The Fallen Valkyrie

Bianca.

"That's a sick pair of wings," Bianca said, ogling at the crimson wings when the store representative presented her with the Valkyrie costume.

"This?" Layla gestured at the wings with absolute disapproval. "...you've got to be kidding me."

"It's Halloween. Everyone's got to be kidding," Bianca laughed.

"It's one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States of America. Get psyched."

"I am psyched, alright." Bianca didn't sound convinced to Layla.

"Yeah, whatever." Layla resigned, then faced the storekeeper and asked him, "Is my Wonder Woman costume ready?"

Bianca looked at Layla, stunned. "Wonder Woman? Who's kidding now, huh?"

"No, I'm the zombie Wonder Woman. We're going to put on makeup," Layla grinned.

"We?"

"Let me rephrase that," Layla bit her lower lip to suppress the imbecile grin she had on, "you are going to put makeup on me."

Bianca sighed. "This is going to be the death of me." She imitated a gun with her hand and shot herself.

Layla made a funny face and diverted her attention to the store representative as he brought the Wonder Woman costume.

"That's what I'm talking about, baby," Layla whistled.

A blue pair of shorts and a red blouse with stars on it sparkled in Layla's eyes, but it filled Bianca with revulsion. "That's too revealing," she commented.

"That's the point." Layla winked. "...I want every guy's eyes on me and make them feel sorry for themselves because they won't have me."

"You're pure evil," Bianca narrowed her eyes.

"Still sticking to that?" Layla asked, pointing at the Valkyrie wings.

"Hell yeah!" Bianca chimed.

The skinny guy packed Layla's costume and handed her the bag.

"What about those?" Bianca asked, pointing at the wings.

"I'm afraid you have to carry those on your own," the store representative said.

"Still thinking about it," Layla teased.

Bianca ignored Layla and picked up the wings in her arms. The wings blocked her sight. They were made from artificial woolen feathers. She smelled grease on them and felt oil against her fingers as she gently rubbed the feathers to scrutinize them.

"How am I supposed to fit them in the boot?" Layla asked.

"I don't know," Bianca replied from behind the veil of feathers, "...how about we toss them in the back seat?"

"I don't think we can get these things through the door frame," Layla said.

"Come on, Layla, these things aren't going to break," Bianca frowned.

"Well, whatever." Layla rushed to the driver's seat and closed the door.

"Aren't you going to get the door for me?" Bianca yelled.

Layla didn't seem to hear her.

"Hello!" Bianca called again, but the only response she got was the whirring of the wind and passing vehicles.

Bianca fumbled with the door. She almost tripped while getting in, but she caught her balance and stuffed the wings in the backseat.

She shut the door harshly and stomped towards the shotgun seat.

"You didn't even hear me," she whispered angrily.

"Oh, you wanted to get the wings, bear the responsibility that comes along," Layla laughed and sent a growl to the engine.

Layla enjoyed the roar of her Chevy Camaro, a 1969 model. The car shuddered as she pushed the gas and shifted gears.

Bianca never trusted her sister's reckless driving. Fortunately, Layla had never crashed. Bianca believed she was just lucky.

The car sped insanely on the asphalt of the town, sending a quick shake to the trees they passed.

"Do you want to get a speeding ticket?" Bianca squealed.

"Just relax, darling."

"Guess what? You're not a teenager anymore, and we're far away from home," Bianca reminded.

"Come on, just feel the thrill, enjoy yourself. I'll make sure you reach home in one piece and breathing."

"You better."

Bianca had just moved to the town of Lakefall from England after her mum and dad were killed in a mafia ambush. Her parents had worked in the police department, and her sister Layla was studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. Someday, Bianca hoped she would get into a fancy university as well.

With whatever money their parents had left behind, the two sisters moved to the States. To pay for Layla's tuition, they had to sell the family home. The place they had lived in had ceased to feel like home. The memories haunted them, and the relatives didn't make it any better.

When Layla received the acceptance letter from NYFA, she decided to take Bianca with her, but the only school that accepted Bianca was Lakefall High School. It was Bianca's decision to live alone. She had never enjoyed Layla's company. The sisters were complete opposites of each other. It was as if they were obligated to stay together because the string called family bound them.

Bianca never objected to Layla's decision to study in LA and leave her in this small town. In fact, she liked it. Bianca enjoyed being in this town, away from people and the city rush. She had had enough of it in London. Here, in this town, she didn't feel judged or dominated. She felt like a bird for whom the whole sky was open. Although Bianca didn't plan to stay here for long, just until she graduated from high school.

"You know I would love to have you in LA," Layla said.

Bianca nodded. "Well, I like it here. The weather and it's not too crowded."

"Listen, I know I was never the older sister that I should be—"

"—No, save it, sister," Bianca interrupted. "...I can't steal your freedom from you. Mum and dad are gone, and that's it. I can't expect you to be them."

Layla looked at Bianca's face and the smile she feigned.

"Look at the road now, would you?" Bianca said.

This town was the least popular in the United States of America. Bianca had once read about it in an article about how the Norsemen had immigrated here a long time ago. The town had a touch of Europe to it; it didn't feel like Washington.

"I could never imagine myself in this mundane place," Layla sighed.

"That's why I'm me and you're you, Layla."

"What's that supposed to mean now, huh?" Layla scowled.

"Nothing, I'm just saying," Bianca shrugged, "...this town is filled with myths and folklore. Did you know that?"

"Certainly not my cup of tea."

"Now you like coffee, don't you?" Bianca teased.

"Yeah, okay. I always wanted to come to the States, live the Hollywood life," Layla confessed.

"I know," Bianca grinned.

"Yeah, I don't really fancy driving on these slick streets, and it's snowing," Layla grumbled.

"So, slow down," Bianca prompted.

Layla shot Bianca an annoyed glance but slowed down nonetheless. The car's speed decreased, and they were back in reality, driving through the sleepy town of Lakefall.

Bianca looked outside the window and marveled at the snowflakes that had started to fall. The world was transforming into a white landscape, and the sound of the tires on the snow was oddly satisfying.

She had read somewhere that the snow absorbed sound, but she didn't need scientific evidence to prove it to herself. She was experiencing it firsthand. The silence that accompanied the snowfall was as if nature had pressed a mute button, leaving only the sound of their breathing. It was peaceful.

As the car moved through the snowy streets, Bianca couldn't help but feel a sense of serenity. She had found solace in this town, amidst the myths and the calmness. The memories of her parents didn't haunt her as much here. The snow-covered landscape acted as a blanket, warming her heart and giving her hope for a brighter future.

Unbeknownst to Bianca, Lakefall held secrets and mysteries within its ancient woods and hidden corners. Little did she know that her arrival in this town would unravel a chain of events that would change her life forever. The supernatural forces that lay dormant were about to awaken, and Bianca would find herself at the center of a battle between good and evil.

But for now, as the car cruised through the snow-kissed streets, Bianca focused on the present moment, cherishing the bond with her sister, and embracing the tranquility of Lakefall. Little did she know that her journey had only just begun, and the chapters yet to unfold would shape her destiny in ways she couldn't fathom.