The golden walls glistened as the shadows of the burning flames brushed over them. Tales of the kingdoms honorable history were etched in gold sandstone. The servants scurried down the hall anxious to get to their destination in fear of being stopped by the pharaoh or worse...Nubia..The eldest daughter, who was to be crowned queen of Egypt, was more frightening and cruel than the pharaoh. Nubia's mother had died due to childbirth and though the pharaoh loved her more than anything others whispered that Nubia was born with the aura of the god of death, Anubis..Nonetheless, she lived with luxury and the love of her father.
    Two months after Nubia had turned four years old the pharaoh had fallen in love with another woman. They were wed and a year later Jendayi was born. Nubia was-at first- ecstatic about having a companion to play with. However, her opinion began to change as they grew into women and everyone's favor went to Jendayi. She seemed to excel at everything and was unbelievably kind to everyone, even the servants. The two drifted apart and jealousy as well as anger continued to consume Nubia.
Jendayi attempted to reconnect with Nubia but she had built walls that even her step sister couldn't break down. One afternoon the two were having the traditional battle while their father and servants watched. While Jendayi saw this as a chance to reconnect and bond with her, Nubia saw this as a chance to prove she was better than Jendayi. Her reason for winning clouded her heart and consumed her mind distracting her. Nubia stumbled and her weapon was thrown into the air then caught by Jendayi. The battle was won. Nubia was furious, her one chance to be superior was gone! Everyone cheered and showered Jendayi with praise. Nubia lunged at her sister and threw her onto the floor holding a spear to her neck. The pharaoh shouted at her to stop and tore the weapon from her hand. His eyes were wide and daring anyone to challenge him.
    Nubia tried to apologize but it was too late. The pharaoh had seen the emotions that had taken hold of his daughter. '"You have let your negative emotions take control of you. You are no longer fit to rule, Nubia." He said as he stared her down. Nubia's world came crashing down around her as she looked at the shocked faces of those around her. Her mouth opened but no words came out; her eyes welled up with tears. The pharaoh turned his back to her and pulled Jendayi from the ground placing his hands gently on her shoulders. "You, Jendayi, will be crowned queen of Egypt."
Jendayi's mouth dropped open in shock as she stared at her father then at her step sister. Her eyes softened when she saw the look on Nubia's face. She shook her head and ran out of the room sobbing. "Nubia!" Her pleading shout was ignored and a wave of regret washed over her. "Just give her time. It is for the best, my daughter."
Night had long since descended over the land and everyone was fast asleep. Meanwhile, Nubia sat crouched on the floor of her room. She held a golden dagger etched with hieroglyphics in her hand and ran it swiftly over the other. Her dark red blood seeped from the wound and dripped into the bowl in front of her. Nubia muttered ancient words under her breath and her blood sizzled as if a fire was lit under the bowl. She waved a hand over the bowl and smoke rose curling in the air. The silence was interrupted by spiritual whispers, Nubia closed her eyes spreading her arms out as the smoke morphed into a frightening creature.

Nubia gasped softly and lowered her head in a sign of respect. The creature cocked its head then roared causing her to freeze in fear. "I ask for your assistance. Give me your power and I will bathe the land of Egypt in my family's blood. Their screams will be my payment." The creature lowered its shoulders and motioned for Nubia to stand. Once she did the creature grabbed her arms capturing her in a kiss but this was not a kiss of love. It was the kiss of death. Once it released her, Nubia was dressed in golden and black. Her hair had steaks of gold and golden beads were twirled in her hair. "Do not fail me." It said then disappeared.
Nubia smirked and she stalked out of the room and down the hall with more confidence than she ever had before.

Unbeknownst to her...Jendayi had seen her sister's transformation and knew her intentions. Not thinking twice, she practically flew down the hall and into the main area of the palace. She twisted a knob on the wall twice to the left and four to the right. A door covered in dust emerged from the wall and Jendayi quickly darted inside. Yanking a golden staff laden with jewels off the wall she plunged it into the ground. Her hair flew behind her as wind suddenly picked up as she pricked her finger letting the blood run down the staff.
"I summon you mighty Ra! Give me your power and aid me in my quest!" She screamed in pain as sun rays formed around her and disappeared into her skin. Jendayi felt her body begin to change and just as the pain was there it was gone. "I'm sorry Nubia but you've left me no choice."

    Jendayi quickly made her way out of the palace following her step sister's path of destruction. Her heart weeped when she heard bloodcurdling screams. "Nubia! Stop this at once!" Her sister slowly turned and chuckled as she slit another man's throat letting him fall to the ground. "But Jendayi..this is your doing. This is your fault." Jendayi shook her head, "This is not my fault! You have chosen this path!"
    Nubia shook with rage as she swept her arms into the air sending Jendayi flying backwards. Jendayi jumped up and grabbed a body throwing it at Nubia knocking her to the ground.
    Amidst all this chaos the pharaoh watched with worry and despair as his people were slaughtered. He saw what his daughters had become and sighed in defeat. "There is nothing left to do. Prepare the coffins and the tomb. There will be no peace until the source is taken care of." His guards nodded and marched off. "I pray that no man will find the tomb. If they do and the curse is released..may the gods help them."
    Screams of pain and rage filled the air the pharaoh's guards carried out the orders they were given. The two were wrapped in cloth and put in their coffins. While Jendayi's soul was released and held in the pool of souls that resided in the tomb, Nubia was buried alive and her coffin was sealed with chains. Eventually the pyramid in which the tomb resided was forgotten as well as the curse. If Nubia was ever released she would carry out her plans and lay waste to the world.

A/N: The cover was created by the amazing @lsinger52!