[excerpt] by Editor Page B

and ran as hard as he’d driven the horses towards the door. Pounding on the heavy wooden structure did nothing to bring anyone to the door, nor did it do anything to improve his temperament. From the side of the home a frail, petite, grey-haired woman hobbled with the aid of a wooden cane towards Duncan.
    “G’day, Mr. Thomas. If ’tis the doctor you’ll be needin’ he’s off to the O’Donnell’s. They’re having their baby today.”
    Duncan left her standing alone pointing her cane in the air. “We have to go to Serina’s, Lucian. I’ll explain later,” he yelled back through the carriage window.
    Numb to the core, Lucian brushed Raven’s hair from her face, while his thoughts drifted to a time four years back when they were both still at university, and how he nearly lost Raven. He hadn’t allowed himself to think about the sick events that almost killed his twin because even behind closed eyes he could see the nightmare all too vividly.
    ****
    Four Years Earlier 1892
     
    With only days until graduation, Lucian sat beside Raven on a bench outside the men’s dormitory at the university, both quiet watching as families and friends prepared for the commencement ceremonies.
    “I do believe, Luce, you and I are the only ones here with no family,” Raven mumbled as she watched an ant drag an object much bigger than itself deep into a hole. Raven back-filled the bug’s little doorway to the world without a second thought.
    “You’ve got me, Ray, always. Mum and Dad would be so proud of you.”
    Raven sat up and cut Lucian off, placing her fingers to his lips. “Of us, Lucian. You’re fantastic. Mum had dreams for you, but you surpassed them all. You are smart, suave, and dashingly handsome.”
    Lucian cut Raven off. “Raven, don’t ever call me handsome. Smart and suave are fine. Definitely dashing, but sisters aren’t supposed to notice things like that, but thank you.” Lucian gave her a half court bow with the tip of his finger from his forehead.
    Raven pushed at his chest playfully. “I’m not lusting after you, dear brother, that’s simply vulgar. Comparatively speaking, look at that roommate you’ve had all these years, Xavier Sinclair. He is truly the most undesired, depressed man I’ve ever met. Let’s just state the obvious and go from there. His eyes look like water after you’ve had your bath.”
    Lucian placed his hand over his heart. “Me?”
    Raven stifled a smirk. “His lips are so thin and red. They look like they were painted by an artist who’d run out of paint. His teeth remind me of a shark, too many and too sharp. His body is identical to the skeleton hanging in the science lab. Neither meat nor muscle on him. I hope someday soon modern science can help him and his hubris. Unreal! He believes himself to best any man. You ever see him around women? No sane woman would willingly hand over her dowry for him.”
    Lucian threw his arm around his sister’s shoulder and tugged her to him. “No worries, Ray. Your dowry’s a tad bit skimpy as it is.” Lucian teased, pointing towards her chest. “No man is good enough for you. I’ll take care of you forever.”
    “Lucian!” Raven blushed. “I love you, but there’s a limit, and you are pushing it.”
    “Well, speak of the devil and sadly the ugly scalawag does appear.” Lucian twisted her head in the direction of the man. “Xavier, we were just talking about you.” Lucian extended his hand toward the emaciated man.
    Raven sat quiet, her cheeks trapped between her teeth.
    “All good things I’m sure, Lucian,” Xavier stated as he returned the shake. Xavier’s glance covered Raven head to toe. He bid, “Raven, good afternoon. Sad to think there are only days left ’til we part our ways. I assume you’ll not be following me to my home to toss me out of my bed any longer. I truly regret you never once let me lie by your side.” Xavier grinned, showing off all those teeth Raven had no use for. “I found it cold on