Bones of a fallen court

Bones of a fallen court

Bones of a fallen court


Bones of a fallen court


Chapter 1
The city smelled of blood and silk. Every street, every shadow, belonged to them now--the vampires. They slept in silk sheets while we humans slowly lost ourselves trying to survive. I won't let that happen. I won't let Nanaka spend another night hungry. She's the reason I'm still alive--without her, I'm nothing.


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I woke up when the first ray of sunlight hit. Nanaka was still asleep beside me, curled up in a corner of the abandoned basement. I grabbed my thin blanket and placed it on top of Nanaka's one. I got up from the floor and put on my best dress, which consisted of a fitted bodice with a sharp neckline and long sleeves with lace at the cuffs. The skirt fell above my ankles and also had a thin line of lace. Today, my attire had to be the best if I was going to win a place at the royal palace.
If I were chosen, if I got inside, everything would change, and I knew I didn't have a chance there; we're probably smarter and prettier girls, but I was determined to win no matter what.
Over the past few days, I have been busy gathering information about my rivals, including their strengths and weaknesses.
The trials were simple but deadly; the last human standing would earn a place among the royals, which meant inside privileges, food provided, actual beds, and, most importantly, access to the prince.
I had calculated my plan, so there was no possible mistake; every variable, every possibility was covered, and there was no room for failure. If I had to go to the lengths of murder to win, I would for Nanaka for the greater good.
I put on the pendant my mother had gifted me, and taking a deep breath, I left the basement, stepping on the busy streets already full of passers-by and vampires. Of course, I had to be careful; there were always the violent newborns who couldn't control their bloodlust, but vampires mostly hunted at night, and still, the daylight was perfect for mind controlling vampires looking for a new human to use.
I took a small crumpled-up paper from inside my bag, where the 4 other contestants' names were written. I had all of their addresses. My first unlucky victim would be Aurelia Delacour. It was a pity because she had always been my friend before this happened. I still remember how we used to go to shops together, staring at gorgeous gowns, wondering what we would look like with them, but it had to be done.
I knocked on the door of a modest cottage whose windows were shut. A small voice replied warily, "Who's there?" I replied in a voice that portrayed the illusion of sweetness, "No need to worry, dear, it's Seraphina I've brought freshly baked bread." Carefully, she opened the door, but when she saw me, her whole demeanor changed, "SERAPHINA?!" She opened the door wide and pulled me inside quickly before shutting the door. She hugged me before finally speaking, "It's been so long, what brings you here, my dear friend?" I smiled and took a seat on the small wooden table "Oh you know just passing by to wish you good luck in the trials" As expected she believed every word and beamed at me "Oh wow thank you Sera" I nodded "After all only one of us can win" "Yeah true" I got up and slowly made my way towards her "Thank you Aurelia" She tilted her head confused "For what?" I smirked, "For letting me win." Realization dawned over here as I pulled out a small dagger from my shoe, I stabbed her neck before she could scream, as soon as the dagger touched her neck blood started pouring out fast and in a few seconds she was on the floor i watched as she tried to crawl towards the door with her last strenghts it was no use anyways if she did manage to escape the vampires would finish the job "I'm sorry truly but Nanaka deserves better" I did feel bad of course but she wasnt worth sacrificing my sister for. After ensuring she was dead for real, I washed the blood off me before incinerating the body.
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I returned to the basement 2 hours before the trial. Nanaka was already awake. She was wearing a simple dress with long sleeves, and her black hair was let down uncombed. "Nana! Why aren't you ready yet?" I sighed. This girl couldn't do anything on her own. "Sis, I don't know what to wear though!" I chuckled. Ironic since we didn't own that many dresses, but thanks to my little outing, I had recollected the money from my rivals who were now dead and bought two beautiful gowns. Of course, they weren't anywhere near the royal's attire, but they were still pretty good.
The bodice was a deep, commanding navy, cinched tightly with gold-laced corsetry that carved my waist into a blade's shape. Every metal embellishment shimmered. The skirt spilled outward in layered ruffles, each fold catching the light like waves in a midnight sea. Gold brocade curled along the hem in intricate patterns--delicate, regal, almost too beautiful for someone who grew up in the ruins beneath the city.
I had bought the identical dress for Nanaka, except hers was a soft pink, like a petal, reflecting her kind soul.
"Nana dear, come here, let me do your hair," I said as Nanaka aran excitedtly towards me sitting on a small wooden taburet I picked up the brush and combed her long wawy black hair before neatly arranging it into a bun i looked at her reflection in the mirror how her eyes lit up at the sight of her new gown how her smile grew a smile too kind for this cruel world she was too good to live like this she has always been too good. "You look beautiful," She giggled, smiling. I didn't have to apply any makeup on her already natural, rosy cheeks; she truly was like a flower, so soft, so fragile, yet she still lived in poor conditions. "Now wait a while till I do my own hair, alright?" She nodded excitedly while I sat on the taburet, grabbing the brush and combing my own hair. I arranged my own black waves into a crown upon my head. Unlike my sister, I applied a generous amount of powder and blush onto my sickly pale face.
I stood up, rearranging my gown's skirt. "Are you ready, Nana?" She nodded, taking my hand. "Sera.. What if you don't win?" Something broke inside me at her sweet voice filled with concern. If only she knew what I did for her for us. I don't know if she'd run or thank me. "Trust me, I will."
We left and headed towards the trials towards the palace. Every step was one step closer to freedom.