The Unknown Cursed Victim

Chapter 1

The sun kissed the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sprawling gardens of the royal palace. King Lynn Sr stood tall and regal, his cloak billowing in the gentle breeze as he welcomed guests from far and wide to the grand christening celebration of his twin daughters, Lana and Lola. Queen Rita, radiant in her gown of ivory silk, stood by his side, her smile lighting up the courtyard.

Nobles and commoners alike gathered beneath fluttering banners adorned with the royal crest, their chatter mingling with the strains of minstrels' melodies. Servants bustled about, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the occasion.

In the midst of the festivities, young Prince Winston, heir to the neighboring kingdom ruled by King Kotaro, stood with an air of anticipation. His gaze wandered over the crowd until it settled upon the two infant princesses cradled in their mother's arms.

The royal herald's voice rang out, cutting through the din as he announced the arrival of three esteemed guests: the good fairies Lori, Leni, and Luna. With graceful steps, they approached the royal family, their gossamer wings shimmering in the fading light.

"Lana and Lola," the herald proclaimed, "receive now the blessings of these fair maidens, bestowed upon you on this joyous day."

Leni, with her gentle smile and eyes as bright as the morning sky, stepped forward first. "For Lola," she said, her voice as sweet as honey, "I gift the beauty of the heavens above."

As she spoke, a soft glow enveloped the infant princess, bathing her in a radiant light. Her golden locks shimmered like spun silk, and her cheeks bloomed with the rosy hue of dawn.

"Gold of sunshine in her hair," sang the minstrels, their voices rising in harmony, "lips that shame the red, red rose."

Next came Luna, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders like a midnight cloak. "And for Lana," she intoned, her voice rich with the promise of magic, "I bestow the gift of song, that she may sing like the nightingale."

With a flourish of her hand, Luna conjured a melody that filled the air, the ethereal notes dancing on the breeze. Lana cooed in delight, her eyes wide with wonder as she listened to the enchanting music.

But before Lori could offer her gift to the princesses, a shadow fell over the courtyard. Gasps rippled through the crowd as a figure cloaked in darkness emerged from the depths of the garden.

Lance, the wicked wizard and self-proclaimed master of all evil, sneered as he glared at the royal family. Anger twisted his features, his eyes blazing with malice.

"How dare you exclude me from this celebration!" he spat, her voice dripping with venom. "Am I not worthy of an invitation from my own brother?"

King Lynn Sr stepped forward, his expression grave but his voice firm. "Lance, you know full well the reason for your exclusion. Your heart is filled with darkness, and we cannot risk exposing our daughters to your wickedness."

Lance's laughter echoed off the palace walls, a sound that sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it. "You think you can deny me what is rightfully mine? You will rue the day you crossed me, Lynn."

With a flick of his wrist, Lance unleashed his smoke bomb, shrouding everything in a thick haze of darkness. Cries of confusion and fear echoed through the air as the guests stumbled blindly, their senses overwhelmed by the noxious fumes.

Before anyone could react, Lance's sinister laughter cut through the smoke, chilling the blood of all who heard it. And then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the smoke began to dissipate, revealing the courtyard once more.