Black rose

In the realm of dreams, far across the lands of Earth, lay the Kingdom of Luzina. A majestic state, it thrived under the rule of Queen Anastasia, whose shadow stretched over every corner of the kingdom. Within its borders lay a humble village, quiet and unassuming, where life flowed gently, unaware of the grandeur beyond its fields.

In this village stood a modest house, home to seven sisters. Orphaned at a young age, they were raised by their eldest sister, Lilith.

This is an ordinary day

Lisa moved through the bustling kitchen with quiet precision. Her black hair, tied back to keep stray strands from falling into the simmering pots, glinted under the warm kitchen lights. Her sharp, attentive black eyes scanned the countertops as she chopped fresh vegetables and stirred bubbling sauces.

She wore a fitted mini black shirt beneath a vibrant red frock, the black bow tie at her collar slightly askew from the morning’s rush. Black pumps clicked softly against the tiled floor as she moved from station to station, golden earrings catching brief flashes of light with every turn of her head. Around her neck, the delicate chain of her name necklace—Lisa—rested just above her apron, a small reminder of herself amidst the chaos of knives, steam, and sizzling pans.

Ruth moved beside Lisa with quiet efficiency, her blond hair neatly pinned back, soft strands framing her warm, fair-toned face. Her ocean-blue eyes sparkled with quiet curiosity as she arranged ingredients on the counter, matching Lisa’s rhythm with practiced ease. She wore a crisp white shirt beneath an olive-colored frock, the black-olive bow tie at her collar perfectly straight, giving her an air of calm order amidst the kitchen chaos. Around her neck, a delicate chain held her name necklace—Ruth—resting just above her apron, a small, personal touch that mirrored Lisa’s own.

Despite the flurry of sizzling pans and clattering utensils, Ruth moved gracefully, her every step deliberate and measured. While Lisa commanded the center of the kitchen with her sharp, focused presence, Ruth’s gentle efficiency complemented her perfectly, keeping the workflow smooth. Together, they were a synchronized force, turning ingredients into artistry, flavors into perfection. But suddenly, Lisa paused, her eyes narrowing.

“Where is Victoria?” she asked, her voice calm but edged with concern.

Ruth froze, a flicker of fear crossing her face. “It… it wasn’t my fault. I stopped her,” she murmured, avoiding Lisa’s gaze.

“Ruth,” Lisa said, her tone sharper now.

“She hasn’t come home since last night,” Ruth admitted, her voice trembling.

“What?” Lisa stopped mid-chop, surprise flashing across her face.

Ruth’s expression twisted with unease, her lips pressed tightly together.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Lisa asked, her voice rising slightly.

Ruth swallowed hard. “She… she threatened me. She said… she’d break my nose if I told anyone.”

Lisa’s eyes darkened, her jaw tightening. She took a step closer to Ruth.

“What am I supposed to do with you all? Handle this… I’m coming.”

Ruth blinked, relief and worry mixing on her face, but she nodded silently.

Without another word, Lisa straightened her frock and moved toward the kitchen door, her determination radiating with every step.

“I’m going to find her,” she declared, her voice firm.

As Lisa walked down the street, her mind was restless, her thoughts consumed by a single name—Victoria. Suddenly, she noticed a crowd gathered ahead, voices shouting, chaos everywhere.

Victoria.

She stood in the middle of the throng, messy and wild, her light brown curly hair falling in untamed strands around her face. Her leaf-green eyes blazed with fury as she argued with some boys. She wore a green checkered shirt with open buttons, a black vest, and black trousers, her clothes slightly disheveled from the scuffle.

Victoria was hitting them, yelling insults, completely caught up in the fight, and the crowd around her watched in shock.

Lisa’s heart sank.

“What is she doing…” she muttered, stepping forward through the throng, her concern mounting.

“Witch! She’ll curse my child! A family of sorceresses!”

Victoria turned, furious.

“Shut your filthy mouth!” she yelled.

Lisa stepped in immediately.

“Just stop it!” she said firmly, her voice cutting through the chaos.

Then she turned to the woman, keeping calm.

“We are really sorry for this behavior. I promise she’ll never do this again. I’ll punish her myself.”

Victoria interrupted sharply,

“Why are you saying sorry? They started it!”

Lisa glared at her.

“Just shut your mouth.”

Victoria shouted,

“But… they called us a witch!”

“Just shut up.” Lisa grabbed her hand.

“Come with me.”

They were about to leave when the woman screamed again. Some people in the crowd stepped forward and warned Victoria,

“Be quiet! She’ll cast a spell on you! Your entire family will be destroyed!”

Victoria spun around, ready to fight again, but Lisa said firmly,

“Walk straight.”

Victoria lowered her gaze, silent, and followed Lisa, while the crowd behind them murmured in fear and disbelief.

As Lisa walked beside Victoria down the quiet street, Victoria’s anger finally spilled over.

“Why do you always do this?” Victoria snapped, her leaf-green eyes flashing, wavy hair bouncing as she gestured wildly. “Everyone talks badly about us… and you just… You just listen! You never say anything!”

Lisa stayed calm, her gaze steady, but didn’t answer immediately.

“All this is because of Lilith,” Victoria continued, her voice trembling with fear and suspicion. “Who knows… maybe she really does magic!”

Lisa’s eyes narrowed. “Not more words.” Her voice was sharp but controlled. “Have some shame! She is our elder sister. How can you even think like this about your own sister? You should feel ashamed.”

Victoria’s shoulders slumped slightly, but she hesitated.

“Then… Why does she stay locked in her room? She doesn’t even talk to us.”

Lisa shook her head, her tone firm. “I told you… That’s enough. You don’t know anything.”

Victoria bit her lip. “I… I’m sorry,” she whispered.

Soon after, they reached home. Ruth had been waiting anxiously at the doorway.

“You’re back!” Ruth exclaimed, relief flooding her face.

Lisa nodded. “Set the table. Lunch is ready.”

Ruth turned to Victoria, noticing her disheveled appearance. “And you… what have you been up to?” she asked, half amused, half concerned.

Victoria muttered sharply, “Shut up.”

Lisa then turned to their younger sisters. Crystal, the five-year-old with gentle features like Lisa's, wore a light pink frock, her eyes wide, and clung to Lisa’s side, looking up at her with innocent trust.

. And Suzanne, the fourteen-year-old, with dark brown curly hair and sharp dark eyes, stood with her arms crossed in her purple dress, clearly annoyed but watching carefully.

“They’ve been waiting for you,” Ruth said softly,

Lisa turned toward Ruth, her eyes sharp yet calm.

“Ruth?” she asked.

Ruth looked up briefly. “Yes?”

“Put Lilith’s meal on the table,” Lisa instructed, her tone firm. “I’ll bring it to them myself.”

Ruth nodded. “Alright”

“Should I go to Lilith’s room?” Ruth asked hesitantly, holding the tray.

“No, don’t worry,” Lisa replied gently. “I’ll bring it to her.”

Ruth paused, but curiosity and concern pulled her forward. She quietly walked to Lilith’s room and pushed the door open halfway. Inside, the room was shrouded in darkness. On the bed, Lilith sat gracefully, her presence commanding even in the dim light. She wore a floor-length maxi dress in solid deep blue, the full sleeves draping elegantly over her arms. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back, catching the faint light in soft glimmers.

Her porcelain skin looked almost luminous against the shadows, and her amber eyes glowed subtly, sharp and piercing in the semi-darkness. Around her neck, a delicate silver chain with a name pendant reading “Lilith” rested just above her dress, shining faintly in the gloom.

The room was silent, heavy with a quiet tension. Even sitting still in the darkness, Lilith exuded a calm authority, a mysterious aura that made Lisa pause for a heartbeat before speaking. Lisa’s heart ached as she stepped closer.

“Lilith… breakfast is ready,” she called softly.

A pause. Then Lilith’s voice came, soft and trembling, heavy with pain and despair:

“No… I’m not hungry. Did everyone eat their breakfast?”

Her words were quiet, fragile, yet they carried a weight that made Lisa’s chest tighten. She could sense her sister’s exhaustion, sorrow, and hidden struggle.

“Don't worry, we eat our breakfast! I… I’ll leave it here for you,” Lisa said gently, not wanting to intrude.

She lingered for a moment, staring at the darkness that hid her sister, feeling the quiet despair in the room. Then, reluctantly, she stepped back and returned to the rest of the family.

The doorbell rang at Lisa’s house—once, sharp and heavy, echoing through the quiet hallway.

Before a second sound could follow, the door opened immediately.

Two figures stood outside.

The palace soldiers loomed at the entrance, their heavy black armor towering over the doorway. The metal plates were thick and layered, etched with ancient markings that seemed to drink in the light. Their massive boots rested firmly against the ground, unmoving, unyielding.

Neither of them spoke.

The air around them felt colder, heavier—as if the world itself had slowed.

Lisa stood frozen for a brief moment, her sharp black eyes studying them. She felt it instantly—this was no ordinary visit.

One of the soldiers stepped forward. The movement was slow, deliberate, yet effortless despite the crushing weight of the armor. From within his iron gauntlet, he produced a sealed invitation, bound in dark leather and stamped with a silver royal crest.

He held it out toward Lisa.

No greeting.

No explanation.

Just the invitation.