Princess Cromwell and Her Six Brothers
Some of the gold threads had already worn out, revealing the dark base beneath, resembling dried bloodstains.
Its face was so pale it was almost transparent, yet in the fine lines around its eye sockets and mouth, there was an accumulation of stubborn gray-black grime, as if shadows had seeped in over the years. Its eyebrows were delicately arched like willow leaves, outlined with fine ink strokes, slightly raised with an indescribable sneer. The eyes were two black beads, without pupils, like bottomless ancient wells, staring intently no matter the angle.