Humming softly to herself, Isabel tended to her garden. The vibrant bed of roses bloomed in shades of deep crimson and pure white, their petals kissed by the morning sun. The faint, sweet fragrance of blossoms mingled with the crisp morning air. Butterflies flitted gracefully from one blossom to another as a gentle breeze swept through, making the flowers sway in rhythm with its soft whisper.
Isabel’s white hair and flowing dress danced lightly in the breeze as she carried out her task with focused serenity. The cool metal of the watering can was steady in her hands—until frantic, hurried footsteps shattered the calm.
Frowning, Isabel looked up. Fave, a teenage girl with disheveled blonde hair, sprinted toward her barefoot, her face flushed with panic, and streaked with tears. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, each one sharp against the quiet morning.
“Isabel! Isabel!” Fave gasped, her voice trembling as she stumbled to a halt.
The watering can hit the ground with a dull thud. Isabel rushed forward, gripping Fave’s trembling shoulders, her sharp gaze locking onto the girl’s wide, terrified eyes.
“What is it, Fave?” Isabel demanded, her voice firm through her heart raced, an invisible thread of dread pulling tight.
Fave tried to speak, her chest heaving, but only stammered, “Auro... Aurora...”
Isabel’s brow furrowed. Her grip tightened instinctively, fingers digging into Fave’s thin arms.
“What about her? Is she here?” Isabel’s voice was a sharp blade, cutting through the tension.
Fave shook her head violently, pointing back the way she had come. Her lips quivered as she tried again, “The Queen’s crown... she...”
thoughBefore she could finish, another figure appeared—Shay, breathless, her face flushed with exertion. She stumbled toward them, sweat glistening on her brow.
“Isabel!” Shay gasped, dropping to one knee, her hand clutching her chest as she fought to catch her breath.
Isabel turned sharply, releasing Fave. “Speak!” she barked, her patience unraveling.
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Shay met her gaze, eyes dark with regret.
“Aurora has stolen the crown,” Shay confessed, her voice low with shame. “We chased her, but... we lost her.” She bowed her head, fists clenched at her sides.
Isabel blinked, disbelief etched across her face. Her mouth opened, then closed, words momentarily lost to the storm brewing inside her.
“What do you mean you lost her?” Isabel’s voice rose, sharp with fury.
Shay straightened, her jaw set. “We will find her. We’ll bring her to her knees.”
“You must bring back the crown. You have to!” Isabel’s voice cracked, her fists trembling, knuckles ghostly white as the tempest within her surged, threatening to spill over.
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Two Days Later, 6:00 PM
Examining the blade of a knife glinting under bright white light, Alicia traced its sharp edge with the tip of her finger, a sly smirk curling her lips and a spark gleaming in her eyes. A sudden knock on the door disrupted her trance, and she frowned.
“Who’s there?” she snapped, quickly hiding the knife behind her back.
The door creaked open slightly, revealing Alena’s hesitant face.
“It’s me. Can I come in?” Alena asked, peeking in.
thoughAlicia forced a smile, her grip tightening on the knife as Alena stepped inside, closing the door with a soft click. Clearing her throat, Alicia arched an inquisitive brow.
“Strange to see you here,” she replied coolly.
Alena offered a faint smile, Her gaze drifted over the meticulously arranged pink furniture, the bedspread perfectly smooth.
“Yeah,” she muttered, nodding slightly. It was probably her first time in Alicia’s room—even she couldn’t believe it.
“You must love pink,” Alena commented, noting the pink accessories. “Everything is so well arranged. I love your taste.”
How shameless, Alicia thought, sneering internally.
Tilting her head, Alicia forced a sweet, silly smile, masking the devilish grin that threatened to emerge.
“I’d still like to know why you’re here,” she said, blinking innocently.
Alena fidgeted, her hands twisting behind her back. “I know we don’t exactly get along, but I need you to trust me this time. I would like you to come with me.”
Alicia arched an eyebrow. “Come with you?” Alicia chuckled darkly, twirling the knife. “To where? We’ve never had any business together. So why?” Her fingers tightened around the hidden knife.
“There’s something I need to tell you,” Alena replied, her tone softening. “And I know you won’t believe me if I say it alone. So, I found someone you can trust. Please, just come with me. There are things you need to know, Alicia.” She paused briefly. “The time has come to reveal some secrets. Please.”
Secrets? Alicia’s mind raced. Do I look like a fool to you?
Alicia thought, squinting. But Alena’s eyes—earnest, almost desperate—gave her pause.
Don’t trust Alena, Rose’s warning echoed in her mind. Fine. Let’s play your game, Alena.
“Fine,” Alicia said warily, nodding. “Go. I’ll be right behind you.”
Alena nodded, fiddling with her fingers before leaving the room.
As the door clicked shut, Alicia stood motionless, the knife trembling slightly in her grip. With a sharp exhale, she stabbed it into the wooden shelf beside her, the blade quivering from the force.