They were both young and each hot in her own way. Both had the potential to burn bright. The essential elements all seemed to be coalescing nicely.
Like many incipient stars in our galaxy they had paired off. Each drawing power, strength and a sense of safety and normalcy from the other. But, this lovely dance cannot last. That is not the nature of things.
For the Universe is not static. It either expands or contracts and the potential young stars either grow and burn or die.
While Cassandra had potential, she had chosen to be seen in the light of her friend. Such was her choice. Such was her error. Such was her end.
Her friend had more potential. More innate fuel to burn brighter and hotter and when they approached the JM Booth these elements condensed and suddenly Cassandra's friend exploded into light. The star we call "Ceara" was born.
Ceara's brightness overwhelmed Cassandra. Her heat scorched her. And the shockwave of Ceara's becoming pushed her friend further and further from the warmth of an inner orbit.
There Cassandra languished in the cold dark deep of space drifting further and further from the "twin" she began with. And while Ceara burned ever brighter, Cassandra just had not been blessed with enough of the elements needed to burn bright in her own right. So, the only light that shined from her was reflected luminescence from Ceara blinding display.
Cassandra became bitter and grew even colder. She became convinced that Ceara had used her, stripped her of precious essence during their dual orbit, enlarged her own greatness at Cassandra's expense. But, even this lie gave her no comfort.
And, then she saw herself and what she had become. She had lost her looks and become manly. Her white skin had darkened in response to Ceara's glow and all her hair had burned away. And, she was bloated and ponderous. She dispaired.
But, over time as anger became her fuel, she took strength in her new crispy bloated guise. And, she focused her energy and radiated hate like no one had ever seen. In one burst of power, one violent spray of gamma rays, she lensed her energy to kill an object of her hatred.
And, all stood in awe.
So, now she sits and waits. Waits, as she recharges. Waits, to gather strength through hatred. Waits, for a next victim. Some one fool enough to piss her off.
It could be years until she strikes. Or it could be tomorrow.
Beware of Cassandra, dark & bald. For her next victim may be you!