Envious of my ascendancy, my sister, in a twisted act of desperation, seized my phoenix heart when I attempted her rescue.
In this new life, she preempted me, consuming the Elixir of Endless Remedies.
Prostrate before the Empress, she declared, "Mother, I choose none but the Beast King as my consort."
***
Upon awakening, I found the Empress with the mystical chalices ready.
"The time for your trials is nigh, and these elixirs shall define your paths to immortality," she proclaimed.
"Elara, the Chalice of True Love is potent and pure, much like your innocent heart, blind to the deceit of others," she advised.
In an effort to appear impartial, she summoned the entire clan, yet her favoritism for my sister was palpably clear.
Just as it was in my previous life.
Born simultaneously, yet she was the cherished daughter of the Empress, while I was but a reminder of the king's indiscretion with a servant.
The Holy Order once commanded that a member of the royal lineage ascend as a celestial noble.
Thus, the Empress arranged for my sister's betrothal to the human prince.
Their successful trials would guarantee divine ascension.