Belladonna woke up to two things. The blinding sunlight and scroll that was hung up on the wall, for the painting on it to dry. Despite her headache, and her initial ignorance of her surroundings, the painting held her curiosity and as her eyelids slid shut, she opened them again to observe the painting even more. It was a woman, in an oversized shirt, sleeping on a mat, and a lantern on the floor - a short distance from her. It was so detailed but strange because she didn't remember painting anything last night. She couldn't even paint!Wait.Waittttt...Was that... her?!She quickly looked down at herself, confirming that was indeed her.This was the room assigned to Eli.She had never been in it before, but she didn't have to. Everything in here, especially that painting, told her all she needed to know. "By Ignas, no, no, no, no, no!"She muttered beneath her breath, as she rushed up to her feet. It was an action she had done way too quickly, her head seemed to sway on her n

For everything that begins must end. This was the last night of the Trade Feast and a winner must be declared. Everyone was gathered at the Village Square with their kills from the morning hunt mounted unto one another, right in front of each family. The torches provided light for the arena, ensuring that the cloak of darkness that was decorated by the stars above, wouldn't act as an obstacle to their celebration.The success at different stages were being calculated, as each judge went around with a small slate and chalk in their hands, recording whatever it was they needed to. Belladonna could see Jazliy from where she was standing next to GrandPapi, but she ignored her gaze knowingly while battling a smile. Eli was in front of Sazey's family along with the representative. Belladonna could see his back from here and the little smirk he sent her way when he turned and caught her watching, only reminded her that she couldn't run forever. She might have escaped this afternoon but man

The scythe never made it down to Kestra to cause any damage. A quick succession of blades flew straight for Death and with a swift movement, his scythe cut them in half. But the trouble had only just begun. The ground trembled, the red sky above and the boat floating on the river threatened to overturn.Chaos unleashed.An attack!"Give me back my daughter, Mokros!" The voice of an angry and deadly woman thundered around them. That must be The Mother. With a new and more powerful opponent against him, Kestra stood there, her existence a totally forgotten one to Death. In a flash, he grew mightier than he was before, darkness growing with him as he towered over her, more than any being she had ever seen. "WHO DARES TO CHALLENGE ME?!" A deafening voice from the abyss of his hood shook the ground and sky even greater than the first challenging voice, that none on their feet stood still.The boat on the river rocked to the sudden storm that ceased the calm waters. Kestra searched

"Good evening, sir. It is I, Aniya. Do you remember me?"Aniya. That was his Donna's sister. Of course, he remembered her and all the things she had done to his Donna. How would he ever forget?Why did she have a veil on though?Was this a result of the fire that her father had caused?"It is so good to finally see you, sir. You are nothing like I expected." She stated and Eli frowned.Of course, she could now see his face just as many people could. "What do you want?""I need your help." She looked around. Aniya's movement wasn't difficult for Eli to assess, he had once been the person with a concealing object over his face. "May I come in?"He stood rigidly at the door. "Whatever it is, speak your mind here, I will listen and tell you if I can render my help."It was obvious that just like her sister, he didn't trust her but she couldn't blame them. Besides, this would change very soon.Aniya was quick to reveal her need to seek and acquire the forgiveness of her sister, laying

It had been three days since Belladonna had arrived in Inaymi, three days since Aniya had tried to help her sister and fix their failing relationship, three straight days of complete rejection. Belladonna was very busy, she was always visiting the homes of the past brides and fulfilling their quests. It was an ironic thing for Aniya to watch, considering that her sister was a bride herself. She seemed so tired too.There were bags beneath her eyes, and Aniya noticed no matter how hard she tried to hide them with a smile. She wished she could help, do something and for once feel useful towards her, but Belladonna obviously didn't trust her with anything. Could she blame her though?No. If she were in her shoes, she would do the same. She wouldn't trust her, not after every scheme she and her mother had pulled to take her to where she was today. She would trust no one. But her sister cared, her coldness couldn't hide it.Aniya was sure that in a way, she was the reason she was st