Chapter 1

My parents were renowned music professors.

After having my twin sister and me, they poured all their hopes into nurturing us.

I was a prodigy, picking up anything instantly. My sister, Seraphina, on the other hand, struggled with everything.

The day I won the National Youth Cello Competition, Seraphina couldn't handle it. She left a diary and jumped into the sea, supposedly taking her own life.

Every single word in that diary was a chilling accusation of my supposed sins.

Dad lost it. He smashed my trophy into my mouth. Shards cut deep as he forced me to kneel.

Mom, her eyes blazing red, stomped on my hands, breaking all ten of my fingers. Then she shoved me into a cello case, demanding I atone for Seraphina.

My throat burned. I couldn’t breathe between sobs, as blood seeped out of the case, staining the floor.

But all I got in return was:

"If it weren't for you, you wicked child, always trying to steal the spotlight, your sister wouldn't have died! Your selfishness pushed her to her death. Now you'll stay in there and truly repent, apologize to her!"

Seven days later, Seraphina returned, lively and well, at her own funeral.

Mom and Dad were overjoyed, embracing her, crying and laughing.

They decided to end my punishment.

But when they opened the case, they went completely insane.