Two Worlds, Two Girls, Two Problems (book one)

When A Bird Spreads Their Wings: Tabitha

The silence in the room only described their fate. Yes, it all was in three words. But instead of lock her up it was,

"I love you," Austin said as he lowered his fingers.

Tabitha's throat nearly clogged up. She could barely even speak. She then spoke to the murmuring crowd," Me too." And all Tabitha could feel was the warmth of the room. But the warmth quickly melted away into terror.

By now, the guards have overcome their shock. The guards barged forward, their shields raised and their swords gleaming in the moonlight. The queen, however, has not overcome her shock. She fainted, point blank, into the king's arms; which left him unable to move. Tabitha and Austin stood back to back. Austin unsheathed his sword from his sheath.

"You take the left and I take the right?" Tabitha asked as they circled around.

Austin grunted, "Only if you want to be taken down one by one."

The townspeople screamed and fled, filing out of the palace back into the thundering rain. Austin's muscles tensed as the guards slowly advanced. Tabitha's heart beat so fast, she could barely process what was happening.

Tabitha's finger started to glow again. She felt tingling on the tips of her hair. And she nearly forgot that Austin thought she had blonde hair. Her silk gold hair turned into chocolate brown.

"We can escape by-" Austin took a peek at Tabitha. "Woah!"

"Yes?" Tabitha asked.

Austin started to stutter but kept his guard. "Your hair."

"I know, that's my real hair color. But you saw it because of... well," Tabitha paused. "You know. Magic."

Austin nodded. "Let's not talk about it though." But the guards advanced, now in arm distance.

"Listen, Tabitha. We need to leave." Austin said as he jabbed at a guard but the shield interfered with a sickening clang!

Tabitha looked at her glowing finger. She looked around desperately for anything that could possibly help them. She scanned the thrones. Nothing useful but the birds engraved onto the gold.

Birds. Magic. Gears clicked into her brain. She had an idea, but it might not work.

"Hold onto me," Tabitha whispered.

Austin gave her the 'what?' look. "Listen, Tabitha. I know you love me but right now is not the time to hug for our deaths."

"Hold onto me!" Tabitha demanded.

Austin held up his hands like he was surrendering. "Fine! Fine." He then put his arms around her awkwardly.

"Tighter," Tabitha said. Austin put a strong grip on her hand.

Tabitha took one last look at her finger.

"Tabitha, hurry!" Austin yelped as the guards came closer.

Come on! Think, Tabitha, think! Tabitha shut her eyes closed. She felt her back sprout wings. In a burst of purple light, Tabitha flew out of the room by crashing into a window with Austin , now desperately, holding onto Tabitha. The soared into the sky, raven wings grew out of her back as she went higher. Black feathers fluttered down to the castle and they soared toward the sun that was now rising, signaling the sign of a new day.