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She always thought her parents raised her and taught her well. She was home-schooled and was a bit sheltered, but it was for a good reason. How else could she learn how to use her gifts properly? Her mother was in charge of maths, sciences and magic, while her dad took care of languages, arts, and channeling. They were strict but nurturing at the same time, and it was a good combination. At least, that's what she thought.

They always did say that they were proud of her, of how special she was and of the great things she would most likely achieve. Many times she was unsure if she could live up to their expectations, especially when they educated her on the less savory aspects of her gifts. Being magical was fun and empowering, but it was a double-edged sword. It terrified her, and there were many nights when she cried in her sleep, but she always made sure to put on a brave face when lessons resumed the following day.

However on that day, her face was anything but brave. Nothing could have prepared her for the lessons she was about to learn.

It all happened so fast, so sudden. With one phone call, everything changed. There were screams and tears, people in uniform, friends consoling, Marion's tightest hugs ever… and her father, handsome and glorious in his uniform, with a new shiny badge on his chest, eyes closed forever.

She didn't know how many times she toyed with the idea of waking up her father, but her mother's words rang again and again in her head. Nípa deoladacht acht bid fiach… Magic always has a price… She knew it by heart, and everything else her mother taught her that same day – how magic should only be used within nature's limits, what happens when you do go over that limit, and what to do when that limit is crossed. So, being the good student she was, she tossed that idea away.

It had been four days since her father's passing. She was in bed, trying to sleep, when she heard the saddest song in her life. It made her want to cry, but she had run out of tears at that point. When the wailing followed, she knew something had gone terribly wrong and that it wasn't any ordinary song. She knew she had to act fast, but her legs felt like lead as she ran across the house, gathering the necessary items and ingredients for her spell. She called for her mother but it was drowned by the screaming.

She opened her mouth to sing when a bloody hand reached for her and covered her mouth. It felt familiar but alien at the same time… Mamaí?

No.

She couldn't waver in this. She had to do it. For her parents, she had to put an end to this abomination.

She sang her spell as a silver knife found its way to the throat of the screaming monster wearing her mother's face. She kept on singing as the knife plunged into the heart of the trembling pile of flesh that used to be her father. She kept on singing as the flames she summoned engulfed the place she once called home.

As she walked away into the night, she let out a tearful chuckle at the realization – her parents taught her too well.

Did I make you proud?