The lake's waters were calm, creating the illusion of a mirror's surface. For a powerful witch like Asya it wasn't hard to create a way home, however, it was bothersome - the lake had its own magic and clashing with her own. Yes, the magical lake of the samodivi's village, where all the magpies waited to bathe and change their feathers. Her hand over the water, there was no need for her to speak the words out loud. A faint light appeared from the bottom, making its way towards the surface, lining their way home. The sky was getting brighter little by little, with the zornica already up in the sky. A trickster star, that would lead you to think it is already day and have you fall victim to the samodivi. 

It was Asya that first set her foot in the water, followed by her younger sister, both of whom disappeared under the surface in a few moments. Bela, holding Kalina's hand, who in turn was holding Vihur, followed. Blagovest and Chernozem, who decided to join them. The moment their heads were hidden under the lake's waters they stepped inside the home of Asya, through the big mirror, large enough that even Vihur had no trouble passing. 

The fire was out, the food on the table was half-eaten, but that didn't stop the zmey to have a few bites like it was his own home he was in. The few candles that hadn't burnt casted light on the sisters' faces, making them somehow even more frightening. There was something in their silence, in their eyes, in the way they were standing... 

"Out of all the places you could go, out of the people you could visit...YOU DECIDE IT TO BE THE WORSE!" Asya tried to stay calm, but she would stress her voice at the end of every word until she couldn't keep it and raised her voice. "Even after the promise, you made earlier?! Witches are bound to their words! How are you going to be worthy ones when your times come?!" The scariest thing about Asya was that she always knew which words to use. Words can be sharper than a two-edged sword. Delyana would rage like a storm, making her silence unusual and unsettling. While Asya was busy lecturing them and Blago and Chernozem had made their way out, to take Vihur to the stables, but not without some drinks and food, a figure clothed in a golden hood, conveniently hiding its face stepped out of the mirror once more. How delighted it was from the sight happening before its eyes. Like an evil old hag from a children's tale, creating chaos was the only thing that could bring real joy to him, whether he was alive, dead or something in between. 

Bela placed her small hand over her mouth and pointed towards him with the other. Out of the horrible things she'd face during those years in the mirror, he was the worse. Tormenting her for being her mother's daughter, for being a mirror witch, turning others against her... And the things he'd tell her...about her, about her mother, about her aunt Delyana...and Kalina, the Kalina that it was forbidden to mention. The eldest of the three sisters. 

Asya turned towards him and Delyana, who were face to face. Thousands of years since they knew each other, a bit less since he's been like this. And an eternity for them to torment each other if they want. And they did want to. Delyana's eyes were telling everything that was needed to be said.  

The being burst in ugly laughter, followed by a question.

"Did you have a good time visiting your mother?"

Delyana's face changed immediately. Sheer anger and resentment were the only emotions she could express. Was that his real goal? To spite her? 

"I'll never let you free yourself! You know that! You'll be paying for your crime until the end of time!"

"But I am sure this family reunion is the better one!" Unbothered by her worlds, it headed towards Asya and the girls. Beloslava was slightly shaking, however, it was Kalina he was interested in. And she knew exactly what it was - the soul of a deceased, trapped in a mirror, forced to serve witches until they decide to set it free. 

"They force me to not reveal myself to you, but can't you tell who I am and show me respect!" A voice of a man who once had the world in his feet. 

"No, and I do not care, for I can bow but not to you!" Was that the witch speaking or the knyaginya? 

"Disrespect! How much has this family fallen? Or is it from this name that you are so much like her? Will you share the same destiny as Kalina who started it all?" 

"DO NOT SPEAK OF HER!" Delyana screamed but the spirit was fast enough to escape back in the mirror from her wrath. For now.

"What is happening?" If what happened a while ago wasn't enough, this made her even more confused than before...and curious. Meanwhile, Blago and Chernozem rushed inside, having heard Delyana's voice. 

"You want to hear it all, don't you?" Both of her hands were holding her ward's face. Her eyes...as if they weren't hers. They were filled with madness. Delyana, no matter how many times would be wrathful, never let it take over her. But there were always exceptions.

"Stop it! That's enough!" Asya tried to pull her away, but without much success. 

"No, no... I am fine!" She brushed her off. "So many secrets and stories were told tonight, so what harm would do to tell one more?" She moved gracefully towards the three-legged chair next to the fireplace and made herself comfortable. Her steel eyes, piercing everyone, matched her sharp voice. "Let me tell you the story of the Petrosinovi curse!"

Kalina gulped, Beloslava was in cold sweat, Blago and Asya had their eyes focused on the wooden floor, Chernozem having a few more bites...good to see that the food was being appreciated. Delyana cleared her throat.

"Where to begin? Ah, right, a long time ago, three sisters lived. The oldest was named Kalina, the middle one - Asya and the youngest one was called Delyana. They had no mother, only a father - a real yunak whose deems would be passed down for centuries to come.  What a fairy tale setting! Their mother, a samodiva left when Delyana was too young to remember, samodivas are just not suited to be housewives, you know that. But a house with no woman in it just isn't right, so the father married once again. His new wife didn't like the girls much and made their lives miserable. From the first roosters' cry till after dark, the girls would do all the hard work around the house, but no matter how they did, she would never be happy with them. And the more they would grow, the more beautiful they'd become. Unlike her own children. The only person who ever showed a little goodness to them was an old lady living in the deepest part of the forest, where only the wildest beasts reigned and people rarely set foot. A witch, who thought them all she knew. 

At that time, Suntolians were not united, as they are today. Until a man appeared, determined to do it. But many had their doubts he'd succeed, despite his strength. Word spread that he was looking for a bride. And by the thought he could get rid of them, the father sent the three sisters for him to choose. He wed the oldest but had the two younger stay to keep her company. Discovering the three sisters abilities, he thought they could be of help. And with their help, he came closer to turning his dream into reality. But they no longer of use, so all was left was to dispose of them." She burst into laughter and mover her hair out of her face, before continuing. "But, the younger sisters left, with the little girl, that would be the one who unites the Suntolians under her rule. Books and scholars will tell you it was her husband who lead it, how they became the first rulers of Suntolia, had thirteen sons and one daughter, the second son is the first Petrosinov and you know the rest. Now go to your room and think about what you did."

Without understanding much, Beloslava and Kalina went upstairs. The light of the rising sun had filled the room and both laid down, without changing clothes, falling asleep instantly. Meanwhile, downstairs, Delyana was pouring herself another cup of wine. Did she tell them too much? Was she soft enough? The world was filled with many horrible things, this family was no exception. But maybe it wasn't time for them to know them. Because their destiny had too many hardships in store for them.