Two Lives, Many Horrors

***"How is everything I've heard... real?"***
This piece of *Evie and Mya* literature is outdated and is scheduled to be rewritten or tweaked in the future. Please note that some events currently depicted will be heavily altered or removed when said content is updated. Read at your own risk of discombobulating the series canon in your head!
And spare yourself from Av's old writing, please.
"I'm not there yet!"
 This page contains ***major spoilers*** for the series. If you're not caught up, stay back! Av's not gonna be too thrilled if you react to spoilers prematurely...

## Two Lives, Many Horrors

### Director

Potato Flakin

***Two Lives, Many Horrors*** is the seventh episode of *The Adventures of Evie and Mya* in Season 3, and the twenty-seventh overall.

## Synopsis

As Nita and Patrick come to terms with their lies and attempt to make amends with the truth, Harlow, Ivanna, and Mya seek to terrorize the residents of Old Town Pineshadow - but under the surface, Mya longs for more than just violence.

## Content Warning

*This episode contains blood, some gore, violence, suicidal mentions, and mature language. Viewer discretion is heavily advised.*

## Transcript

*The episode begins in the living room of the Heartley household, quiet and still with much foreboding in the minds of its residents and visitors.*

If Nita and Patrick Heartley had never felt more horrified in their lives now, they were sorely mistaken.

The other four girls had come forward to them about their trip to Hollowleaf Mansion, which had revealed so many shocking things Nita thought she was going to collapse onto the ground.

Not only had Mya turned into a queen hellbent on power and the suffering of those she used to love, but Harlow and Ivanna had *bad* motives in mind. Just like they had feared, they were still the criminals they were eleven years ago.

And Nita and Patrick had sat idly by, allowing their daughter to fall. They didn't look at any of the girls, and only at the floor, guilty as charged.

Footsteps approached them, and Patrick lifted his head lightly, finding the spotted t-shirt and dark green eyes of Evie looking at him and his wife.

"We need your help," she told them softly. "Mya banned us from ever setting a foot in Hollowleaf Mansion again. Now, we have to find a way to pry her away from the Parkers before the damage she's done becomes permament."

"Ev's right. If Mya succeeds with her aspirations, Pineshadow is going to be in *danger*. We have to *rise up*! And we need you!" Amira exclaimed, tagging close to her best friend. Daniela watched them with much interest.

The only one of the girls that didn't seem to care was Winter. Amira glanced at her worriedly, but she didn't cast an ice-blue eye on her and kept to herself.

Nita's heart broke the moment she noticed Winter, moreover for the second time. Winter had been beyond *irate* with her and Patrick for lying about Harlow and Ivanna. *We had no choice,* she thought. *They're dangerous. If the secret never got out, we could have protected the two of them.*

Now, it was clear as a sunlit day that Winter wanted nothing to do with her parents, and they regretted everything. *Every* lie they told.

Nita couldn't stand it anymore, and neither could Patrick.

"I-I'm sorry," Nita blurted out, sadness mired in her tone. "Pineshadow's safety is in jeopardy, and we c-an't do anything..."

"What?" Daniela questioned, interrogating the Heartleys with strong amber eyes.

"Because it's *our fault* Mya is gone!"

At Patrick's words, the room grew startlingly still, the girls stunned, even Winter.

"We lied to all of you," Patrick continued, looking away from them. "We were cowards. Let you all down. Mya's gone because of us..."

"And it's time you knew *everything* we know about Harlow and Ivanna," Nita added somberly, gripping onto her husband like he was going to disappear.

Still in disbelief, Evie, Amira, and Daniela pressed close to each other, but Winter remained on the sofa, fixing her parents with a *very* hard glare. It was fire.

She did *not* like where this was going. Patrick and Nita's doubts grew as they feared, feared with all of the blood in their bodies, that their family was going to go up in flames.

**SEASON 3, EPISODE 7 - TWO LIVES, MANY HORRORS**

Together, the girls crowded around the footstool in the corner of the room, but Winter still didn't get up off the sofa to hear what her parents had to say, and her fury wasn't going to leave her anytime soon.

Nita cleared her throat, and Evie, Amira, and Daniela focused their attention on her.

"As you know, we've been hiding the truth about Harlow and Ivanna from you... We did it to *protect* you. But- But clearly, we've made a *devastating* mistake, and it's time you learned everything. So we can set things right," she explained.

"Go on," Evie encouraged politely. "We're all ears."

Nita nodded, and then launched into her story.

"Eleven years ago, when Mya was just three years old, my parents Elloise and Luca - you might know them - died when their mansion burned down. Reports said it was ar-arson, and I thought the culprit was going to be caught. But he or she never was. I was left to sob for days, many days - wondering who could *have* done such a thing to my... My parents.

"We had their funeral at the Rapid Rivers Chapel, and Harlow and Ivanna funded it greatly. They suffered the loss just as much as I did, and so, they really wanted to make the funeral beautiful for me. It- it was *stunning*."

"Never imagined Harlow and Ivanna actually having a heart," Daniela muttered.

"They did, trust me. I've known them since I met Patrick in high school, and from time to time, they *did* like to spoil me." A smile formed hastily on her face, but it was swift to disappear just as quick as it appeared. Nita then continued.

"One month after Elloise and Luca died, Harlow and Ivanna came to us, asking for a loan of money. They had burnt much of their supply out for the funeral, and I took pity on them... I didn't want Hollowleaf Mansion to fall into more disrepair than it already was. They said it was crumbling already."

"So me and Nita did the honest thing and donated some of our bank account to them, and they were grateful, saying we were angels," Patrick recalled.

"And precisely *how* much money are we talking here?" Amira questioned, her brown eyes staring at them quizzically.

"Around ten thousand dollars," Nita responded shakily. The girls gasped, astounded by the amount.

"You're off your rocker!" Evie shrieked. "*Ten thousand*? You could have gotten your bank accounts terminated!" Her stomach was twisting in knots; *why* were the Heartleys willing to sacrifice this much? *My mother works in banking, and if she found this out, both of them would be dead!*

"Harlow and Ivanna were genuine..." Patrick trailed off, letting Nita continue the talking, her palms sweating.

"But one day, they came to our door when our money supply had been stretched thin. We couldn't give them any more, not even if we wanted to. They demanded us to, but we told them to get lost, and..."

"What... Happened?" Amira asked, her eyes now wide. She had gripped Daniela's shoulderblade.

"Harlow and Ivanna could *never* accept that they lost their only flow of money," Patrick growled. "So they made it clear that they were going to make us *pay*."

Winter looked up at them angrily, a storm of emotions growing inside of her.

"Harlow threw a vase at me and cut me above the eye. His and Ivanna's folly had succeeded, but... But they..."

"Threatened that one day, Mya would become theirs. Then they disappeared out the door, and we never saw them again. We decided to burn the only evidence we had left standing - Mya couldn't *know* of this for own safety. We had to do everything in our power to *protect*-"

Suddenly, a fist *slammed* onto the coffee table, and Nita gasped, startled by the force. The girls whirled around, shocked by what they had seen.

Winter stood to face her parents for the first time that day, a single fist clenched in her hand, knuckles red from impacting the table. Her teeth were gritted, a snarl on her face. Her eyes were the most piercing, impeding ice-blue they had *ever* seen.

Her glare was absolutely *lethal*.

"*Why* did you **HIDE THIS**?" She demanded with a roar, and Amira jumped right into Evie. "You *always* knew Mya was in **DANGER** and you did **NOTHING** to save her! Nothing to *come clean*!"

Amira panicked. Any moment, her girlfriend would snap, draw her knife, and go swinging. The loss of Mya had took a toll on her emotionally, and now, even the slightest disagreement could make her hot temper blow up.

Without even thinking, she stepped in front of Winter, brown eyes locking with blue eyes. "Winter, babe," she whispered. "Calm down. They've struggled a lot to be able to tell us this, so you need to be fair and let them explain, even if you hold transgressions right now."

Winter tried to push past her, but her legs would not obey her. They stayed on the white carpet. Her legs stayed with her, and so did her entire body. There was an itch inside of her so strong to scream at her parents, tear them down for letting Mya fall. They let her *sister* fall.

Yet, her heartbeat slowed down when she saw how concerned Amira was, heard her breathe softly. Her eyes relaxed, and so did herself, as she proceeded to allow her body to fall back onto the couch.

"There we go. *Te amo*." Amira kissed Winter on her cheek, but despite the pure bliss she got, rage still remained in Winter, silent as a rotting tree.

"You don't understand," Patrick murmured. "The photo had to be obliterated. We didn't want Mya to suffer, or freak out, or live a life in fear... We wanted her to be happy."

"I understand that," Amira replied. "My aunt kept *me* a secret from Pineshadow because she didn't want anybody hunting her down for being a child abuser. What happened at the house stayed in the house."

Evie and Daniela nodded in agreement.

A scowl only lined Winter's face, and it was one that gave her opinion all too well.

*Why should I care when you let my sister betray us all?*

Meanwhile, at Hollowleaf Mansion, Mya stared at the mirror in her bedroom, studying herself.

*The makings of the perfect queen. Sleek, auburn hair. Green eyes that burn with passion. A cape for the ages. And lastly, my crown.*

She picked up the golden crown in her hand, running it over with her palm. Purple gems caught her reflection, perfectly clear.

*This is my destiny. Bring it.*

Just then, somebody tapped on the door with an elegant purple fingernail.

"Mya! Come down to the living room, darling. We are having a *family* meeting," said the proud Ivanna Parker, eyeing her granddaughter pointedly.

Mya nodded. "On my way!" She blew a kiss to Ivanna in good graces and hurried down the stairs, sitting on the sofa and facing Harlow, who looked at her warmly - yet something else was glimmering in his eyes.

Once Ivanna stepped in, he spoke. "Good deal. We're all here. Today, I have gathered you to share the news that it is *time*."

He paused, expecting some kind of question from Mya as to what this "time" meant. He almost wanted to scoff; there were only answers in his world, *no questions*.

But Mya didn't say a word, only focused on him eagerly, digging her nails into the sofa cushions.

"It is *time* for Pineshadow to learn just how *powerful* this family name can be..."

"Enlighten me *more*, Harlow," Mya demanded. Ivanna winked at him, and she took over, taking her place next to her husband.

"Long ago, the citizens of Pineshadow neglected our needs when we were in dire straits. Almost broke. In need of money. They turned us *all* down, and they even *pickpocketed us*! It was *horrible*."

Harlow hugged Ivanna, grazing the side of her cheek with his lips, feeling her skin briefly. Then he pulled away.

"Those *lowlifes* scarred our name. Out here trying to *wreck* my precious Ivanna. They made her think she was going to die for *weeks*!" Harlow's face was pale, his two eyes distressed as the memories went through his head. Ivanna shook, and Mya felt herself swelling up with such raw emotion.

*Pineshadow scared Ivanna into thinking she was going to die? Ruining my grandparents? How absurd! Oh, they'll pay for this.*

*ALL of them will pay.* Her veins were pulsing with severe, uncontained *rage*.

"Now, Mya, this is the part *you* will play," Harlow said, walking up to her. "We're getting our revenge today. Show our display of power. *You're* invited to join us."

A wide smirk donned Mya's face, and she got up, taking Harlow's hand and shaking it. "Oh, you've *got* me. I'll see to it that *everyone* suffers for this mockery of *our* name!"

Harlow and Ivanna couldn't be more elated.

**TEN MINUTES LATER**

Old Town Pineshadow was half-bustling in the mid-day sun, with visitors mulling around the shop fronts and peering in shops, either window shopping or finding a decent purchase from the stores making up the entire strip.

"Clear skies, pleasant amount of shoppers, nobody aware of the tides about to change. We're in luck," Ivanna commented. Mya noticed her tucking something into her back pockets, but couldn't get a good look in time.

They got out of the car, and Harlow turned to them. "I ride solo. Mya, you and Ivanna have a "Girls' Day" and take up the shops on the right of the strip."

"A Girls' Day? Oh, how delightful!" Ivanna cheered, Mya swept close to her side.

The two shared brief nods and kisses before Harlow set off on his mission. Ivanna and Mya faced the store in front of them - Marley's Sweet Treats.

"Dessert to go?" Mya asked.

Ivanna bore a toothy grin. "Hell yes."

Without any hesitation whatsoever, Mya shoved the door to Marley's open, ringing the bell on top of the door. Customers seated in chairs turned to look at her, confused and bewildered by the sight of a young girl wearing a cape.

"Is she Supergirl?" A young kid questioned. His mother pulled him to the side.

"What does that kid think she's doing?" An adult man inquired, placing a hand on his face and muttering something to himself as he took a sip out of a half-drained Starbucks cup.

Mya approached, step by step, tap by tap, up to the service counter. There, she stared at point-blank range at the store owner, Marley Ronnell.

Marley was a middle-aged man, and according to the plaque outside his store, he opened the place in 2004. He was rather used to children strolling up to his counters, asking for snacks, drinks, and samples, so he usually gave them something for free.

"Well, hey kiddo!" He greeted politely. "What can I do for you today?"

Flowers that bloom in the darkness

It's a sighting that is rare to come across

"Give me *all* of your inventory," Mya demanded sharply, her chest puffed out and cape trailing behind her.

The whole shop *burst* out into uncontrolled laughter at her, even Marley, who was chuckling. "Oh, I wish I could, kid, but that's not how retail works!"

"Look at that kid! She thinks she can run this town!"

"Never have I seen someone so pathetic..."

"This is gonna be a *hit*!"

Nobody seems to have noticed

That the power that could be bestowed is lost

Mya swirled around, glaring at everybody who was pointing at her, mocking her, *belitting her* for her act of strength and heart. It was all too similar to the times in school where she was bullied by her classmates, classmates that didn't like her, thinking she was too weird and her humor poor. She could hear childish voices screaming in her ear, taunting her for simply *existing*.

But she stood tall again, wiping those thoughts off her slate with a single, invisible hand. Heat scorched the inside of her, all the way up to her head, and fire burned in her leaf-green eyes.

These humans had made one too *many* mistakes. Now, it was time for them to reap just what they had *sewn*.

Riding through the twilight

This armory protects my heart

In that moment, Mya let out a screech of sheer defiance and fury. She *leapt* up in the air and landed square on the counter in front of Marley, who's innocent look had changed to a purely horrified one.

"You will **GIVE ME WHAT I WANT**!" She belted. "I am *Mya Heartley*, and for too long, you have broken and shamed the honor of **my family**!"

"Child, I'll give you a few free samples, but I can't give you everything!"

"*Don't* underestimate me, Ronnell. If you can't comply with me, I'll *kill you* and make you rue the day you crossed paths with me."

"Enough of this! I'm calling the police!" Marley retorted angrily, picking up the phone in his hands and hitting the nine.

He would never have the time to press the remaining two ones.

As out of *nowhere*... *BLAM*! *BLAM*! *BLAM*!

The shopgoers and Marley screamed at the top of their lungs as glass flew around them and bullets pierced the walls and menus. Some collapsed on the floor, too scared to move or clutching a part of the body that was oozing blood.

Then the door came down, and in stepped Ivanna Parker, wielding two smoky pistols in her hands. She blew the steam off the pistols, hiding them in her pockets, and she approached Marley Ronnell with the look of *vengeance* in her eyes.

"Obey my granddaughter *now*, you sack of *dead meat*. Or, I will blow your shop to bits, *kill* everyone in here, and *dispose* of your reputation bit by bit. Are we *clear*?"

Marley was at a deep loss of words, and with no other option left, he chose to avoid death that day. He bowed his head, and allowed Mya and Ivanna to ramsack the workplace of his dreams.

Across the street, Harlow kicked open the doors to the community bank, blazing the teller at the desk - his old friend - and now enemy Samuel Dobson.

"Harlow Parker. What gives you the right to *stroll into* this bank after what you've done?"

"Retribution, *baby*!" Samuel was unamused, scoffing. He stepped toward his rival, ready to shove him back out and lock the door. Big mistake.

You'll never take us alive

We swore that death will do us part

They'll call our crimes a work of art

Harlow drew a full-blown *shotgun* from behind his back, loading it and pointing it at Samuel. "Oh, old Sam, you should have played your cards more wisely."

"Harlow! Put that down, please!" Samuel begged frantically. "There are literal kids in here! Let them have an innocent childhood!"

"You *owe me* big time for the scars you left on my family." He pointed the front of the gun at his chin. "Give the money, or I'll shoot up your pretty little daughter over there. How's that for a *deal*?"

You'll never take us alive

We'll live like spoiled royalty, lovers and partners

Partners in crime

Samuel gasped, feeling his airways close in on him. His seven-year old daughter looked from horror in the hall behind him, her mother protectively pulling her close in a hug.

The forestock of the shotgun was pressed against his chin, and he squeaked in trepidation; Harlow could fire any moment and his life would be over. But Harlow turned the gun over to his wife and daughter, the latter of which broke out into hysterics.

"Well, what will it be, Sam? The riches or you and your family joining the pearly gates of *heaven*?" Harlow snarled, laughing to himself briefly.

Samuel gave up. "Fine. Take what you want..." He stumbled over to his family, covering his daughter's eyes and holding onto his love for dear life.

"Splendid," Harlow whispered to himself, ready to fly away. He had won.

Partners in crime

Mya and Ivanna broke down the doors to the pawn shop, scaring the ever-living daylight out of its owner and her other receptionist. Ivanna pointed her pistols to their ears as Mya took whatever she wanted from the store, all for free.

To make sure no complaints were uttered, Ivanna shot up the glass desks at the front of the store, leaving flakes of glass everywhere on the floor.

There's a voice that is calling

It's calling for me to go beyond

Harlow continued his onslaught at the small farmer's market, sending people *fleeing* for their lives. The shop owner attempted to fight him, but he was unprepared for Harlow, and he shot him in the shoulder. He rolled onto the floor, clutching his shoulder, as his hand began to change from beige to red from the leak of crimson blood.

This, the tale of, reckless love, living a life of crime on the run

A brush to a gun, to paint these states, green and red

Mya and Ivanna then raided the pharmacy, which turned out to be *beyond* easy due to the shop owners fleeing and no one else being inside. Mya, choosing to have some "fun," threw makeup into the air like softballs and hit them with a walking cane hanging on the shelf nearby. She hit a fire alarm and immediately triggered loud, shrill shrieking noises in the store.

"Good aim, lassie!" Ivanna praised with a wink.

Where I've always been longing

I'm longing to find where I belong

Harlow snickered as he walked out of the farmer's market. His mission was done, and from the look on the right side of the street, Mya and Ivanna had tarnished the shopfronts. Glass littered the sidewalk, and civilians had mostly driven off. The tang of a sweet, *sweet* victory was in the air.

"You! *Stop right there*!"

*Hmm?* Harlow spun around, and a young adult boy slammed into him, causing him to smash into the concrete. He grimiced in pain, grunting, a hand pressed firmly on his chin.

Everybody freeze, nobody move

Put the money in the bag, or we will shoot

Empty out the vault and me and my doll will be on our way

"You and your family are *despicable* for what you've done to Old Town! The police are called, and they're on their way now. Better *scram*."

"Sonny boy, I'm afraid you're dead *wrong*." Without warning, Harlow brandished his shotgun once more and smashed the boy's nose in with the forestock. Howling in agony, he reeled back and off of Harlow, blood dripping from his nose.

"Look who's laughing now," Harlow remarked with a smile that only radiated pure *evil*. He loaded the shotgun. "Asking for death?"

Our paper faces flood the streets

And if the heat comes close enough to burn

Then we'll play with fire, 'cause

The boy got the message and took off running, leaving a trail of blood drops on the ground. Satisfied, Harlow returned to his car.

Mya and Ivanna dashed out of the sporting goods store, which had been completely *obliterated* with gunfire, shirts ripped to pieces, and balls deflated, thrown off to the side like wasted confetti.

Soon this fight will come to an end

The Valkyrie chose to defend

The damage was done. Old Town looked as if a nuclear war had happened. Shopfronts smashed in and destroyed, glass littering the streets with the occasional stain of blood from wounded customers and civilians. Everything empty, just like a ghost town.

Pineshadow had gotten the message. It was over.

The Parkers - and Mya - were victorious.

Ivanna took Mya's hand, and together, they ran back to the car.

Harlow bowed to them. "Well done, the two of you. Pineshadow now knows one thing - we're *back*, and we want *blood*."

When we were young; endless wonder

Thoughts of death were not a cause to live slowly

"A fitting revenge. Everyone's suffered now that they know just how far we can go. We will feast tonight!" Ivanna declared, pulling Mya close to her.

Mya nodded in agreement. "Nothing is going to *obstruct* this fine victory of ours. Living a life like this, so close to danger yet so passionate? This is *perfect*!"

Now the unknowns seem to haunt us

Could this physical experience be free?

Harlow affectionately patted her head, then rubbed her cheek. "Good work, my queen. Now, let's get home before we have to engage in a shootout with the cops."

Without another word, the Parkers dived into the car and drove off in the direction of Hollowleaf Mansion.

Only two minutes later did the police arrive and enter Marley's Sweet Treats, finding bloodied, panicked customers huddled in groups against the walls and Marley Ronnell himself on the ground, praying for Jesus to save him from this unspeakable, disturbing calamity.

What is fate revealing?

Will I survive or will I fall?

Back at the Heartley residence, Nita and Patrick had re-assembled all of the girls in front of the ottoman, sans Winter, who stood near the sofa and eyed them with deep hatred.

"We- We had to burn that photo," Patrick admitted shakily, adding, "Mya could *never* find out about Harlow and Ivanna. Her safety was jeopardized. She was just three. She couldn't grow up knowing her grandparents as criminals..."

"And *why* did you not *call the goddamn police*?" Winter demanded harshly. She looked extremely tense, tears in her eyes and fists ready for punching.

"There was too much fear inside us both, Winter." Nita's reply was straightforward, laced with regret and sorrow. "The police would launch a whole investigation and we'd become famous for all the *wrong* reasons. Mya could *never* grow up in that environment, not over our dead **bodies**!"

"Besides, the only evidence we had of the Parkers in the household was burned and hidden away. With it gone, Mya grew up harmless and carefree, into the most perfect daughter me and Nita could have ever asked for," Patrick explained, a tad feverish, and Nita leaned up against him affectionately.

"But... That changed when Mya found the photo, didn't it?" Amira questioned.

Nita nodded. "Our blood went cold... Our entire *bodies* froze. We never thought she could find it in the basement, but she did with Winter. It was too late to go back."

Daniela looked pretty thoughtful, tapping her fingernails on her knee. "Did you ever consider just being plain honest with Mya? Thought she could accept it and move on?"

"Y-yes, we did," Nita confessed uneasily, just managing to meet Daniela's gaze. "But Mya was still a vulnerable girl, and sometimes, her curiosity can lead her into a whole plethora of *troubles*. Keeping quiet was our only option, and so was lying. We just wanted her to be safe."

Evie stood up. "Look, I'm not thrilled hearing about this... It was because of this family secret that things are strained and we're fighting to stop two of Pineshadow's most dangerous antagonists. Not to *mention* rescuing Mya and saving her before she falls into a black hole..."

Nita and Patrick looked away guiltily.

"*But* you two did the right thing by taking the blame for it, and we appreciate you telling us of the past so we can work out another plan. Your motives were understandable and something I myself would relate to - I'd do *anything* to protect Mya, even if it meant lying straight to her face."

"Evie's right once again," Amira concurred. "You two are in some hot water, but it's a great start that you're owning up to your mistakes."

"Owning up to *mistakes*? You lied to **ALL OF US**!" Amira yelped in surprise, almost toppling onto the carpet, but Evie caught her in time.

Everyone turned in the opposite direction, and there, spewing hot steam out of her ears, was Winterlyn McCormick.

And she was more than *pissed off*.

"You betrayed all of us! *Kept a secret* that could destroy all of Pineshadow, the town I've grown up in and fought *for my life* in! Not only that, but you betrayed *Mya*. You betrayed **ME**!" Her wails produced salty tears that poured down her face, staining her delicate cheeks and dripping onto her gray-sleeved pink shirt.

"Winter, please calm yourself!" Patrick begged frantically, his dark brown eyes desperate. "I promise we can explain all of this..."

"Baby, please," Nita said, weary. "We're trying as hard as we can to make amends with all of you."

Their pleas did nothing to ease Winter's growing aggression, and she stepped closer to them, a hand dangerously close to her pocket. Daniela gasped. Was Winter going to draw her *knife* on her parents because of her temper? Worried, she shared a look with Evie and Amira - and they definitely had the same thoughts as her.

"*Winter*! Before you... Before you take everything out on us, I can promise you that **we have always loved** Mya! *We've always cared*! We supported her when she was struggling with her identity, when she was getting bullied, and we've always praised her relationship with Evie! *And we're sorry* we lied to you!" Nita wailed, getting up to confront her daughter, and Patrick's face was mixed with apprehension and fright.

"Why should *I* be listening to you?" Winter snapped, taking another step closer to her mother. Her face had a look of warning on it - mess with her, or face your demise. Amira jumped to her feet and grabbed her girlfriend's arm tightly.

"Winter, *back down*. Your parents are trying to set things straight with us, and while we all aren't fond of what we're hearing, you should be *grateful* they're opening up!" Her brown hands moved all the way up to her shoulder, but Winter threw her off with one jerk, and she quivered, bracing for the absolute worst to come from her anger.

"You know what you are?" Winter then hissed at her parents. "*Backstabbers*. A bunch of lying *snakes*. You're acting exactly like every person who's *betrayed* me. First, Daniela-"

"Winter, they're not like how I was!" Daniela interjected. "*Don't* compare them to me, it's not rational!"

Winter ignored her, continuing on her peeved rant. "Second, *you* betrayed me and the other girls. And third? Mya *betrays us all* because you **BACKSTABBERS** sewed your mouths **SHUT**! You are no better than people who want to watch the world **BURN**."

Suddenly, Nita couldn't take it anymore. Something inside her snapped, something that she should have told her daughters and the other girls long ago. A long forgotten ordeal locked away in the depths of her mind.

Any second, Winter would spring onto her and make sure she suffered for her and Patrick's deceit.

But she couldn't let it happen. With all of her strength and might, she brought the words she had to say to life.

"*If I didn't have Mya, I would have KILLED MYSELF*!"

The **entire** house went into an incomprehensible, unexpected, and startling *silence*. Patrick looked up at his wife in sheer panic; Evie, Amira, and Daniela were *dumbfounded*, and even Winter's animosity had evaporated into nothingness, replaced with a mortified, sorrow-filled face and apologetic eyes.

"W-What?" She squeaked, a mere fraction of what she was just minutes ago.

"Marigold," Patrick rasped. "*Don't* tell them this. They don't need to-"

"No, honey. I believe all of the girls deserve to know this story... It's time."

**EIGHT YEARS AGO**

*Nita stormed into the hallway of her house, the necklace she wore swaying from side to side as she speedwalked with gusto.*

*Only three days ago was she fired from her job at the local Target, and since then, it had been a struggle to find a new place and earn revenue for the family. Nita felt like a total joke to her family.*

*You're not worthy. You can't keep a damn job. "It's just the economy," they say. Ugh! I can't do anything right! The economy in Washington had taken a huge crash, and businesses had suffered. Some places closed entirely, lacking the funds to operate, while others were on temporary shutdown. Target hadn't been a chain as heavily impacted, but still, they laid off workers who "weren't earning enough." It was more than brutal for Nita.*

*She entered the bathroom, firmly closing the door behind her, and she turned on the faucet. A jet of cold water shot out, and she placed her wrists under them. The water that rubbed against her skin turned dark red with blood, and it spilled all over the bottom of the sink. She sighed, biting her lip.*

*Just then, there was a knock on the door. "Marigold, what are you doing in there? That's the tenth time today, what's going on?" It was her husband of five years, Patrick.*

*"Nothing! I'll be out in a minute!" Nita felt terror welling in her. He was going to flip on her for this, and she didn't want the family to fall apart alongside their concurrent money issues.*

*"Come out, please!"*

*"Pat, I'm fine, stop fussing over me!"*

*"Marigold, I know something fishy is going on. Come out of the bathroom."*

*Nita turned off the faucet reluctantly, drying off her wet wrists and hands. The towel became stained with pink and red blotches - more blood.*

*She walked out of the bathroom, shutting the door and trying to hide her wrists behind her dress. However, Patrick had a keen eye and pulled her into him, grabbing one her wrists.*

*Three slit marks were across it, and he jumped back, absolutely horrified and even partially revulsed by what he saw.*

*"Babe, why are you doing this to yourself?" He demanded. "You can't keep doing this, or you'll damage the veins in your arm. Cutting yourself won't cure your depression!"*

*"It's solace for me!" Nita vehemently retorted. "Doing this to myself is the only choice I have! I keep letting this family down, losing jobs and failing to get us the money we need to stay afloat! We're going to fall apart and it's my fault!"*

*Patrick's mouth twisted, and he really thought he was going to retch on the floor just now from what he heard. His wife, once so sweet and outgoing, on the verge of suicide due to the economic recession. The thought alone terrified him.*

*"Please... You can't..."*

*"I can't get you money, so maybe I'm better off DEAD, Patrick! Maybe then you can grind up a fortune."*

*Patrick was about to open his mouth to reply when a gasp sounded from behind them. Startled, the two turned around, and Patrick's terror morphed into a nightmare.*

*Right behind them was their eight-year old daughter, Mya. And she looked so visibly frightened that she almost appeared as if she was a ghost.*

*"Mya, we can explain-" But before he could finish his sentence, Mya sniffed, tears falling from her small green eyes, and she ran to her bedroom.*

*Dizzy, he put a palm to his forehead, collapsing on the bed. Everything was spinning around him. Now, Mya knew another one of their secrets and was going to fall into a similar depression, just like Nita. She was so young and had only just learned about her mother wanting to commit suicide. Regret pooled all around him.*

*"I'll talk to her," Nita quickly offered before Patrick could say anything else. She ran to her room frightfully, opening the door and gasping upon seeing her daughter.*

*Mya was curled up, her blankets wrapped around her, and she was sobbing badly. Nita could imagine "guilty" written above her face, plastered on her forehead in red ink - she'd caused her daughter a severe amount of pain with her rant about killing herself. Would she be able to fix this before things spiraled?*

*She didn't know, but she had to try.*

Really can't remember where I left my spine

Carrying my body in a bag for dimes

Hidden in the pages of the New York Times at home

*"Mya?" She called out to her. Mya stared at her blankly, sniffing again and planting her face in her pillow.*

And maybe I'll be better if I take my meds

Ain't a double header if you lose your head

Tried a medication that I bought instead

It's working for a little but there's not much left

*"Mya, baby. I'm here, you're alright." Nita lifted her face up, brushing her beautiful auburn-brown hair aside and rubbing the tears away from her eyes. Her perfect little daughter.*

Darling don't you weep

There's a place for me

Somewhere we can sleep

See you in your dreams

*It was with this action that Mya opened her mouth, but it flapped open and closed like a fish. She only wailed, crying out again, and Nita's heart broke. More resolve to make this right.*

Ever since a little girl, I found it sweet

Driving past a graveyard on a lonesome street

All the little flowers gave me something to believe in

*"Mya, darling. I can't describe how many sorries I should say to you for what I've done... Baby..." She sat down next to her on the bed, placing her fingers on her shoulder.*

Never knew the feeling of a stable home

Been a couple years of living on the road

Couldn't really tell you where they'd leave a stone

To visit me when I am dead and gone

*"Ma-Mom... You said you were going to die! Leave me and dad for good... Are you really going to kill yourself?" Mya questioned, her voice cracked left and right from her anguish.*

Darling don't you weep

There's a place for me

Somewhere we can sleep

See you in your dreams

*Nita hushed her softly. "That isn't true, baby. I promise. Your mother is just going through some... Hard times right now, and it's hard to think with a steady head when you don't know the road that's laid out in front of you."*

*"Please, mom! Don't leave me! I need you here!"* Mya grabbed onto her shirt, her small hand firm, and Nita softened even more. She laid down next to her daughter, meeting her gaze fondly. A flower blossomed in her heart, its petals outstretched and seeing sunlight for the first time. Before she could even know what she was doing, she had whispered what she had truly gone through to Mya.

Darling don't you cry

Head fast toward the light

Foolish men have tried

But only you have shown me how to love being alive

*"Mom... I understand. Life is hard. But don't kill yourself. Don't give up on us - I believe in you." At her words, Nita pulled Mya close to her, and warmth built between the two. Mya settled right on her mother's chest, no longer crying or fearing for her life. She was peaceful, letting out a contented sigh.*

*Her mother looked at her slit wrists, three slash marks covered with dried blood. She thought every answer laid with the blistering pain, but no, she realized. She was dead wrong.*

Until it's time to see the light

I'll make my own with you each night

I'll kidnap all the stars and I will keep them in your eyes

*Her wrists were the blistering reminder that she was a burden, but Nita wiped that all away now, a new feeling taking over. Pride.*

*Mya needed her, Patrick needed her. The family needed her. Dying was no longer such a dainty option, but it wasn't even an option at all.*

I'll wrap them up in velvet twine

And hang them from a fishing line

So I can see them any time I'd like

*Mya smiled, still resting her head on Nita's chest, and she smiled, scratching the back of her head. A gift was a true mother's love, and she could tell Mya's love for her had blossomed in the tense, yet tender moment they shared together.*

*No, Nita thought. There will be no death, not when I have the most beautiful daughter I could have ever asked for. She relies on me, and I'll rely on her. My light in the dark.*

Darling don't you weep

There's a place for me

Somewhere we can sleep

I'll see you in your dreams

*At this, Nita made a vow to herself, and one she'd make sure remain set in unbreakable stone.*

*She would never, NEVER bring harm onto herself again, no matter how tough the times got. She'd be there to protect Mya, every day, every hour, even when she was away at school or hanging out with her many friends. More importantly, she'd work to keep this house and the family steady - not only for her, but for Patrick.*

*The air she'd breathe from now on would be clear, and the skies parted, letting sunlight fill the room. Nita smiled.*

*For once, every wrong on the earth had been righted. "I love you," she whispered to Mya.*

Darling don't you cry

Head fast toward the light

Foolish men have tried

But only you have shown me how to love being alive

The living room remained without a sound as the girls looked on at Nita, their faces stunned, some marred with horror, others twisted with sympathy.

"Mya was the spark that kept me alive," Nita cried, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Without her, I'd be gone. A burden. She taught me to believe in myself. To have faith... The memory was painful, and that's why I didn't want to share it with you. Yet I'm glad I did now."

Much to her relief, Evie smiled, full of sympathy and understanding. "It's alright, Mrs. Heartley. We all feel... Weird. With these new revelations and stuff to take in. But no matter what... You've got our support. We won't turn your backs on you, not when Harlow and Ivanna want to watch Pineshadow bleed like an open wound."

Amira and Daniela then walked up to Nita's side, brushed up right against each other. *Amazing friends,* she thought.

"You're not the only one who wanted to commit suicide. Shetani almost drove me to it. I *wanted* to do it, but she came into my life." Amira subtletly pointed to Winter. "And things have never felt better."

"Just like her, I was pretty close to taking it all from myself too," Daniela revealed, voice sore from the memories. "Every day I spent in prison, the more I wanted to just do it - I never wanted to live in pain again. Suicide was the easy way out. But when I got diagnosed as a bipolar... I had enough clarity to know that I couldn't die. Not when there were amends to be made."

"Oh, thank you, children. My gratitude could not go out more to you." Nita hugged Amira and Daniela, and Patrick stood up, kissing her on her cheek.

However, there was still one elephant in the room to address.

Winter.

Since the revelation of Nita's haunting past, Winter had been frozen and seemingly in a shut down state. Her ice-blue eyes were blank, and she radiated no emotion.

She stared at her parents. Shakily. Unsteadily.

"Winter?" Evie prompted. "Do you want to say anything?"

Winter only blinked, barely paying any attention to her. Then, she turned tail and ran down the hallway. A door slammed shut, the noise rattling the house.

Patrick sighed, burying his face in his hands. "She'll never forgive us for this. We might as well have damaged everything..." He muttered.

"Not quite."

At the sound of her voice, Patrick turned to face Amira, who seemed rather confident in these dire circumstances. Of course. Amira was Winter's girlfriend. She wouldn't let *anything* fall apart between this family.

"Allow me to talk to Winter. She sees through to me when she's searching for advice."

Patrick nodded at her, and Amira sped off to Winter's bedroom, pushing the door open just slightly so she could slip in. A big lump of bedsheets was all she needed to see.

"Winter?" She called out, voice soft as a dove. She didn't get any reply back, but it didn't deter Amira, and she jumped onto the bed.

Facing the lump of bedsheets, she lifted them up slightly and found Winter. Her eyes were closed, dripping with tears, and Amira's heart broke for her. Out of all the girls, she was one of them that had suffered the most.

Family constantly betraying her. Her insecurity making her hide under layers of aggression and a mystery. Fighting for her life and almost dying multiple times.

Mya's rise to villainous power was the latest nail in the coffin for her.

"Winter, it's yours truly. Babe, are you okay?" Amira questioned again, crawling under the covers to join her.

"I'm foolish, aren't I?" Winter wondered aloud, surprising her girlfriend. "I attacked my parents because they withheld information that could have saved Mya. They didn't do anything to stop her from falling evil. They betrayed us. But all of their actions stemmed from *insecurity* - just like me... I judged them too hard..."

"Perhaps you did," Amira concurred. "But Win, I can promise you that you aren't being a jerk. Or a bully. What you did out there was you getting *everything* out - ranting is good, trust me! Your parents made a mistake that we all are reeling from, a mistake that will have impacting echoes..."

Winter sniffed, and Amira placed her chin on her shoulder, the sweetest amount of affection drifting off of her. It was sweet as vanilla.

"Your emotions have gotten the better of you, Winter. Now that you've let everything out, just settle down, relax for a bit. Conserve your energy for when we have to face Harlow and Ivanna again, mmmkay?"

Winter felt her world opening up around her, and for the first time in many days, she could see the sun again. Feel the breeze drift through her short-cropped hair, step foot in the grass.

Amira was right. Her emotional stability had been wrecked by betrayal after betrayal, and she'd blown off a lot of steam. An itch welled inside her, a familiar ache she had dealt with too many times over the years.

"I don't know if I can, though. Anxiety develops too easy in me, and that's when I'm at my most vulernable."

"Don't worry," Amira whispered, grazing her nose up against Winter's passionately. "Just breathe. Let all of it go."

Her words lingered on Winter's tongue, and she opened her mouth, taking in a gulp of air. Amira breathed softly, her breath tickling her cheeks and making them ache with a blush. Slowly, Winter's hand connected with her girlfriend's backside, traveling up it until she reached her shoulder. Amira mumbled contently, enjoying the touch and smiling.

Winter's skin was itching now, and she laughed briefly. Oh, how she'd missed *this*. The simple feel of Amira up right against her sparked up their fire once again, and it was burning wholeheartedly in front of them. She didn't want to ease the moment, but only fuel it more. That's exactly what she chose to do.

Winter moved close to Amira, raising her hand up to her neck and scratching her there. She *definitely* enjoyed that, as she chuckled, rubbing her nose against Winter's again.

Her heart was galloping now. Perfect.

It was at this moment that Winter finally lost her self-control, and she kissed Amira on her lips, tasing nothing but sugar, and honey, and passion, and her life set out right in front of her.

They were *one*.

Amira was the one who chose to break the kiss, pulling back and saying, "Okay, lovebird. We need to go back out and speak to your parents before we get too distracted in the flowers of romance."

Winter nodded, crawling out from under the covers, and she took Amira's hand, almost dragging her out of her room. Quickly they returned to the living room, where eyes pierced into their souls, but they stood bravely.

Nita and Patrick glanced at Winter, preparing for a stinging retort to fly out of her mouth, preparing for her to completely reject them as parents.

What happened was the solar opposite.

"It goes without saying that I owe the two of you an apology," Winter started, head held high. "I took out my anger out on you for valid reasons. I still feel betrayed, and I'm still not okay inside mentally. None of us are. But what I didn't realize is that you're just like me - you did all of this, lied to me and Mya, because you came from a place of insecurity. The same reason I put ten thousand layers under myself to cover up what I had gone through to Pineshadow."

She paused, catching her breath. Her parents eyes' were wide with shock, Amira was watching her, giving her a thumbs up and urging her to go on. Evie and Daniela seemed to be doing the same.

"Look... I can't entirely *forgive* just yet. We still have things to patch up, and things to heal, and to stop a queen and her figureheads from destroying this family and Pineshadow completely. However, I will say this, mom and dad... We're on a good start."

Tentatively, Winter gave them her hand, and they shook it, tears in their eyes.

"Parallels!" Daniela murmured, her eyes alight with mischief, and Evie patted on the back. She only knew what was going through Daniela's head seeing this beautiful embrace.

As the first stars appeared in the sky that night, Harlow, Ivanna, and Mya celebrated their raid on Old Town with glasses of wine and milk in the game room, cheering the night away in front of the fireplace, which had come to life with an orange, flickering fire.

"We've done *brilliant* today," Mya commented. "This is enough to last us *months*."

"Indeed," Harlow purred in agreement, a major point on his mind. "We have started merely phase one of our grand plan. Soon, everyone will *bow down* to us as the greatest, most powerful family in Pineshadow. Bend down to our iron *will*. We will be *superior*!"

Mya beamed, flicking her elegant purple cape behind her again. This steep amount of power that they were on the cusp on was making her even more thirsty. She wanted to be recognized. Known as the girl who'd fight tooth and nail to get everything that she had ever desired.

"You think my parents are going to be *so* proud of me?"

"Oh, they will, darling. Especially when Nita and Patrick realize how much of what we have is entitled - and *entrusted* - to you," Ivanna remarked in a regal tone.

She waved a hand, drawing Mya closer to her. Clearly she had more to tell to her granddaughter, and Harlow watched on with curious eyes.

"Patrick and Nita use to donate large sums of money to us. Valuable donations. But one day, those *twerps* cut us off and branded us as *greedy*! As if! Because of their *insolence*, Hollowleaf almost fell *apart*."

Mya gasped, terror making the muscles on her face contract.

Her *parents*? Evil enough to almost ruin Harlow and Ivanna's *lives*? This was more than just the scorching heat in her lungs, it wasn't a game anymore. This was despicable.

This was *war*.

"Of course, it took a few emergency donors to patch up the mansion-"

Mya cut Ivanna off, not caring about her sudden outburst. "They left you to *die*? Alone in the *dark*? Putrid traitors!"

Her grandmother almost jumped, but let her rant on. This was proving to be rather interesting...

"My parents let you *burn*. But I won't let them. It's time for *payback*. Time to set some screws *firmly* into place."

A bolt of lightning flashed into Ivanna's mind, and noticing Mya's pacing, she developed an idea.

"Why Mya, what do you *think* about showing Nita and Patrick up? You seem pretty bent on making them pay."

Harlow appeared to support this idea, as he stared at Ivanna lovingly.

Mya looked a tad surprised. "I'm not sure if that's going to work," she admitted. "The door is locked, and-"

"Do you *want* payback or do you want to let Nita and Patrick lie in wait, preparing for their next move to *damage* us?" Ivanna inquired gruffly, her blue eyes sparking flames. "You are the *chosen one* to protect this family's honor. Nita and Patrick have nothing left. Why don't we have some fun and take even more *control*, Mya?"

Mya nodded, beginning to understand where she was coming from. Nita and Patrick were weak, but still capable of sufficient harm left to their own devices. Now was the time to strike.

"Good girl," Ivanna praised. "In order to show your parents up, you're going to have to show them just how much you really value them... *Take their money*."

Mya snapped her fingers. That idea was *delicious* on her tongue. Stealing access to her parents' bank account would give Harlow and Ivanna the money they oh-so-needed in their quest for retribution. She was going to play her part. She was going to *do* it.

"You have yourselves a deal," she snickered, a wicked grin like that of her grandfather's on her face. She then sauntered over to the table, where a small object lay near Harlow.

There were still matters to attend to.

"But first, before we leave, I myself must make one thing clear to the both of you."

Suddenly, Mya grabbed the small, golden bell of the table, and before Harlow could reach it in a pale hand, she threw it directly into the fireplace. With a *donk*, it met its untimely demise in the flames.

Harlow and Ivanna had gone deathly quiet, eyes wide and faces white.

"You can't control what *I* choose to do for this family," Mya warned them vaguely. "I'd like for it to remain that way."

Without another word, she stalked out of the room, closing the door roughly behind her. Ivanna shared a shocked glance with Harlow, and only the two knew what had just happened.

Their one-way ticket was breaking away from their hold. And so was their chances at revenge.

One hour later, Harlow and Ivanna dropped Mya off on a sidewalk some distance away from Mya's place; Harlow had noted that this was a precaution to avoid arousing suspicion, should her parents or Winter be awake.

As fast as a horse galloping through the night, Mya ran up the sidewalk and reached the concrete slab path leading to her house. Chills ran through her spine. She *hadn't* been here for half a month, and things were definitely at stake.

Clutching a spare house key Ivanna had given her, she made her way up to the porch, peering through the side windows, but she couldn't see anything. Around this time, her parents would be in the bedroom, likely trying to lull themselves to sleep with the TV, while Winter was already fast asleep in their bedroom.

*Her* bedroom. It wasn't their joint room anymore.

Mya stuck the key into the door lock, and a *click* was audible. She breathed. This was terrifying and exhilerating at the same time, and adrenaline was pumping into her veins.

Still silent, she crept into the foyer, managing to see through the darkness. The lights were out, and the Heartley household was dormant. Perfect. Just what she needed.

*Alright,* she told herself. *The office is down the hall and to the right.* Then, she realized another obstacle.

The office was *directly near* Winter's bedroom. She'd have to be as deathly quiet as possible in order to avoid detection.

Willing herself on, Mya tiptoed through the hall, making the right turn, and finally, she reached the office door. It was closed.

Hesitantly she placed her hand on the knob, turning it and pushing it open. Only a slight creak sounded, not enough to wake Winter or her parents.

Mya stepped into the office, sighing lightly upon seeing the two beige chairs with flower imprints on them, the windowsill she and Winter would sit on and chat away on, and her father's office desk, where'd he game and spend some of his time working.

*No. Not the time to be sappy. You're supposed to be showing power!* Shaking her nostalgia away, Mya walked over to the cubbies next to the computer and pulled out the top drawer. The two purses, both each containing her parents' bank information, were ripe for the taking.

Mya grabbed them, slipping them over her right arm and wearing them as if they were handbags. Her mission was a success. Now, it was time to get out.

Carefully, Mya stepped forward, but found the clasp of her cape digging into her neck. Her cape must have gotten stuck under the wheels of the office chair. Just great.

She tugged, but still didn't get free. Mya tugged harder.

Without warning, the cape came loose, and she *slammed* into the wall. "Goddamn it!" She cursed.

Dread hit her like a cinder block. That was *loud*.

And the next thing she knew, Winter slammed her bedroom door open.

Like a madman, Mya made a break for it and dashed out into the living room, hoping she could get out before Winter saw her.

But she was too late, as an ice-blue gaze bore into her soul.

"Intruder!" Winter hissed. "Just *what* do you think you're *doing* with my parents' money?"

Mya didn't respond, her shock fizzling to anger. She'd have an advantage with her sister not recognizing her in the dark.

Winter growled, drawing her pocket knife and clicking the button that made the blade pop out, glowing silver with the small amount of moonlight in the room. She sped toward Mya like a crack of lightning, pinning her onto the ground and baring her teeth in her face.

She placed the blade of her pocket knife directly at her throat, but strangely, Mya felt no fear. She knew she wasn't going to die tonight.

"I'll *kill you* if you don't *fess up* to your greed, you-" Winter paused.

A beam of moonlight had reflected through the window, shining onto the face of the intruder.

Pale skin. Shoulder-length auburn hair. Leaf-green eyes that were poison ivy to stare at.

"**MYA**!?" Winter shrieked, jumping off of her in terror. "What are you *doing* with the *money*? I... I almost *killed you*!"

"I'm doing the only thing I can do to avenge what was lost," Mya retorted calmly.

Winter's disbelief was quickly molding back into hard fury. "Mya. Drop the money and get out. I *won't* fight you over this."

Mya grinned. Toying around with her prey looked so sexy in this moment.

She charged at Winter, slamming her into the edge of the sofa, and she just barely managed to hold her ground.

"Mya! I *will not* fight you! Just let this go!" Winter pleaded. "I can't bring myself to harm a damn inch of your body. You're still my sister!"

"Not anymore," Mya said, her voice certain and filled with toxin.

All of a sudden, she grabbed Winter by the collar of her nightshirt, dragging her out to a small space between the sofa and coffee table.

"Mya, this is your *last chance*! I don't want to have to do this!" Her begging was futile, and Mya had her shot. She wasn't going to let go.

With all of her strength, she came down on Winter, smashing her head into the side of the coffee table. Winter *screeched* out in agony, collapsing onto the ground, almost completely unconscious.

Mya was satisfied, and her mission complete. She headed to the door, opening it.

Then footsteps came from the hallway.

"What in the name of god's green earth is going on?" Patrick demanded, turning on the lights. He wished he hadn't.

As now, he saw Winter on the ground, eerily still, blood leaking from the back of her head.

And in the doorway was *Mya Heartley*, looking proud as ever.

Nita *screamed* Winter's name, petrified, falling to her side and shaking her. "*Winter*! Winter, *please*! Baby, I'm here, don't worry..."

Patrick faced the culprit in the doorway, holding the key to his and Nita's bank information.

"*Mya Heartley*, put what you have *down*," he warned harshly.

Mya ignored him, her eyes betraying absolutely *nothing*.

"You will **LISTEN TO ME**, Mya. Enough games. This isn't you."

He made his move, lunging at Mya and trying to grab her cape. He missed, and Mya dashed out, back into the night.

Patrick stumbled to his feet, chasing after her with all of his might. "*Mya*! **MYA**!" He yowled, trying to leap onto her cape and pin his daughter down.

But Mya was younger and faster, and she slipped away, vanishing into the shadows of the night, leaving Patrick in a mangled, emotional mess on the sidewalk.

Defeated, and on the verge of another breakdown, he made his way back inside the house. Nita had cradled Winter into her lap, a nasty gash on the side of her head that was stained red.

"Mya did this to her," Nita stated as Winter choked out a sob and buried her face in her mother's chest. "Mya could have *killed* her sister!"

Patrick sat down next to her, his brown eyes glazed over.

With fear.

With foreboding.

With the hard face of *reality*.

"We've unleashed the spawn of the *devil*."

A minute after the confrontation with her family, Mya had reached Harlow and Ivanna's car, handing the bags to them.

"Excellent work, Mya," Ivanna praised, malignant blue eyes piercing the night.

"This is certainly a well-accomplished feat of yours," Harlow added.

"Oh, you should have seen it! Winter exposed me, and I got her *good*. And then my dad chased after me and..."

Harlow and Ivanna had already blocked out Mya's babbling, turning to each other.

"She's getting out of hand, darling. Too powerful. But soon, we won't need her anymore..." Harlow remarked.

Ivanna nodded. "Her parents must be *disposed* of as soon as possible. That way, *vengeance* will be ours."

"Don't worry, Mya. Your time will be over just as soon... Soon." Harlow chuckled briefly, sinister intentions dancing in his mind like the flame of a candle.

## Cast

* **Peyton Elizabeth Lee** as Evie
* **Zoe Saldaña** as Amira
* **Wendie Malick** as Nita
* **Eden Riegel** as Daniela
* **Trent Garrett** as Patrick
* **Mae Whitman** as Winter
* **Pam Ferris** as Ivanna
* **Dakota Fanning** as Mya
* **Udo Kier** as Harlow
* **Bumper Robinson** as Marley
* **Roger Clark** as Samuel
* **Jason Ritter** as young adult boy
* **Dee Bradley Baker** and **Kari Wahlgren** as additional voices

## Songs

* Varien - *Valkyrie I: Bloodshed* (feat. Laura Brehm)
* Set It Off (feat. Ash Costello) - *Partners In Crime* (snippet)
* Halsey - *Darling*

## Trivia

* The title of the episode is inspired by the line "Women like us, I've come to find / Are seldom blind to life's many horrors" from the Ben Moon song *Majesty*. Potato originally misinterpreted the line as "Two lives, many horrors."
* This is the second episode after *Traitors!* where there is additional punctuation in the title.
* It is revealed that:
	+ Nita and Patrick feel a heavy amount of guilt over their actions, hence why they chose to open up about their past.
	+ Following the deaths of Elloise and Luca, Harlow and Ivanna used most of their bank account to make a stellar funeral for Nita.
	+ Harlow and Ivanna liked spoiling Nita in her youth. Also, Nita met Patrick when they were both in high school.
	+ The beginning of *Memories of the Past* was one month after the deaths of Nita's parents.
	+ According to Harlow and Ivanna, Pineshadow's citizens wronged them and attacked him and Ivanna, part of the reason why they are so keen on revenge. However, it is very likely that this is a lie they fed Mya.
	+ Harlow has a past with Samuel.
	+ Nita and Patrick had Mya before they were even married. This information also reveals that they have been married for eleven years.
	+ When Mya was eight, Nita was suicidal due to losing her jobs (her most recent one revealing that she worked for Target) and not making enough money for her family, considering herself a burden and cutting her wrists. Mya saw one of her arguments with Patrick, leaving her heartbroken. After sitting with her daughter, Nita realized that she could never kill herself knowing how much Mya needed her, and gradually, she pulled out of her depression.
	+ Winter's bedroom is located near the office.
* This episode is the first since Season 2 where Amira says "Te amo."
* During the destruction of Old Town Pineshadow, a mashup of Varien's 2014 song *Valkyrie I: Bloodshed* and the Set It Off song *Partners In Crime* is heard. Both songs are a major inspiration for the episode.
* In the flashback, when Nita comforts Mya, the 2021 Halsey song *Darling* plays in the background.
* When Daniela murmurs "Parallels!" after seeing Winter shake her parents' hands, she is alluding to her making amends with Mya in the *Two-Sided* chapter *A New Start*.
	+ Notably, Winter shaking her hands is a parallel to how Willow partially forgives Amity in *The Owl House* and Amity getting on a good start with Alador in a later episode of the show, *Reaching Out*. However, *Two Lives, Many Horrors* was written before *Reaching Out* aired.
* As of this episode, Mya begins to defy Harlow and Ivanna's control of her for her own benefits, even destroying Harlow's bell.
* The Heartley office is based off Potato's own.
* Mya's line about toying around with her prey is a reference to a one-liner from Potato's friend, Belle: "Emancipation has never looked so sexy."
* This episode marks the first instance where the word "devil" is not associated with Shetani.