Xaria and her brothers were gathered around the reflection pool, analyzing the couple she was about to bless.

“They look...okay,” Zebadiah said, “Like a perfectly happy couple.”

“I mean, that’s kinda the whole point Zeb,” Xaria said, rolling her eyes, “Bless a nice happy couple who can’t have kids.”

“Whatever, smartass.” Zeb crossed his arms and glared at Xaria. “I’m just saying that there are plenty of other couples who deserve happiness too,” He glanced in the reflection pool again, “Especially ones who aren’t devout worshippers of Erasmus.”

Delios shrugged. “I mean, what else do you expect from Dad? I’m not surprised.” Delios hunched over the reflection pool, eyes scrunching up as he analyzed the couple. They were sitting next to each other in church, singing hymns that praised Erasmus and made Xaria want to puke.

“I hate those hymns so much. Such bullshit,” Xaria sighed, shaking her head.

“Yeah, I wish people knew the truth,” Zebadiah sighed, “But what can we do?”

“We have to do what we can,” Xaria said, “With whatever opportunities we are given. It may not make much of a difference, but at least it’ll be something.”

“Agreed,” Zebadiah said, “That’s why we’re doing this.”

Delios turned to Xaria, concern flickering over his features, “Are you sure about this? If dad finds out that we went behind his back, we’ll be killed.”

“I’m sure,” she replied without any hesitation.

Zeb nodded.

“Good. Here’s the plan. You go down, bless the couple, portal over to Amelia and Ernest, set them up and boom, you’re done.”

“Pretty straightforward,” Xaria said, “You have the necklaces?”

“Indeed I do,” Zebadiah said pulling them out from his pocket. Each necklace had a metal wing charm on it. They had used the necklaces many times before to communicate with one another. Anyone who was wearing them could hear the others’ thoughts. All Xaria had to do was place her hand over the wing and a line of communication would open with Delios and Zeb.

“I’ll contact you when I need a portal opened, okay?” Xaria said.

“Sounds good,” Delios replied.

Xaria went over to Zebadiah and pulled him into a hug.

“Thanks again for helping me commit treason,” she joked.

Zeb scoffed, “Ha, no problem. Just a normal Tuesday for me.”

Xaria rolled her eyes and went over to Delios.

“Thanks for doing this for me,” she said, reaching up and tousling his hair ever though he was a good foot taller than her.

Delios laughed and pushed her hand away. “Anything for you Xaria.”

Xaria went over to the reflection pool and stood at the edge of the water. Her heart was pounding even though she had done this a thousand times. She always felt nervous going into the pool, every time feeling like it was her first. She closed her eyes and shook out her hands, willing the anxiety to leave her. When she opened her eyes, she felt better. Still anxious, but better.

“I’m ready,” she said. Zeb nodded.

“Show me Joshua and Elizabeth,” he said.

The reflection pool sputtered and rippled into the couple at a diner eating breakfast.

Xaria took a deep breath and stepped into the water.