CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2: Shadows of Betrayal

June and Stella had been inseparable since childhood, their friendship forged in the fires of shared laughter and whispered secrets. From their earliest memories, they did everything together, making sure not to leave each other out on anything. They even celebrated their birthdays together, a tradition born from the fact that they were born on the same day, with their parents also being childhood friends.

Through the trials of high school and the challenges of college, they had remained steadfast friends, supporting each other through thick and thin. June, always the more generous and empathetic of the two, had a heart as big as the universe, and she cared for Stella as if she were her own sister.

Graduating from college had always been their dream, and the day had finally arrived. June and Stella both majored in Environmental Artistry, a field that combined their love for nature and artistry, and on their graduation day, they stood side by side as they received their diplomas. June, with her exceptional grades and unwavering dedication, was awarded the honor of valedictorian of their class.

On that special day, as they celebrated their academic achievement, June's parents surprised her with a graduation gift that left her speechless—a mansion nestled deep within the Misthavan Mountains. Her parents shared the history of the house, how it had been passed down through generations, and now it was her turn to be its custodian. Overwhelmed with gratitude and love, June decided that she would share the property with Stella, for she thought of Stella as more than just a friend—she was family, a sister.

Unbeknownst to June, envy lurked deep in Stella's heart. She had always been content to share everything with June until this moment. The grandeur of the mansion and the thought of owning such a place had awakened something dark within her. Stella put on a facade, smiling to make it seem like she was happy for June, but beneath that smile, envy festered like a wound.

A few months after their graduation, June suggested that they go and check out the property. They embarked on the journey without telling anyone, confident that June's parents would understand her desire to spend time with her best friend. During the car ride, interesting conversations flowed between them, reminiscing about their shared dreams and adventures, but Stella's thoughts drifted to the mansion and the envy that gnawed at her.

Upon reaching the mansion, they explored its grand halls, finding themselves in awe of its beauty and history. It was a place steeped in tradition and secrets, and they felt a deep connection to it. They decided to take a stroll through the forest, for both of them loved nature passionately. June was excited because she could share this place with her dearest friend, but Stella, walking behind her, couldn't help but think of everything June had and her own growing desire to keep the entire property to herself.

As they ventured deeper into the woods, Stella's envy and greed consumed her. She was blinded by her desire for sole ownership of the mansion. Unbeknownst to June, Stella picked up a large stone, driven by sinister intentions. She approached June from behind and, without warning, struck her on the back of the head.

June collapsed to the ground, shock and betrayal etched on her face, tears welling up in her eyes as she bled. Stella, overcome by anger and blinded by jealousy, continued her assault, striking June two more times until the light of life was extinguished from her eyes. The forest, the mansion, and the very earth itself seemed to bear witness to this gruesome act.

As reality dawned on Stella, she was gripped by panic and desperation. She dragged June's lifeless body to the waterfall deep in the forest and heaved it over the edge. Stella watched as June's body was washed away by the rushing water, her own heart heavy with the weight of her dark deed.

Stella's hands trembled as she returned home, her mind racing. She knew she had to cover her tracks, and she hatched a plan. She inflicted serious injuries on herself, leaving wounds on her head and legs. She concocted a story of a tragic accident, claiming that she and June had gone for a swim, playfully splashing water and shoving each other until they both slipped and fell off the waterfall. Stella painted a vivid picture of the fall, describing how they both hit their heads on the way down, which explained her injuries. She claimed to have fainted and woke up later, her body washed ashore on a sandy area, but June was nowhere to be found.

The police were called, and a search was launched. Stella played the role of the heartbroken best friend who had just lost her beloved companion. She stayed by June's parents' side, offering comfort and support as they all awaited news of June's fate.

Weeks turned into months, and after two agonizing months, it was reported that June's lifeless body was found floating in the stream in the heart of the forest. Sorrow gripped June's family as they were given her body to prepare for her burial. Stella, on the other hand, maintained her facade of sadness while secretly rejoicing that nothing was being traced back to her. The case was ruled as a tragic accident, and her dark secret remained hidden.

After the funeral, June's parents approached Stella with the keys and documents to the property. They believed that it was what June would have wanted, for Stella was the closest person to June, akin to a sister. Stella's heart swelled with happiness; everything was now hers, and nothing would stand in her way. She couldn't have known that a shadow of darkness and tragedy would soon descend upon her life, a consequence of her heinous act that would haunt her in ways she never imagined.