Rossetti's Legacy: The 23rd of May

Sabrina stands nervously in front of the ornate mirror in her lavish guest suite, her heart pounding with anticipation for the evening ahead. The past two days at Alison Rosetti's estate have been a whirlwind of rehearsals and preparations, but the custom outfit she was promised still hasn't shown up.

She's dressed in a simple black slip dress, her long blonde hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. The thin fabric clings to her curves, highlighting the swell of her breasts and the dip of her waist before flowing loosely over her shapely hips and thighs. Despite the elegance of the room surrounding her, Sabrina feels slightly underdressed for the occasion.

A soft knock sounds at the door.

One of Rossetti's assistants enters with a sleek black garment bag in one hand and a small ornate wooden box in the other. He lays the garment bag gently on the bed and then slowly places the box down beside it.

Sabrina turns to face the assistant, her blue eyes wide with relief and curiosity as she sees the garment bag and odd box.

She laughs nervously, moving closer to examine the items. She reaches for the zipper of the garment bag, her heart racing with anticipation.

The assistant nods and Sabrina slowly unzips the bag, gasping softly as she pulls out the shimmering fabric inside.

The custom gown is a work of art - a deep, rich red that seems to glow under the soft lighting of the room. The bodice is intricately beaded with what appear to be real gemstones, forming delicate floral patterns that catch the light.

Nervously, the assistant speak with his gentle voice.

He slowly opens the box to show a plush, red velvet interior filled with silver and gold rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, all encrusted with clear jewels of all colours.

Sabrina leans in to admire the glittering array of jewelry, her eyes sparkling with delight at the exquisite pieces laid before her. She reaches out tentatively, running a finger along the cool metal of a particularly striking necklace adorned with teardrop-shaped crystals.

With reverent movements, Sabrina selects a delicate pair of chandelier earrings dripping with diamonds and a matching tennis bracelet. She fastens them on, admiring how they catch the light against her porcelain skin and golden locks.

The servant smiles and reaches into his waistcoat pocket, tentatively pulling out a small box.

He opens the box, presenting the ring to her, it is a simple gold ring, engraved with an ivy pattern on the inside and with one orange and black stone.

Sabrina tilts her head, studying the ring closely. It’s vastly different from the opulent, diamond-encrusted pieces in the main box. This one looks ancient, almost talismanic.

She reaches out to lift the ring from its velvet cushion, sliding it onto her ring finger.

She turns her hand side to side, watching how the dark stone absorbs the ambient light of the dressing room.

The assistant gazes at the ring as well, only looking away briefly to carelessly acknowledge Sabrina's question.

A playful yet respectful smile plays on her face as she holds her hand flat against the vanity table, testing the fit. To her surprise, the gold band glides perfectly over her knuckle, settling snugly against her finger. The orange and black stone rests centrally, its peculiar luster drawing her gaze.

The assistant reaches behind his back and his phone goes off. He gets it out and steps away to answer it with a short muffled response.

Still holding her hand up to admire the perfectly fitting ring, Sabrina glances curiously at the assistant as he takes the call. Once the assistant comes back, Sabrina lowers her hand and clears her throat softly.

He smiles gently again.

He holds out his hand, palm up, he brings a small cloth out of his back pocket with the other hand.

Sabrina hesitates for just a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. Something about the assistant's sudden request feels slightly odd, but she pushes the thought aside, attributing it to pre-performance jitters.

She holds out her hand palm down.

The assistant leans in as if he was going to polish, but instead whispers a phrase into the stone.

As the assistant whispers the strange phrase, Sabrina feels an unexpected surge of heat emanating from the ring. The orange and black stone seems to pulse with an otherworldly energy, sending a shiver down her spine.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washes over her and she stumbles slightly, catching herself on the edge of the vanity. Her vision blurs momentarily, the luxurious surroundings of the dressing room fading in and out of focus.

In that moment, unknown to Sabrina, Alison Rossetti actually lay on her deathbed. With this incantation spoken into the ring, Alison's soul moves into the singers body.