1 Eternal Flames On a stormy night, deep the abandoned prison, Melody found herself bound by her body marked with countless and her skin festering with infection. Her eyes, hidden behind a her hair tangled, lips drained of color, spoke of horrors endured. Despite pain that wracked form, years of starvation blood loss rendered too weak to resist. Was this the end after five long years? “Melody, how does it feel to your sight?” “Edward have praised your eyes as more beautiful but they now belong to me. The voice was yet chillingly cruel. Suzanna approached her presence an ethereal contrast despair. Clad in a skirt, she exuded an aura of purity that clashed with the misery before her. The sound of Suzanna’s sent down Melody’s spine. have you lost your I am your sister, flesh blood!” stared her in disbelief. The figure standing was none other than her fraternal twin sister, from the same mother. undeniable fact had always kept any doubts at bay Melody’s mind. “No! You’re sister. I don’t have a filthy village like you. I threw you when you were three years old. You should never have come back compete with for the affection of our parents five brothers. “But all coming to an end soon. Suzanna spoke, footsteps approached. With desperate haste, she untied Melody to the ground, the chain around her own neck. The sudden violence left a crimson mark on her fair skin. had imprisoned for far too long, strength drained to the point of feebleness, rendering her unable to break free from her chains. she she could only watch as enacted a charade, pretending to be pinned down by Melody herself, her eyes betraying a of fear and fabricated tears an instant. “Melody, please gouge out my eyes,” Suzanna pleaded, trembling with false remorse. “I meant to harm your cornea. I feel so regretful… I apologize…” “Stay away from me! Dad, Mom… I’m so frightened…” With a sudden dragged Melody’s hand perilously close to her just from causing harm. Before Melody could react, the prison door flung open. “Melody, you seeking death?” accompanied their five in, swiftly separating Suzanna from Melody and inspecting the wound on neck with grave concern. Their stares bore Melody, a mix of coldness, fury, and disappointment in eyes. ‘Smack!’ Melody with a resounding slap. Agony pierced her being, and it heart-wrenching. Fresh blood gushed from her eye sockets, saturating the pristine cloth a sudden crimson tide. Shield’s voice thundered the room, his words a relentless assault on Melody’s ears. Suzie is an artist; her eyes were to save Cameron. What have you done your siblings? You a disgrace, and offering your eyes Suzie a privilege!” The weight of words crushed leaving her heartbroken and nauseous. Hadn’t she already given everything for her five elder brothers? For four years since her to the Shield had dedicated to supporting her brother, a magnate. in finance, she acquired certifications two months and countless nights devising plans for efforts nearly blinded her. However, despite her efforts, Timothy lavished half of the profits on and extravagant clothing for Suzanna when their projects succeeded. Melody received nothing in return, not a word of acknowledgment for her hard work. Despite everything, Melody held no bitterness in her heart. She to the belief that was still sister, deserving the same love and affection from their siblings. Melody served a willing subject her second older Cameron, committed researcher, enduring pricks on her protest. Despite the hospital’s abandonment of leg injury from a car accident, Melody it herself to scour physiotherapy literature and research articles, seeking potential remedies such portable electrotherapy aid in his recovery. Her third brother, Carson, a prominent singer, benefited from Melody’s creative talents as she composed music and choreographed performances him, all without seeking yet serving as the unseen force behind Carson’s success. Derrick, fourth lawyer by the strain of work, solace in Melody’s self-taught physiotherapy techniques, which to alleviate the tension in his muscles. Gary, her fifth brother, shared academic at Greenfield University, his and academic dishonesty ultimately led Melody to blame and expulsion from the institution. For years, Melody diligently endeavored to into the Shield family, them be her kin, her support and assistance. Yet, despite her efforts, she never win affection! Cameron stood tall, aristocratic demeanor tinged a hint concern as regarded Melody’s disheveled state. An unexpected itch tugged his heart, swiftly vanishing into the recesses mind. “Melody, don’t be obstinate,” he urged, his tone yet firm. an apology to Suzie, and we might reconsider pursuing disciplinary measures against you. Deep down, Cameron and siblings a tinge of guilt towards Melody, their long-lost younger sister who had endured fair of hardships during her absence. Suzie remained their steadfast boundary, their unwavering priority! Yet, Melody found plea absurd. all, it was he who had orchestrated the extraction her corneas. He was now expecting her extend an olive to Suzanna? Why should she? Was Suzanna truly deserving of such a gesture? In hindsight, couldn’t help chuckle bitterly at her naivety. foolish she had been to yearn so desperately for to find the Shield family’s web of deceit. sneered defiantly. Why I Let her go to hell!” Cameron’s frown as watched Melody’s stubbornness persist, leading him to express disappointment, “You’re simply stubborn, and there’s no hope you!” Taking advantage of the moment, Suzanna reached and held Cameron’s hand, her arms scars, and gently intervened, “Cameron, don’t be angry with Melody. leg hasn’t fully healed; it’s bad to let anger consume you…” Cameron’s softened towards Suzanna at the of his leg injury. Thanks to her unwavering support, he found the strength stand again! While Suzanna kindness and understanding, Melody subjected her bullying and even attempted to harm her. Considering forgiving Melody now unfathomable! of guilt towards Cameron affectionately tousled her acknowledging wisdom. “Suzie the voice of reason. “Dad, should I have Cameron return corneas since she can’t accept them?” voice trembled slightly, betraying her innocence and resolve. “Suzie, we return them,” Mr. Shield declared firmly. “If Melody refuses cooperate, she must bear the consequences and remain blind. Shield cast a disdainful glance at the forlorn of Melody huddled on the a mix of disgust and disdain. years prior, fortune had forewarned him about the twins’ fate. According to the seer, the elder sister spelled trouble, while the younger one was the family’s beacon of luck. Melody’s disappearance the age of three, followed by Suzanna’s solitary return, only his beliefs. A harbinger of misfortune like Melody was to be deprived prosperity and abundance! “It’s entirely your grandfather’s doing. He stubbornly insisted on her even in his will, leaving her with a 20% stake. Does she such consideration?” Shield’s voice dripped with disdain as he cursed, then turned to his to coax, “Melody, this is a share transfer contract. If you sign it, I’ll ensure your early release. Melody’s lips curled a sneer, a bitter testament to the five years she’d languished in the depths prison, bearing the weight of the family’s sins. Their promises of redemption rang hollow, manipulation tools in quest for control. each disappointment, trust eroded, a shell of skepticism. And then, fate intervened a thunderous cacophony that shattered the night’s stillness. Thunder roared disapproval as struck, setting ablaze the prison’s confines, fueled the gasoline Suzanna had cunningly dispersed. What’s happening?” “Keep Suzie safe!” The family hurriedly shielded delicate Suzanna and fled outside. In a pivotal moment, past instances, Melody inert on the by all present… The chaotic footsteps surrounding her faded as the heat wave surged. attempted to to safety, only to Suzanna left chained. Deliberately, her to face an inevitable demise! As the engulfed her, Melody’s voice with a curse, “Shield family, Suzanna… I will my vengeance with your blood in the next life!” Ultimately, her frail form was by the inferno. Burnt and reduced to ashes! After Melody’s demise, her lingering resentment permeated ruins of the prison. When the fire finally subsided, from the Shield family to her. Instead, she bore witness to her estranged ex-husband, had abandoned callously, descending from his and laboriously through the ashes for seven days and nights, determined to gather even a handful of her remains. On eighth day, he emerged disheveled, resembling painstakingly collecting ashes near the charred chain. The proud and noble man defeated, trembling as reached out to touch the blackened remnants. yet hoarse with emotion, Edward’s resonated the desolation, fear not. I will bring home. Three later, the family suffered an unprecedented collapse. Suzanna vanished under mysterious circumstances, discovered her and eyes missing. Subsequently, all of the Shield sons untimely ends, shrouded mystery, to the family’s complete disappearance from Maycrest. On a tranquil Melody’s by him dismiss the from the manor. the funerary urn of ashes, he sat the yard, basking in the sun’s warmth. gaze lowered as he kissed urn’s edge, “My dear Mel, it now your turn to bring me home…” a inferno engulfed the manor, swallowing the estate and Melody’s desperate and sorrowful cry. “Edward!