He was going to hell. Not in a figurative life turning sour sense but in the real brimstone and sulphur, lakes of fire meaning.

He'd always known he'd end up there, but he wanted more time on Earth. There were still more schemes to implement.

The bedroom door opened and two men walked in, each in dog collars and brandishing crucifixes.

‘The power of Christ compels you,’ they chimed in unison, sending tendrils of agony lancing through him.

Tearing himself free from his host's body, Azefal leapt at the priests.

I watched as her barreling golden locks bounced up and down with every swing, just as mine did at her age. Our darling girl loved her swing set, over the moon about it. She'll be five this fall. My little baby.

"Sarah, sweetie, dinner in twenty," I shouted waving to her walking back inside.

"Jessica," he said low.

"What?" I said irritated.

"You know she can't go to school this fall."

I narrowed my eyes at him and scowled.

"Jessica, we have no birth certificate, nothing. If someone sees her they my recognize her and take her away from us."

Last night was so bad between us;

Then, this afternoon,

after a morning of him apologizing,

he wants to have sex.

I don’t dare to say anything but yes;

But, it’s the first time with him that I really wasn’t that into it, but said yes anyway.

It was the first time with him

- ever -

that I harshly judged myself.

The imposter versions of Cerissa and Essie glared at the originals, then smiled triumphantly. Both were visibly hurt by the magic attacks from the real Cerissa and Essie, but they were still standing firmly.

"Sorry, but your efforts weren't enough." The fake Cerissa said smugly. "The two of you lack endurance thanks to your lost memories, memories we still possess."

"With your memories, we know more magic." The fake Essie added. "Like this!"

The two imposters joined hands, then a dense fog surrounded both. When the fog cleared, a new female mage stood before Cerissa and Essie.

To be continued....