end, I would find safety. She would come for me when she felt the way was clear. The trail led me to this tower, and I have been here ever since. Sadly, Mother has never come for me.”

“I have news. Something has happened at the palace. According to the Good Witches of the Woods, Prince Roarke has taken over the castle,” replied Bellatrix,

“What has happened to our parents?”

“That I do not know, but we must break the curse first, for if we do not, I will never be able to speak the words of love to anyone, and neither will you. My beloved and I cannot wed until we rid ourselves of this unfortunate evil.”

Jaiyana bowed her head, “While it fills my heart with joy you have found someone to love, I have given up hope on finding anyone. With my injury, who would want me?”

Taking her sister’s hand, Bellatrix frowned in disapproval. “Jaiyana, do not think such thoughts. You are beautiful! You have a kind soul, and you are the most giving person I know. Do not speak such thoughts. We are identical twins. If I am worthy of love, then so are you.”

“How I wish to free myself of this limp,” moaned Jaiyana as she hobbled over to collect her staff. “Come, Bellatrix, let us head downstairs so you can see Aspen, and I can meet your lover.”

The twins descended down the spiral staircase with Jinx in tow. They stepped out into the sunshine to where the men were feeding Aspen berries.

“Aspen,” called Jaiyana. The bear ambled over to her, and she scratched his ear. “I am in good hands, my friend. Head home to your family and I will see you soon.” With a grunt, Aspen turned and disappeared into the forest.

“Quite a lovely bear,” said Eryx. “Almost like a dog.” He paused as he looked at the twins who stood before him. “Wow! What a breathtaking scene of beauty that is in front of me! You must be Jaiyana, I am so happy to meet you.”

Jaiyana smiled.

“Sister, this is Eryx, he is my… um.. well...you know,” Bellatrix choked on the words as she attempted an unconventional introduction.

Jaiyana’s expression changed from amusement to curiosity as she laid eyes on the handsome wizard who stood beneath the tree.

“Who are you?” she asked.

Grün stepped forward, and his face displayed the same look of interest as Jaiyana. “I am Grün, and my duty is to make sure you and your sister fulfill your fate, to break the curse, and to take back your kingdom which has wrongly been stolen from you. I will make sure you know how to use your magic to become the most powerful witches in all the land. It is an honor to meet you, Princess.”

Bellatrix narrowed her eyes as she watched the exchange between wizard and witch. With her intuition as a twin, a magical being, and a royal princess, she could sense an attraction between Jaiyana and Grün.

“They make a splendid couple,” hissed Jinx as he rubbed against her ankle.

Sighing, the maiden knew it was imperative for the curse to be broken. For her sister deserved a chance at love just as much as any young woman.

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