Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time, in 15th century Bulgaria, a young witch fell in love with a Traveler.

Their love, forbidden by their old-fashioned, old-thinking families, was strong. And alas, even magic people could not stop true love. The young couple married shortly after they met and lived years of wedded bliss.

Until a few years later, when a fortunate announcement was made by their family physician.

The young witch was with child —twins, even.

Needless to say, the couple was elated, and they awaited their children with lovely impatience.

***

On June 5th, 1473, Nadedja Petrova's wails were first heard in the wee hours of the morning, soon followed by her younger twin sister's, Katerina Petrova, a mere two minutes after.

***

Nadedja and Katerina were very fortunate girls.

They grew up in a loving family, with loving parents, a trusted community and their baby sister who came to the world a few years after them.

Katerina was the extrovert of the family. She truly had the character of a younger sister — always curious, often joyful and adorably in the adults' business all the time.

And while Nadedja wasn't shy, she was on the calmer side. Even from a young age, the way she presented herself held the markings of a queen. Though you could say that being born a witch, she was more in tune with her surroundings — she knew who she was.

Indeed, when the twins were still in their mother's womb, the Petrova parents-to-be discovered an anomaly with one of their babies.

That baby was a siphoner and she was a danger to her twin sister and her mother.

Siphoners were witches born without the ability to generate their own magic but held an immense power — a rare gift that allowed them to siphon magic from other sources.

Nadedja Petrova was born as such.

It was why, when she was still in the womb, her Traveler father had to spell a barrier that she could siphon around her, putting her twin and mother out of risk.

***

The Petrova sisters grew up extremely close, despite being polar opposites.

One was light; the other, dark.

One held an immense power, the other just wanted a life free of her shadow.

One was a traitor; and the other vowed to create misery for her twin—for eternity.