The Curse of Envy

Tenebrous clouds formed the scene of a bloody battle between two brothers fighting for the throne of ancient Thebes. Their dark shapes depicted the fierce struggle, as they wept cold tears and screamed across the heavens, as though the curse born of their bloodshed were destined to repeat itself.

Pale leaves drifted down, one by one, onto the dark ground.

From one of the tall windows of The Black Palace, Arabella gazed upon the sorrowful landscape. Her face was as pale as freshly fallen snow, possessing the ethereal beauty of an angel. Her short, silvery hair framed her delicate face, while her small, sea-blue eyes reflected the sorrow hidden deep within her soul.

Her heart screamed silently: Why, my sister? Why are you still alive? Why?

She shifted her gaze towards her sister, Celicia, who was peacefully eating the venison.

She was her sister's mirror image, identical to her in even the smallest details.

The two sisters were breathtakingly beautiful, a beauty so extraordinary that it captured the hearts of all who beheld them. Their charm gave rise to the belief that they were blessed maidens.

Their parents, the King and Queen, therefore decided to dedicate an entire wing of The Black Palace to them. It was adorned with pure gold, magnificent statues of ancient mythological figures, and a breathtaking golden throne upon which the two sisters could sit together.

People journeyed from every corner of the world, carrying white and crimson roses as offerings to the sacred maidens, in the hope that their devotion would grant them eternal happiness.

Yet, beneath the roses and the golden splendour, an ancient curse was quietly awakening.