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Chapter 14 Eliza's Plan

Eliza staggered up the stairs to the school's tower cells. Pushing open the gate, she walked down the dangerous corridor. To her right was the stone wall, to her left ten stories of space. One misstep and she's fall over the edge.

Her heart was thumping wildly. She had never been afraid of heights, but in her current state, she knew she wasn't stable.

She arrived to a wider space and grateful welcomed the extra space to walk around. From there, the cells were in view.

Only one was occupied. The one closest to her.

Eliza approached it and placed a hand on the lock. It glowed red before falling apart with a loud crack.

The figure inside the cell was curled on the ground, shivering. Any sign of Polyjuice long gone.

Eliza stared down at the woman, stone cold hate clouding her eyes. She saw red. Anger boiling in the pit of her stomach.

You're making a fool of yourself, Marjorie. She said. Get up, coward.

Mae looked up and saw her sister in the doorway. She scooted backward, hitting the wall of the shallow cell.

Twice, you've done this to me! How could you? I was only ever kind to you!

Mae looked away, tears trailing down her face.

"You don't understand what it's like to live in your twin's shadow." She started. Words coming out raggedly, throat constricted with sickness from having been exposed to rain and wind.

Eliza stared down, waiting for her to continue.

Mae swallowed thickly. "You always had the looks, mum was proudest of you before she died, you found the love of your life at such a young age, you had the best grades, all the men lusted after you. You're talented and kind and intelligent and gorgeous. I never had that. You have a son and a wonderful husband."

Eliza raised an eyebrow. She wouldn't fall for the hysterics again.

Get out. Before they find you. Go.

Mae looked at her sister questioningly, before exiting the cell.

"Than-"

Eliza cut her off. This isn't a favour. I never want to see you again, Marjorie Barron. You disgust me.

Mae's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry."

Eliza walked away. She had to, before she did something she'd regret, like push her twin off the edge of the tower.

She went to the owlery and wrote a note to her son, asking him to hide his girlfriend and daughter, as she'd asked earlier.

She then made her way to her husband's chambers. She knew he wouldn't be there yet, and she couldn't be discovered yet. There were things she had to do first.

She changed into a black sweater and pants, slipping her cloak on top. Sliding her feet into tall black boots, she stood again, with difficulty.

She left the room, grabbing her wand off the desk as she headed to the door.

Tapping it to her head, her hair braided itself into a simple French tress, down the back of her head.

She headed up the steps as quickly as she could, and entered the infirmary.

Eliza headed to Poppy's stores and grabbed the phials she needed. Downing the colourful potions, she shivered at the taste and felt the immediate effects.