Chapter 1922: Twin Sister

She was executing her plan in the kitchen one day, spiking the soup with a nerve-damaging drug. Sheba never anticipated James sneaking in for a snack during his studies. He witnessed her actions.

Initially confused, James questioned her. Sheba panicked and lied, but James, a clever boy, saw through her deception and told his parents. Sheba, frantic, chased him, but James, a child, struggled and screamed. She pinned him down; he kicked, causing her to stumble backward into a deep well. Yennefer and Jones returned to find Sheba falling, possibly striking her head and losing consciousness before she could scream. They rescued her, but it was too late; Sheba was dead.

James, despite repeatedly recounting what he'd seen, was severely beaten by his father. Evidence of his aunt's attempted poisoning was eventually found in the kitchen. Yennefer's grief over her sister and the revelation of Sheba's plan triggered a mental breakdown, resulting in a month-long coma.

Upon awakening, Yennefer was changed; the trauma induced mania. During episodes, she behaved exactly like her sister, Sheba Thompson. James was thirteen that year. Thereafter, during her episodes, she viewed James as an enemy, showering him with insults.

Initially depressed, James dedicated himself to becoming a psychologist to help his mother. After extensive research and consultations with renowned doctors, he concluded her illness stemmed from her connection to her twin sister. Yennefer, unable to process the trauma, developed a secondary personality—her sister, Sheba—mirroring Sheba's fear before her death. This subconsciously cast James as an enemy. During episodes, Yennefer repeatedly threatened to kill him.

Despite the emotional toll of witnessing his mother's episodes, James persevered, seeking treatment for her worldwide. He even embraced superstition, learning of an ancient shaman in Alendor reputed to treat such conditions, and brought his mother there. They had, in fact, visited Alendor several years prior, seeking help from a supposed shaman. Perhaps subconsciously, Yennefer understood the family's suffering if her episodes continued. Regardless, Yennefer's condition stabilized after that trip.

On a second trip, they attended the shaman’s funeral, after which they planned to explore Alendor’s grasslands. An unexpected attack occurred, forcing James to shoot the assailants to protect his parents. This triggered Yennefer's memories of her sister's death, worsening her condition.