ESZTER FOUND HERSELF IN A STICKY SITUATION. As if she was being tested to choose the path planted for her or one forced upon her, Eszter already knew what she would've done. Ever since that fateful day when Eszter gained her abilities, something inside her changed, and from then on, the teenager hasn't been the same since. While Eszter never took a life, there's never a day she hadn't been close to doing it.

     Beck? Eszter didn't hesitate to take his life if it weren't for Peter; had he not stopped her, Eszter is pretty sure she would've killed him on the spot.

     From the way Eszter sees it, she believes those who cause malicious acts deserve the same pain and suffering they've inflicted on innocent people. If someone's capable of hurting people to get whatever they want, then is it so wrong for Eszter to give them a taste of their medicine? However, that was never the case when the teen became associated with the Avengers. The group's moral compass was always trying to change Eszter's mind--he never saw her as a killer, especially at such a young age. Eszter thought she could fix that part of herself, getting rid of the darkness that lurked in the back of her head, telling her to give her victims the suffering they deserved.

     "I have to what now?" Eszter stared at Agnes wide-eyed, wondering if she should be horrified or ecstatic about this new discovery.

     "I know it sounds a little crazy . . ."

     "Uh, you think?" Eszter scoffed with a shake of her head. "I mean, it does sound a little ridiculous." The young witch turned away from Agnes as she slowly paced the room, trying to grasp everything. Eszter snuck a few glances at Tony's deteriorating body, grimacing. "It sounds too good to be real."

     "Magic comes with a price, Eszter," Agnes warns. "You must make the toughest sacrifices. It's like making a deal with the Devil--well, you'd be the Devil." She tried to joke, but Eszter didn't laugh. "You're the Dark Witch! One's loss is another man's treasure; in this case, your treasure."

     Eszter whipped her head toward Agnes, drawing her legs to a halt. "I just barely found out that I'm the Dark Witch, and you think I can bring someone to life just like that?"

     "Just like that," Agnes repeated with an excited sparkle in her eyes. "I know you can do it, Eszter; with a little training, you'll be able to do so much more." She encourages with a wide grin. Agnes approaches Eszter with a sense of persuasiveness. "Think about it. You can control who lives and who dies; you have the ultimate power to determine the fate of anyone in the palm of your hands."

     "It does sound tempting . . ." Eszter admitted almost quietly as if she were afraid if someone heard her, they would react poorly.

     There's no doubt that Eszter wouldn't hesitate to do what she needed in order to bring Tony back to life. If she has to sacrifice someone to bring back the dead, then so be it. Eszter lost a lot in her youth; she deserves to have her own happy ending.

     Eszter can be at peace knowing she brought Tony back to his grieving wife and first child.

"Then let me show you. I can help you bring back everyone you love," Agnes smiles softly. "Everyone that you lost, they can be yours again."

Eszter thought hard, and she really did; it was so tempting, but there was this stupid voice in the back of her head trying to fight the devil on her shoulder. Eszter knew it wasn't right; it's what Steve would've said, but . . . he's not even here. But as his friend, shouldn't she honor him and everyone else by doing good? Eszter couldn't even think straight, and she couldn't help but wonder if she was making a wrong choice.

Part of Eszter was afraid to go back into those dark thoughts because she didn't know how much it would affect her, but Eszter couldn't forgive herself if she missed out on a good opportunity. If it were anyone else, they wouldn't hesitate to do the spell and bring anyone back to life. Eszter has a gift that no one else could imagine, and here she was, debating whether or not she should give it a try. Was it selfish if she didn't go through with this? Pepper and Tony had done so much for Eszter, and they treated her as if she were their own; they became parental figures in Eszter's life, and she would be forever grateful to have them in her life. However, Eszter felt like she'd be selfish if she refused to bring back the missing piece of their puzzle.

     Suddenly, hesitation clung to Eszter's chest and pulled at her heart. "I don't know . . ." she frowned in frustration.

     Ugh, why was she so difficult?

     Agnes pinched her brows and attempted to conceal her frustration. She forces a smile. "What do you mean you 'don't know'?" She gritted her teeth, producing a tight smile. "I thought you'd be happy to know what you could do?"

     "I am. Seriously. It's just . . . won't this cause ripples? What if it doesn't work? I can't help but wonder if that would be a good idea. I did some stupid things, and those . . . those caused me to lose the only people I cared about other than Wanda. You have to understand that I'm just worried of what they'll . . . what they'll--"

     "They'll what? What they'll think about if their friend brought back the man who was like a father to you?" Agnes cocked a brow. The woman cradled Eszter's face in her hands as she softly motivated the teen. "You're the Dark Witch, Eszter. You're a powerful witch with the power to have anything you want. If they're truly your friend, then they would understand the sacrifices you had to make to bring Tony back."

     "Yeah, but--"

     Agnes softly shushed Eszter, smiling gently. "You're meant for greater things, Eszter, not as someone's lap dog," Agnes ignored the way Eszter made a face at her comment. "You were meant to rule, not to serve."

Eszter pushed Agnes' hands from her face. "I don't 'serve' them, Agnes," she air-quoted with a roll of her eyes. "You just don't get it. You have no idea how many people are watching me. You get that if I commit to this spell, the whole world will hate me. They'll be more than terrified with me."

     "Let them fear you," urged Agnes, not seeming to care about any of Eszter's concerns. The teen scoffed at her dismal. Agnes clicked her tongue and walked in front of Eszter, leveling with her gaze as she looked at the teen with a firm expression. "People don't like it when they feel threatened by a powerful being, let alone a powerful woman."

     Eszter nearly laughed in Agnes' face. "You have no idea what they put people like me through. When I became an Avenger, I made a promise to a friend that I would use my powers to protect people. How would I look if I'm just killing people? That's not what heroes do."

     "Oh, so you're a hero now?"

     "What's that supposed to mean?"

     "What you did out there was really brave," Agnes praises as she recollects Eszter's previous events outside the Hex. She offered Eszter a quick wink, chuckling under her breath. "It takes a lot of guts to stand up to people like them. I didn't think you had it in you, but you really showed them, huh?"

     "Am I supposed to say thanks? I'm not saying I'm perfect, but what do you expect from me?"

     "I expect you to fulfill the role you were meant for," exclaimed Agnes as if she was tired of going in circles. Yeah, no, Agnes is getting really sick of it.

     "Why? Why are you and Wesley so adamant that I do? What's so important that I have to uphold this legacy?"

     "In due time, dear, you'll understand. Right now, let's take it one step at a time."

     Eszter crossed her arms. "This is one hell of a leap, Agnes," she shook her head. "I need some time, Agnes. Let me think about it, please?"

     Agnes sighed, frowning dejectedly. "I'm a little surprised if I'm honest. I assumed you'd be happy to hear this type of news. You have the chance to bring back your surrogate father, especially since he's one of the only people you have left," Agnes shrugs. "I mean, I know you have Wanda, but that woman is too busy with her energetic boys and her doting husband."

     Eszter was taken aback by Agnes' comment. "What are you trying to say?"

     "I'm just saying. Didn't your sister move into Westview without you?" Agnes wonders. Eszter merely shrugged uncomfortably, unable to answer her question. "I've noticed over time that Wanda doesn't have that same . . . light as when I first met her. She seems . . . stressed."

     Eszter licks her lips, furrowing her brows. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you suggesting that I'm the reason for Wanda's mood swings?"

     How can Agnes make such a bold statement as if Wanda told her this? Agnes has no clue what she's talking about. Wanda was happy when Eszter turned up outside her door; the sisters were reunited after constantly being pulled apart, and Westview felt like an escape for them. Westview became their new home where Wanda and Eszter could live their lives together without the public eye or the Avengers.

     They were a happy little family.

     But Agnes threw her hands up defensively. "I was just making an observation, sweetie," she offers a shy smile. "I didn't mean to intrude."

     "She's my sister," argues Eszter, refusing to believe Agnes. "I know my sister better than anyone."

     "Which I understand, but Wanda's a married woman with two boys, sweetie. She's already got her hands full of those kiddos. I don't know her the way you do, but as a mother myself, I know I'd do whatever for my son. I'm sure Wanda feels the same for her boys."

     "But they're . . ." Eszter paused.

     A moment of silence passed Eszter as she pondered over her thoughts, frowning painfully at the idea of her sister no longer caring for her. Eszter swallowed thickly, shoving those harsh feelings back down in a box, throwing it away.

     "How about this," Agnes suggests. "Why don't you go home and think about it, yeah? I know you care a lot about Wanda, and I know you respect her wishes." She smiles. "But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find us."

     Eszter's eyes fell on Tony again.

     How could Eszter possibly miss this opportunity? It was perfect! For the past eight months, it's all Eszter could think about, but now that the opportunity stands before her, she falters. Maybe it's because she's holding back, but Eszter just feels . . . empty. Seeing Tony again returned all the emotions she tried so desperately to store away, and now they're all resurfacing.

     Eszter needs to catch her breath and calm her thoughts.

✨

     The air was tight in Eszter's chest even after she walked out of Agnes' house. As Eszter scanned the street, the night was still young; the road was still filled with happy-goers, trick-or-treating and hanging outside. While everyone was having the time of their lives, Eszter was stuck with the awful stress looming over her shoulders. The idea of spending Halloween with her family was long forgotten and out of the question, especially with a new ultimatum.

     With heavy feet, Eszter stalked toward the crowd hoping to clear her head, perhaps searching for Wanda along the way. What Agnes said kind of shook Eszter to her core, and though she didn't want to believe it, part of her was terrified to know the truth. Wanda does have a family, meaning Eszter isn't her main priority anymore. And now, what with Eszter's new revelation, the teenager doesn't know what to expect.

      Eszter pondered hard at her thoughts, she hadn't noticed two boys running after her.

     "Auntie E!" they shouted from afar.

     The teen turned to where the voice carried, seeing her nephews chasing after her with big, goofy smiles etched across their faces.

     "Hey," Eszter musters a smile as she exclaims pathetically, but luckily, it went unnoticed by the boys.

     Suddenly, the boys crash into her body and wrap their arms around her waist, clutching her frame close. It was like Eszter had been away for far too long. However, it was like Eszter didn't know how to react; with Agnes' words echoing in the back of her head, the teen pulled her lips in a tight smile as she probably looked a little dumbfounded. On one hand, Eszter was happy to see the twins and to see they noticed her disappearance; however, on the other, she felt . . . distant. Eszter couldn't describe how she felt, so she merely pushed it aside.

     "Where've you been?" Tommy wondered with a frown.

     "Mom said you were upset and wanted to be alone," added Billy.

     "Are you okay?"

     "What happened?"

     "Everything's fine. I was just . . . taking a walk," Eszter swiftly dismisses. "Have you seen your mom? I need to talk to her."

     "She and Uncle Pietro are over there," Billy pointed toward the center of the crowd.

     Eszter's eyes followed the direction and spotted a red cloak in the distance.

     "Thanks," Eszter patted their cheeks before she pulled away, hurrying toward her siblings. Just as she neared Wanda, the teen suddenly felt more anxious the closer she got. However, Pietor was nowhere in sight. "Where's Pietro?"

     "Gone," Wanda answered curtly.

     Sensing Wanda's tone, Eszter continued. "Can I talk to you?" Both Wanda and Pietro turned to Eszter, a little surprised. "Please?"

     Wanda stared at Eszter, a bit puzzled. "Uh, sure."

     The sisters shuffled away from the crowd and looked for somewhere a little secluded, away from prying ears; Eszter took Wanda far as possible, not wanting to alert anyone to what she was about to say. However, the further they walked, the more worried Wanda got. The strawberry-haired woman admits that she was upset with Eszter prior, but perhaps Wanda had time to cool off. It's been a few hours since Wanda last saw Eszter, and now, the woman was feeling a little guilty for the way she reacted.

     "Look, I know you don't want me here," Eszter started. She shifts uncomfortably under her feet, unsure of what to do as she stands awkwardly. "I'm sorry if I messed things up for you. I know you probably didn't want me here, and me just showing up threw you off, but I want you to know that I would never do anything to hurt you, Wands."

     Wanda frowns apologetically. "Essie . . ."

     Eszter shakes her head, continuing. "I know I tend to mess things up, but . . . I just wanted you to know."

     "I'm sorry, too. I'm just worried that I'm gonna lose everything again," Wanda laughs bitterly, fighting the tears. "I know I've been tough on you and make it seem like I'm always on your back, but . . . it's been hard. With all these weird stuff happening and Vis acting suspicious, I just want the boys to have the life they deserve." Wanda nods quickly, smiling.

     "I get it. Really, I do," Eszter anxiously plays with her hair, wondering what she should do other than just standing here. "It's kind of why I really needed to talk to you."

     "Me, too. I should've gone after you, but I didn't want to worry the boys more than they already were."

     Eszter made a face. "What do you mean?"

     "I didn't want to ruin their night, so I thought it would be better if we talked later. The boys enjoyed trick-or-treating, but they did wish you were there," Eszter nodded in agreement, though her smile was bitter and anything but sweet. "Oh, you should've seen them, Essie. They had so much fun! They got so much candy; I'm gonna have to go through each of them before they can even eat them."

     "S--So, you guys weren't worried?" Eszter wondered, a little upset, but she tried not to look bothered. "Like, at all?"

     Wanda laughs as she waves her hand. "Oh, please! You're perfectly capable of yourself. I knew you'd be home by tonight. Besides, the boys have a curfew, so we'll have to head back home in a few. Are you coming?"

     "Wait, wait," Eszter shook her head. "You mean, you guys didn't wonder where I was at? I mean, you sort of blamed me for something I didn't do, and you thought you'd wait to talk until tomorrow?" She scratched the back of her head, giving Wanda an uncomfortable smile.

     Sensing a shift in the air, Wanda's smile slowly faded. "Well, yeah. You ran off, and we never got to talk. I was pretty upset, Eszter."

     "So was I," argued Eszter, finally snapping. "You were too busy playing house to even bother to care about your sister."

     Wanda gasped in horror. "Keep your voice down! What's gotten into you?"

    "Wouldn't you like to know? I mean, did you even want me here?" Eszter asked, hurt. "Was I ever meant to be here?"

     The eldest opened her mouth to defend herself, but she would only close her mouth when nothing could form as an excuse. Wanda didn't know what to say, and Eszter was starting to see that. Wanda never planned to have Eszter here, which stung a lot.

     Eszter scoffed in disbelief. "You can't even say it."

     "Of course I do, Eszter."

     "Are you really going to stand there and lie to my face?"

     "I don't know what you want me to say, Eszter. Anything I say or do, you'll never be happy," Wanda frowns dejectedly. It's like she can never win. "Look, can we not do this right now? Tommy and Billy really wanna spend time with you, so can you just do that?"

     "No, because this isn't real! You made it all up!" Eszter shouted for everyone to hear. "You left me alone for months while I was grieving, and then you abandoned me again!"

     Appalled, Wanda stared at Eszter with a warning glare. "Watch it, Eszter! You may be my sister, but I won't stand you speaking about my family like that," she pointed a finger in her sister's face, who merely glared back at her.

     Wanda turned her back toward Eszter and started walking back to Pietro, hoping to escape Eszter, but the teen followed her. Wanda thought Eszter might've cooled down, but the teenager was still acting out. Tired of the bickering, Wanda figured it would be best to turn away and let Eszter deal with her issues on her own instead of projecting them on Wanda.

     She couldn't believe Eszter would say such a thing to her face.

     "Am I not your family?" Eszter retorted, growing angry. "What happened to blood being thicker? We always took care of each other, but when things got bad, you always found a way to get away from me. You were never there!"

     "Go away, Eszter."

     "See! There you go again. I was happy for you, Wanda! I accepted Westview as a place for us to start new, but every day, I feel like you want nothing to do with me," Eszter stormed close behind Wanda. "I tried being a good sister, but you kept pushing me away. You can't even look at me!"

     "We're not talking about this, Eszter."

     "No, because you're too worried about this stupid setup you made," Eszter stopped, glaring at Wanda's back. "Would you look at me!"

     But she didn't. In fact, the woman was pretending Eszter wasn't even there.

     So, Eszter spewed out the truth.

     "He's back!" She finally says. Eszter watched as Wanda paused, standing quietly with her back toward her. Eszter's voice trembles against her will, though she bites down on the inside of her cheek. "It's real. Like with Pietro. He's back."

     Wanda furrowed her brows, turning around. "He? Who's 'he'?"

     "Tony," Eszter concluded. "He's back."

     "What do you mean 'he's back'?" Wanda was confused and frustrated. She didn't have time for Eszter's nonsense.

     "I mean, he's here. He's . . . there's something wrong with him, though. He's not . . . entirely back."

     "What's that even supposed to mean?" Wanda pinches her brows.

     "You know how Pietro is here even after he died?"

     "Yeah, but--"

     "I think it was because of me that they're alive," Eszter smiled in glee. Her eyes glittered. "I somehow brought Pietro back, and if I can figure out how exactly I did that, I can bring back Tony. I'm sure I can figure it out--I mean, Pietro's proof--"

     But Wanda shook her head. "Pietro's not even Pietro," she laughs in disbelief. "I told you there was something off about that man. He's not the same Pietro we know."

     Eszter wrinkled her brows. "What are you talking about? He told me himself," she looked around as if she could find her brother amongst the crowd, but to no avail. "He said he heard me calling for him. It's how Tony's back. I can bring him back until he's alive! I just have to--"

     "Do you even hear yourself?" Wanda laughs sarcastically. "This is ludicrous! Tony's gone, Eszter. We were there for his funeral."

     "But you get to pretend that this Vision is really Vision?" Eszter snapped. "I know it sounds crazy, but just . . . hear me out, okay? I saw him with my own eyes. I'm not lying. I can bring him back, but in order for me to bring back a life, you have to take a life."

     "Whoa, whoa," Wanda's eyes widen in horror. "What is that supposed to mean?"

     "Exactly what it sounds like," Eszter answers tensely, scratching the back of her head. But then she smiles again, a little too cheery. "Wands, I can bring back anyone! Okay, so what if Pietro isn't who he says he is; I could bring back our Pietro."

      "By killing someone else?"

     "Obviously not someone innocent," Eszter scoffed, a little offended. "I'm not a monster, Wands. I thought you'd be a little supportive of this." She contorts her face, upset that her sister seemed unimpressed with her newfound skill. "Tony helped take care of me when you were away. Shouldn't I repay him back by bringing him back? Back to his family?"

     "You mean the same man who put that collar on you? On me?" Wanda retaliates. She let out a puff of air, glaring at Eszter in disbelief. "Okay, let's say you can bring back the dead. What about Vision?"

     "What about Vision?"

     "Can you bring him back? If you can. Are you able to bring back Vis?"

     "I . . . I don't know," Eszter shook her head. "But I only just found out what I can do. Just give me some time, and I could--"

     "No," Wanda said firmly. Her green eyes were drowning in tears, and although they held so much pain, Wanda's gaze hardened.

     Eszter looked taken aback. "No?" She repeated with a questioning glare, a little annoyed. Eszter was starting to get really annoyed by Wanda. "What do you mean no?"

     "I mean, no. You're not doing whatever it is you think you can do. Do you understand, Eszter?" Wanda raised her brows at her sister, jerking her head when her sister remained silent. "Eszter, I said do you understand?"

     Eszter couldn't believe Wanda. How dare she forbid Eszter from doing something she could do because Wanda couldn't get back what she lost. How is that any of Eszter's fault? Vision isn't a living thing, at least, not that Eszter is aware of. Understandably, Wanda's driven by grief, but the way she's been treating Eszter . . . it was starting to become clear as day.

     Wanda grows hostile whenever Eszter comes bearing news or when the teen does something her sister doesn't like. Eszter wasn't expecting her sister to shout at her and tell her she could not bring back someone she had lost. Wanda couldn't get her chance to be with Vision, and for that, she belittled Eszter's excitement; the strawberry-haired woman was full of jealousy that Eszter could have her second chance while she couldn't.

     The teen turned her gaze back to Wanda, staring hard and cold--if looks could kill. "So, what? I'm not allowed to bring someone I care about because I can't bring back Vision?" Eszter stepped closer to Wanda, practically feeling steam pouring out of her ears. "I can't do it because you said so?"

     What Eszter can do . . . it's beyond anything imaginable. Eszter wanted Wanda's opinion and support, but her sister seemed to only think about herself. Because of Eszter, Tony can be whole again; he can be with his family, and Eszter won't have to feel this heavy sense of guilt every single day.

     But Wanda narrowed her eyes until they were in slits. She wasn't happy. "I don't wanna hear it, Eszter," Wanda snipped, silencing Eszter. "I tried to be nice, Eszter, I really did, but this stops now. I'm really trying here because you're my sister, but I have to think about my family first--"

     Eszter heart broke. There it was. After everything they've been through since they were kids, Agnes was right. Wanda really doesn't care about Eszter, not as much as she does for her new family--a family that doesn't exist with Wanda's powers. To think, Eszter decided to consult with Wanda about this and get her opinion because she didn't feel comfortable doing something behind her sister's back. This is how Wanda pays her back?

     So much for family being the most important thing in the world.

     Is this how it's always been? Eszter tried so hard to be there for Wanda and make their relationship whole again, only for it to be shoved back in her face. Eszter couldn't believe Agnes was right about this all along. How sad was that? It didn't matter whether or not they were sisters; a bond that should've been strong after everything they went through was all for nothing.

     "Am I not family, too?" Eszter roared. Suddenly, Westview started to tremble like an earthquake was rolling in, but then the Hex shook as a violet static light struck the dome. "Do I not matter to you anymore?"

     Wanda gasped in surprise when she nearly lost her balance, and her eyes widened when she looked up and saw the sky had turned purple, almost black. It was as if the once red Hex was poisoned by the inky purple of Eszter's powers, manipulating it to her will. Even as the ground rumbled beneath their feet, the teenager looked unfazed by the quake. In fact, Eszter looked all too normal for something like this to happen. Wanda looked around as she watched the residents wail in fear, scattering about like ants.

     As Wanda turned back to Eszter, the woman noticed her sister's eyes weren't the familiar green ones; her soft eyes were narrowed into a hard stare, and a dark purple glow illuminated her irises while familiar energy orbs buzzed in her hands. Wanda stared in horror as her sister easily pulled the Hex apart, but that wasn't the worst part; Eszter was wielding so much power, Wanda almost couldn't believe it. Was she really going to destroy the one thing that Wanda made for herself out of mere jealousy?

     Eszter hated that Wanda sought Westview as her new home, as a place she could remain and live out a normal life; Wanda found a place in Westview where she could start over. One that didn't have Eszter in it. It was as if Wanda didn't bother to consider having Eszter involved in any of her future endeavors, especially when the strawberry-haired woman seemed to have a bad habit of leaving Eszter in the wind. Perhaps getting rid of the Hex will redo everything; Wanda will open her eyes and realize she's not alone. She's never been alone.

     If there's no Hex, then Wanda and Eszter could start over again as a real family.

     "How did you do that?"

     Eszter straightened her back, easing into the magic. "You don't even care about me, and it shows," she swallows her pain, glowering at Wanda. "To think I did everything for you!"

     Wanda purses her lips. "Eszter, let it go," she warns.

     "This isn't real, yet you choose this over your actual blood?"

     "I said, let it go, Eszter!"

     "I came to you about Tony because I cared enough to even ask! I needed my sister!"

     "Eszter!"

     "You can't even--"

     "Mom!"

     "Mom, help!"

     The Maximoff sisters stopped shouting at one another when they heard Billy and Tommy crying out in horror, and as they glanced over, they noticed the twins dissipating. As if falling apart like puzzles, Billy and Tommy were being torn out of existence; it's as if they were never there. Eszter wanted Wanda to see that without this Hex, there would be no twins or Visions. In the end, they would only have each other.

     As the shouting ensues, a second later, Eszter felt something hit her in the chest, knocking her backward. The witch squealed in surprise as her body shot back, crashing to the ground and whipping the air out of her lung. Eszter noticed the Hex closing like a self-healing wound, and the voices between Wanda and the twins reached her ears, but Eszter couldn't focus on them. Breathing in deeply, Eszter couldn't believe what had just happened.

     Did that really just happen?

     Did Wanda just . . .?

     She did.

     Wanda actually hit Eszter, and somewhere in the back of her mind, she thought she deserved it, but right now, Eszter was mortified. All Eszter ever wanted was to feel like she had somebody who'd never be afraid of her, always have her back, but at what cost? Eszter just wanted to show Wanda the truth she's running from, and it was too much for the woman to bear. After being ignored and left aside like dirt, Eszter realized Wanda would never be the sister she needed.

     Even if Eszter adored Billy and Tommy like they were real, the teen had never felt more . . . spiteful in her life. Oh, Eszter could laugh. She was jealous of two children who don't even exist in the real world; how pathetic is that? Eszter stooped this low just for Wanda to open her eyes, and look at that turned out?

     Agnes was right, after all. Eszter doesn't matter.

     Eszter grunted as she pulled herself upward, touching her chest as if she could feel where she'd been struck; her heart practically shattered from betrayal, not expecting Wanda to hurt her without hesitation. Eszter's eyes widened in surprise, eyes drowning in pitiful tears as she started to feel her hands shaking. She looked up and watched as Wanda kneeled before the twins like a panicked mother, immediately inspecting them as they cried and whimpered. They were so terrified of what happened; they had no idea that Eszter was nearly about to wipe them out of existence.

     Wanda cradled their faces in her hands, caressing their cheeks with her thumbs as she cooed softly, silencing their cries as she reassured them they were safe. Wanda was so scared she thought she was about to lose her boys; Wanda had to do what she needed to save her sons. Anyone would've done it.

     But what hurts the most is that Wanda chose to comfort the twins over Eszter. Isn't that pathetic? Wanda struck Eszter with her powers, yet the woman cares more about these children than her own sister. It's clear as day. Wanda could care less about Eszter.

     Eszter could cry angrily, but the girl could barely breathe as she watched her sister.

     Wanda was more concerned about the two boys she created using magic, which hurt Eszter's feelings so damn much! In Wanda's eyes, Tommy and Billy were more important than anyone, especially Eszter. Her flesh and blood. Even after all the traumatic shit they've gone through, this is what she gets in the end--a dead brother and a sister who doesn't care about her. Wanda was like a mother to Eszter for most of her life, always taking care of her. And now, Eszter felt so . . . betrayed. Eszter hates that Wanda doesn't look at Eszter the way she does for her sons. It's as if Westview was a way for Wanda to start over; however, that doesn't include Eszter.

     Was she ever?

     Agnes deserves an 'I told you so.'

     Eszter's chest heaves up and down for air, and she quickly scatters back to her feet, staring at Wanda solemnly. The swift motion caught Wanda's attention, and the woman followed shortly, pushing her kids behind her. Wanda used herself as a shield, thinking that Eszter was going to retaliate, so Wanda held her hands up while protecting her boys.

     This took Eszter off-guard; she was offended that Wanda would treat Eszter as if she was a threat--her own sister. Eszter was the monster in this whole mess, and Wanda was protecting her family from her sister. The teen observed how Wanda stood as she shielded the twins, who watched her like scared little lambs, hiding behind their mother for protection. Then, Wanda conjured two energy orbs in her hands, silently warning Eszter to stand down.

     "You hit me," Eszter breathed in shock. She stared at Wanda indifferently; she couldn't believe what had just happened, and to be frank, Eszter was still trying to come to terms with what had happened. "You . . ."

     "Mom, what's going on?" Tommy trembled, clutching Wanda's cape fearfully.

     "Nothing, sweetheart," assured Wanda. "Just stay behind me."

     Eszter frowns. This changes everything.

☁︎isabel's thoughts☁︎
Is it bad to say that I was kind of excited for this chapter? Their relationship had always been a little strained, but I think now was the perfect opportunity for them to snap at one another.

They've both had different ideas of a future, and it hurts my heart to see the girls fight however, sisters fight a lot, which is natural. It was always bound to happen, especially when they've been parted for so long.

In a way, it's kind of like they're strangers after everything that's happened.

I also wanna apologize about how slow updates are. I often find myself not writing as I lose a bit of inspiration here and there, but i also found myself reading a book on here lol. I still have a long physical tbr at home, but here I am.

Still, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I'll eventually pick up more chapters.

Until next next. Peace