The Empress's references to "deceitful tactics" were thinly veiled jabs at my humble origins.
She pledged me to the Beast King, handing me the Elixir of Endless Remedies as my dowry.
Her warning me to stay compliant and avoid making waves.
Given that the beast tribes were regarded as the lowest and faced impending extinction by the humans, she placed me directly in harm's way to ensure my struggle.
For Phoenix women, born with bodies that mend and revive, the Elixir was nearly superfluous.
My sister fancied that the Chalice of True Love would secure the prince's heart solely for her.
Yet, they underestimated his ambition; his love was merely a facade.
On their wedding night, he mercilessly severed her wings.
Confined and scourged daily in the dungeons, all to harvest her celestial core.
But the Elixir I possessed healed the Beast King's fragmented soul.
With my aid, he ascended swiftly to enlightenment.
In gratitude, he bestowed upon me the title of queen, granting me dominion over the beast realms with unparalleled power.
When I discovered the extent of my sister's torment in the human realm, I sought to save her.
Yet, in a moment of vulnerability, she ruthlessly extracted my phoenix heart using her own feathers.
In that instant, Elara eagerly gulped down the Elixir of Endless Remedies, casting a triumphant glance my way.
The grotesque visage she bore as she ripped out my heart remains vividly etched in my mind.
I lowered my gaze, veiling the tumult of hatred brewing within.
Elara, still kneeling before the Empress, implored with a hint of coquetry, "Mother, please, hold not your ire. I've merely realized that no man truly harbors undying fidelity. Better to refine the healing powers of our Phoenix lineage and mend the world ourselves."
The Empress's brows unfurled, only to knit together once more as Elara resumed her plea.
"Thus, I resolve to wed the Beast King and aid his people, elevating him to immortality, and securing his rightful place in the Three Realms!"
"Audacity!" The Empress thundered, her wrath unleashed.
"Are you aware of the lowliness of the beast tribes? Our illustrious Phoenix Clan cannot be compared to such base creatures, on the brink of annihilation by the humans!"
Elara's expression was resolute.