Light and Darkness

A year passed before Adrik and Alona had another child, whom they named Serena. Unlike Damien, she had magical prowess, and unlike Lucedio, she would not get ill. Her parents raised her to be the heir, so she had to give up many things that she might enjoy to be a respectable child of the Thornes. ----- The only way to escape was deep within the recesses of your mind. Serena learned about growing up alone with the impossible expectations that came with being a Thorne from a young age. The desire to leave this home, leave her family, filled Serena every day as she gazed out her window into the night. She would look out at the stars, watching them as if they were telling her a story. Reaching out to her, beckoning to come closer. It was only befitting that those same stars would give her power. A power that would allow her to see beyond the walls of the manor. Into fantasies that have yet to come true. It was Christmas. Snow gently fell, giving everything outside a white, icy blanket. Pe...

[This story is not lighthearted, nor is it intended for anyone younger than 16-17. This is a dark story with themes of murder, torture, and violence. You have been warned.] Sometimes in life, people receive more than others. Sometimes, like in Damien Thorne's case, life gives people absolutely nothing. When he and his twin were born, their parents gave them absolutely everything they needed, but attached a price tag. To Adrik and Alona Thorne, magical power and purity were all that ever mattered. And when Lucedio, Damien's twin, demonstrated magical prowess, they praised and fawned over him, all but forgetting Damien. And when Damien showed no signs of magic whatsoever, he earned his parents' disgust. This continued until he and his twin were three. Out of nowhere, Lucedio became severely ill. Adrik and Alona tried to buy the best and most expensive healers, but they all said the same thing. "Lucedio will die before his fourth birthday." As time went on, Adrik and...