when it all started

Arziella, a world where weakness is recognized as a curse, and only strength are acknowledged. In this world, magic is everything, and without it, a creature's life is considered futile.

There are myriad of races that rule this world, such as: elves, dwarves, orcs, goblins, and fairies. Various beasts are also a part of these races. They, however, mature solely after cultivating high-levels in the magic realm.

Even though their strength cannot be denied, other races do not consider them as mighty opponents.

In this world of combat and assassination lives a vulnerable and frail fairy: me. A female fairy without magic, a curse I earned from the day I left my mother's womb.

I am preserved in the hands of my father, the king, and my brother, the heir. They have always loved me no matter what, even with my shortcomings, while others gossiped, laughed, or pointed fingers at me.

They still do, but their love for me is never-ending and always blocks what others say.

Those beings termed mortals have short lives. They face ideal incidents in addition to unpleasant ones along the way, but even so, they still cherish their lives to the fullest and savor it.

Like mortals, we fairies exist in symphonic environments, living our lives along with pleasantries such as alluring flowers, harmonious melodies, and foods rich in taste.

There are only two things that separate us from mortals: our magic and artistic wings. Fairies are the definition of elegance and beauty. No mortal can compare to our charm.

Our relationship with mortals is in disguise; we coexist without their awareness. If they find us, they will burn us.

I don't know "what" I am. I possess the allure of a fairy, as well as the comeliness of one, except when one looks from the view of superstition; I am nothing but a haggard anthropoid.

A hybrid of fairy and human is what I must be, even though I am the daughter to two purely dominant elves/fairies.

It is obvious why I would call it a curse. I have wings but can't fly; I have the figure of a fairy on disposal, which is hollow of magic.

I have mentioned earlier the fact that my father is king, therefore earning me the role of a princess. My only sibling is my defensive brother, Alexander Knight.

My mother is a fairy, just like my father, but I know nothing about her, not even her appearance. I dare not ask father regarding her, not because it would anger him, but because it would make him uncomfortable, making answers seem impossible. I tried it once, and I instantly regretted it.

Today is my birthday; my brother and father are present to brighten me up. Oh my! Now they are bickering like children while deciding on the dress I am to wear in the evening celebration.

'What a mess! They want to bicker today on my birthday, no I can't allow that.'

"You should dress in this, dear!"

My father exclaimed as he presents the satin, virescent garment. A smirk forms on his lips, indicating the pride he gained by his selection.

"No, sister, this looks more beckoning on you, bringing out the color of your eyes,"

Alex jumped in as he pushes the charcoal piece of satin forward, right unto my face.

'no, I can't let them fight, let's calm them down.'

I raise my arms in defense as I step back,

"Guys, please don't fight, not today at least. I will try both on, alright?"

I assure, my reply making them nod.

In the eyes of people, a king is a brutal beast who thinks of mercy as a weakness. My father is the precise opposite; he is soft-hearted, merciful on the innocent, and guilty.

I hope today goes well; I wish to avoid mishaps, today at the least.

My handmaid, Ash, appears in the doorway. She is here to dress me up for the ceremony.

'heh, I will not use their satin I will choose one of my own, I am evil but I can't hurt them.'

I settled on a cream-colored velvet dress with long sleeves to put an end to all the fighting. It comes on entirely as if specially made for me. I will not deny that fact, though.

Ash applies make-up right after that she tied up my hair into a flawless braided bun. The gown is neither too revealing nor too modest; just the proper length.

The necklace that can be seen around my neck is the gift I had gotten from my father earlier. He obtained it from the noblest ornament shop in the entire kingdom just for me.

As for my dear brother, he bought me the most exquisite earrings I have ever seen while saying,

"Wear these every time you get the chance. One day, they will assist you."

his words make me think

'huh what, how can simple earings assist me.'

My tiara is supposed to get an upgrade automatically since I am eighteen, but since I have no magic, I don't see it as something possible.

My romantic life is barren. Who would love a fairy who doesn't have magic, who is a fake one? Only fools.

Friends are not something I would have. My soul friend is my handmaid, Ash. I am not even sure if she is my friend by pure will or because of my title.

'huh she is a good friend, but if she is real or not, time will tell.'

She seems kind-hearted; she is a child, after all, so I wouldn't expect any malicious acts. A mature child she is, though.

Just as I place the left earring unto my earlobe, maiden Crevis rushes in, her face in pure anguish. She answers before I can ask.

'huh what happened, why is she sweating? is she scared or a mishap happened, no don't think bad.'

"Princess, please follow me to the ballroom, fast!" Her jawline is dripping with sweat, soaking her uniform.

As I enter the ballroom, I witness a scene I would never want to watch, not even in my wildest nightmares.

My father lies on the ground, his body motionless. A severe injury lies visible on his chest, near his heart.

'no, no, this cant happened. Dad cant dies, brother where is he? Is he okay?'

Fresh blood drips onto his vest, which is now more red than white. His eyelids are open, fear inscribed clearly in them.

I scream an ear-piercing scream that you are lucky not to have heard, and then I glance around.

There are several black-hooded fairies, holding my brother upright as they whip him. He is unable to stand, but they still force it unto him. Such brutality!

I am unable to see their faces that are shadowed, hence the hoods they wear.

I try to check my father's pulse because I will not believe that he is dead until I hear his pulse stop with my ears.

'if I cant save father, I will save the sole heir, my brother.'

I would like to save my dear brother at least, but my intentions received an obstacle; someone grabbing my hands and holding them in place behind my back.

"Brother!"

I yell again, but this time, someone blocks my mouth with their hand. I am assuming it is the same person who is holding my hands hostage. Tears blurred my vision.

'No, no, no. This cannot be happening. Everything I went through was already too much, and now this?'

I thought and then heard my brother

"Selena!!"

He yells back, trying to break free of the black-hooded fairies' grasp, "Let me go, you, specks of dirt!"

They throw the whip back in the air, hitting him with it as it flies the other way, making its way to his now haggard body. He let out an ear-splitting scream I never want to hear him let out again.

'How many times was he hit already? Fifteen? Twenty? I would seek vengeance even if it were one.'

I thought with a grimace on my face, and my cheeks were wet because of tears

'This is ridiculous. This must be a dream, a nightmare. Yes, that is what it is, I am sure. Something like this is not reasonable to be happening, especially on my birthday.'

That was my last thought and this whole incident puts me in the state of having nothing left to lose.