The Pens of Fate [11](Saga remastered) {Jun.27, 2023}

*Note from the Author*

This book contains and mentions sensitive material relating to mental illnesses, several personality disorders, suicide, suicidal thoughts, post-traumatic stress disorder, rape, murder, death, alcoholism, self-harm, and depression. Reader discretion is highly advised and it is important to practice self-care during and after reading. There is foul language, substance abuse, multiple types of abuse as well. Some of the events, people, and timelines are based on true aspects of my life, so keep a clear mindset.

I will continue to write for myself, not for the people who judge based on how the snowflakes look like. They will miss out on these torn pages that fall beautifully because of what is written in them. To my inner angels who kept fighting against the demons of my mind, I want to thank you for it. And to those inner monsters of mine, thank you for being my inspiration for the woodland winters that came from these stories. To the angels who stood beside me while I battled evil in my childhood, these books and stories will represent how you have been there for me. 

And to the younger me, who played alone in the snow; you are going to do great things. Don't you ever look back and question the choices that lead you to the me that I have become...

December 2nd (exactly two months since Ethan destroyed a world) 

The group sat in the club room looking at five different files; each one had one of Ethan’s new victims on their untimely deaths. Adaline and James stood at the front of the room, looking at the chalkboard that was covered in failed attempts and unfinished plans to stop Ethan. Zach and Vivienne sat by one of the windows, both looking back when Adaline told the others what happened on the shoreline… 

Zach looked at Harper with wide eyes, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN THOSE TWO AREN’T HERE!” Dan stood by the clubroom’s window, watching Ethan stand below in the courtyard, “He might have done something to them,” he said as he pointed with his head towards Ethan. Zach shook his head, “That can’t be. I was with Addie the whole time and James is still with them.” Angel turned to Zach who was pacing back and forth, “Addie or James would have told us if they knew Ethan was going to kill Addie.” Everyone became quiet as they stared at each other. Dan turned back to the window, “HEY!” Ethan stood in the courtyard in front of a portal, “HE HAS ADALINE’S BOOK!” Zach rushed to his side, “SHIT!” Ethan stepped through the portal. Vivienne turned to run after Ethan, cursing under her breath in Arabic as the door to the club room opened. James and Adaline rushed in. Arthur and Grace were the first to start throwing questions at the two late comers, but there was hardly any time for them to respond because the group had a bigger problem at hand…

Liz sat alone in one of the school desks, gripping Ashton’s old Pen tightly. No one knew what she had done because they were too busy yelling at her twin for falling for Ethan’s charms. Tina had locked herself in her bedroom after the dance, but Liz and their older brother, Bonnie, had been trying to get her out. Liz had been lost in her thoughts so when James tapped the desktop, it caused Liz to jump. “Sorry but Ada wanted to get some fresh air and wants to talk with you,” James cleared his throat as he pulled his coat tighter around his body. The two of them headed out towards Adaline, who stood in the courtyard of the school. The snow around them wasn’t a match for the year-round goth; Adaline’s black snow gear had painted on skulls in blood red so they really stuck out even against the white wonderland. Adaline turned to Liz and James, “How have you been, Elizabeth?” Liz paused, she had forgotten that Adaline had created her so they knew that “Liz” was only a nickname. “I’m uh,” Liz couldn’t finish her sentence. Something about Adaline just made Liz’s inner emotions come out full force, all the tears and guilt came like a massive flood. Liz’s tears burned against the cold air on her face. Adaline just stood there nodding, “You feel like your twin’s self harming and locking herself in her room is your fault because you found what Ashton was trying to do before he died.” Liz stood still crying but in shock. Adaline knew what happened that day…

Tina and Liz had to go to Ashton’s home before Cody rewrote everything and see if there was anything they could use against Ethan. Tina had to go to the bathroom so Liz was alone in Ashton’s old room, looking at his old notebook. He had been trying to write a way into Ethan’s heart in a sense to speak, Ashton had written 15 different love poems and the only ones that weren’t crossed out were the ones with Tina in them. Liz knew that her twin was the key to ending this war… 

James looked at Liz and turned to Adaline, “It’s too fucking cold for me so I’ll head back in, Ada. I’ll let you two continue.” Adaline nodded and waved him off as they continued, “You just did what you had to, Elizabeth. Your twin is blaming herself too, but if you told the others and her, everyone will feel better.” Liz nodded…

Later that day, Adaline, James, and Liz walked up to the locked bedroom door. Adaline just placed a hand on the door and reality seemed to stop only for them alone. The door unlocked and the three of them walked into the dark bedroom. Tina was hiding in her covers, while the curtains were pulled to block all light out. Adaline walked to Tina’s side and their face became grim, “How long have you been cutting, Tina?” The blankets moved in response but no one spoke. Adaline broke the silence as they placed a hand on the hurting teen, “You do know that you are one month along, right my little bat?” That got Tina and Liz to speak in unison, “WHAT?!”  

 James cleared his throat, “Ada, when you say ‘one month along’ you don’t really mean that,” Adaline cut him off and sat beside Tina, “Yes, Tina is pregnant and Ethan is the father.”...