Chapter Text
“In the darkest corners of our hearts, love found its home, nourishing itself on the pain and sorrow that bound us together.” - Unknown
PROLOGUE: SMALLVILLE, KANSAS– TWENTY YEARS EARLIER
Despite the heat from the sun shining overhead, the streets of Smallville were packed with citizens enjoying the annual Summer Fair. For sixteen-year-old Jordan Kent it was a bittersweet time, as she would be leaving in two days to attend college. So, she was determined to enjoy her remaining time at home by spending quality time with her family and enjoying the festivities. While their parents chatted with a few of their neighbors, Jordan linked arms with her brother Clark and pulled him aside.
“Since Mom and Dad are busy, why don’t we head over to Madame Mystery’s booth and have her tell us our fortunes?” she suggested.
‘Madame Mystery’ was an older woman of unknown origin who was serving as a fortune teller for the fair attendees. While the adults were keeping a skeptical distance, most of the town’s younger residents had availed themselves of her services and her readings were eerily accurate.
“I have enough to deal with in the present without having to worry about some quasi-mystical future that will likely never happen,” Clark replied dryly.
“Don’t be a stick in the mud, Clark,” Jordan chided.
“I’m not, Jordan; I’m just not interested.”
“Well at least come with me for moral support then,” Jordan requested.
“Fine, but after we’re finished you have to buy me a corn dog,” Clark stated.
“Done deal.”
Making their way through the crowd, Jordan and Clark approached the booth where the seer was plying her trade. The old woman glanced up at their arrival and sent them a friendly smile.
“Good afternoon, young ones,” she greeted and focused on Jordan. “My you are a pretty one, aren’t you?”
Clark scoffed. “No psychic powers needed to notice that,” he muttered under his breath.
Jordan acknowledged the compliment with a faint smile as she elbowed her brother in the ribs. “Be nice, or you won’t get your corn dog,” she admonished.
“Sorry.”
“I am Celeste,” the seer offered.
“I’m Jordan, and this is my brother, Clark.”
“Are you interested in a reading?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Jordan confirmed. “Well, I am.”
Celeste walked over to open the entry gate for a small sitting area in her booth and gestured for the teenagers to step inside. The trio settled at the small table, with Jordan and Clark seated side-by-side opposite the seer. Reaching into her pocket, Jordan pulled out a $20.00 bill and handed it to Celeste, who tucked it into a small satchel on the edge of the table. Jordan held out her hand, and the older woman took it, smoothing her calloused fingers over the lines.
“You have a strong lineage,” Celeste remarked. “Perhaps even royal blood.”
“Actually, I have no idea,” Jordan replied. “Clark and I are both adopted.”
“Your lifeline is solid,” Celeste noted. “An indicator of a long life ahead.”
“That’s good to hear,” Jordan said.
Celeste closed her eyes and clasped Jordan’s hand, holding onto it for a moment before speaking again.
“I sense a conflict in your future, which will bring you great sorrow, but also, ultimately, great joy,” she replied, and opened her eyes to pin Jordan with a steady gaze. “Beware the Magician.”
“The Magician?” Jordan echoed questioningly.
“Yes. He is not what he seems.”
“Isn’t that the definition of a magician?” Clark interjected rhetorically.
“Hush,” Jordan hissed at him.
Celeste released her hold on Jordan’s hand and repeated her warning. “Beware the Magician. He is both light and dark, and your fates are irreversibly intertwined.”
Not liking the apprehension that was now evident on his sister’s striking young face, Clark decided to intervene.
“Okay we’re done here,” he declared and grabbed Jordan’s hand to pull her to her feet. “Let’s go.”
“Clark -“
Ignoring his sister’s protests, Clark tossed off a curt farewell to Celeste as he practically dragged Jordan from the booth, and they rejoined the throng of people wandering about.
“What’s wrong with you?” Jordan asked. “She wasn’t finished.”
“I don’t care,” Clark responded. “That mumbo jumbo she was spouting was clearly upsetting you, so it was time to get you out of there.”
“Then you don’t believe anything she said?”
“I’m fine with you being descended from royalty and living to a ripe old age, but that nonsense about some magic man who is part of your destiny was too much.” A beat. “So just stay away from magic shows and you’ll be fine.”
Jordan rolled her eyes. “You’re such a dork,” she said.