Chapter 1 - An Unexpected Murder


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    *Drip*


    *Drip*


    *Drip*


    The sound of dripping blood became louder and louder as the body hanging from the ceiling slowly emptied its life force. The metallic tang filled the room, mixing with the musty scent of decay.


    The sound echoed in my mind like a haunting melody, each drop of blood a reminder of the nightmare I had just escaped. I jolted awake, heart racing, only to find myself in my own room, drenched not in blood but in a vibrant pool of spilled juice. The crimson liquid glistened on the floor, a stark contrast to the pale marble tiles. Seems like the maids are at it again. I let out a sigh of relief, my pulse slowly returning to normal. These nightmares would never end, but at least this time, reality was a little kinder.


    As I wiped the sticky mess from the floor, the chatter of the maids drifted up from the stairway, a cacophony of whispers and laughter that grated on my nerves.


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    *SLAP*


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    I am an illegitimate Princess of Domino, at least that''s what they call me. A nation known for its overwhelming powers of the dragon flame passed down from generation to generation to its direct bloodline. But to everyone''s amazement....there is no one in this generation in the royal bloodline who have inherited this power. But there have been rumors going around that my younger sister, Isabella has awakened her powers. And at today''s banquet, it will be confirmed!


    I honestly do not have any interest in this, because I know nothing good is to arise from this disheveled child born from a concubine who was nothing more than a mere maid before she killed my mother the Empress and stole her position and status. Even though I''m a legitimate child, everyone considers me illegitimate because it is believed that my mother had a secret affair with another man before she had me. This is just a rumor started by the concubine. And I know the truth better than anyone else, there was absolutely nothing like that.


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    -Helia Palace; Porte-Cochère-


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    Today was significant; it was my first appearance before my father, the King, and the high society after eight long years.


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    Sigh. It seemed I would become the topic of their next tea parties again. A smirk tugged at my lips; perhaps being the center of attention wouldn’t be so bad after all.


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    And there he went, my father, delivering his ludicrous spiel about his own greatness. I glanced at my stepmother, the Empress, who wore a scowl that could curdle milk. Her mood was palpable, thickening the air around us. It must be because the King was expected to confirm the rumors today.


    What just happened? My eyes widened in disbelief. A body lay sprawled on the floor, blood pooling around it like a dark halo.


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    Elmir…..Isn''t that one of our Enemies? Well I must say, he’s got quite the courage to do something so outrageous in the grounds of his Empire’s Enemy. Furthermore, he is the son of the Valentine family, one of Elmir''s most prestigious and renowned households. I am curious what type of turmoil and flu-like rumors will arise from here on out.


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    To be Continued...