We watched as seven human babies were formed in the same artificial womb, all of them female. Already, we could distinguish which baby belonged to which couple based on traits like skin complexion and other physical characteristics.
My daughter was born on January 7, 2012, during a fierce snowstorm that blanketed the Netherlands. My husband and I cradled her in our arms. She was beautiful, but she had been born asleep.
"We noticed in her genetic code that she developed a personality extremity—pride," Head Scientist Nathan explained. "So we've designated her as Research Subject Codename: Superbia."
I didn't mind the personality extremity, not when she was my beloved daughter. And besides, as royalty, pride was fitting. "What should we name her?" my husband asked.
"She's strong-spirited, born amidst a snowstorm. I'm certain she'll overcome whatever storms come her way in life. Her name will be Maeve: Warrior Queen of the Netherlands."
At the sound of her name, Maeve opened her beautiful blue eyes. With her fair skin, white hair, and piercing blue eyes, she looked like a princess from a fantasy novel.
On April 15, under a clouded gray sky with no rain or wind, just a calm day in between extremes, Ismene and her husband arrived at the laboratory to see their daughter. Tears of joy filled their eyes as they held their little girl, and she cried right along with them.
"She's beautiful..." Ismene whispered, cradling her close. Their daughter had light gray hair and blue eyes. "Let's name her Mandane," her husband suggested, his voice thick with emotion.
Neither Ismene nor her husband noticed when the scientists mentioned that Mandane had developed the personality extremity of sloth, her codename being "Acedia."
Sakina's daughter was born on June 21, during a heatwave in the Netherlands. She arrived at the laboratory with her husband, and as they looked at their newborn, Sakina gasped in awe. "She's so beautiful, oh my God!" Sakina exclaimed. Her daughter was born laughing.
"Her name is Haniya, since she came into this world so happy and full of joy," her husband said, tears of happiness streaming down his face. Haniya had a wheat-colored complexion, dark gray hair, and blue eyes.
The scientists informed them that Haniya had developed the personality extremity of lust, her codename being "Luxuria." However, Sakina and her husband were so overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, praising and thanking God, that they didn't catch the scientists' comment.
Leontien's daughter was born on August 4, a perfect summer day. She and her husband, Sander, arrived at the laboratory to meet their daughter. "She's so beautiful! She and Maeve look like twins!" Leontien exclaimed.
"This is better than adopting a child, isn't it?" Sander said, his voice filled with awe.
"Way better!" Leontien replied, smiling.
"What are we going to name her?" he asked.
"I've always wanted to name my daughter Eliza," Leontien said thoughtfully.
"Eliza it is, then!"
The scientists quietly mentioned that Eliza had developed the personality extremity of greed, and they had given her the codename "Avaritia." But Leontien and Sander, caught up in the moment, were too focused on their newborn to take notice.
Natsumi's daughter was born on September 17, one month later. She and her husband arrived at the laboratory to meet their beautiful daughter, who had fair skin, gray hair, and blue eyes. She possessed delicate Asian facial features and looked strikingly beautiful. They cradled her in their arms.
"Let's call her Min-Ah Sawada," her husband suggested.
"Your daughter was born with the personality extremity of envy," Nathan said, his tone measured. "Her codename is 'Invidia.'"
"Personality extremity of envy?" Natsumi's husband asked, his face full of concern. "What are the implications of that?"
"She will likely grow into an envious person," Nathan explained. "But we believe that with proper parenting, you can help manage this."
Next, on October 10, it was Balela's turn. She and her husband arrived at the laboratory to see their daughter. Their little girl had a striking dark complexion, dark gray hair that sometimes appeared black, and radiant blue eyes. She had been born with an angry expression on her face, as though the world had already given her something to fight for.
"She's the most beautiful girl in existence," Balela said with pride. "Her name is Benesha, for she is a blessing upon her family."
"Your daughter was born with the personality extremity of wrath, so we've given her the codename 'Ira,'" Nathan said calmly.
"Magnificent," Balela's husband replied, clearly pleased. The idea of his daughter growing into a strong, assertive woman filled him with pride. Balela, too, found it a positive trait.
On December 2, Marysa's daughter was born. She and her husband arrived at the laboratory to meet their daughter, who had a warm wheat complexion, gray hair, and striking blue eyes. "She's the prettiest!" Marysa exclaimed, her heart swelling with joy.
"What should we name her?" her husband asked as he cradled their newborn in his arms.
"What do you think?" Marysa responded, smiling.
"Hmmm… How about Kayla?" he suggested.
"I like Kayla!" she agreed.
The scientists informed them, "Your daughter was born with the personality extremity of gluttony, hence the codename 'Gula.'" But their words went unnoticed by Marysa and her husband, as they were too absorbed in the happiness of the moment.
Part 2
Our daughters remained in the laboratory for the first few years of their lives, undergoing daily tests and examinations to ensure there were no deformities and that they were developing as expected. Fortunately, they were all healthy and grew normally, each showing their unique traits as they matured.
Though they were genetically different, the seven girls were like sisters, having been created together in the same artificial womb. Their bond was undeniable, and they shared an unspoken connection that grew stronger as time passed.
When they turned three, we were allowed to bring them home. However, every weekend, the girls had to return to the laboratory for continued monitoring. It also allowed them to interact with each other, which the scientists insisted was essential for their development.
At the age of seven, we were informed that the girls could no longer spend time together. "The girls could potentially influence each other's development, which would compromise the integrity of the experiment," Head Scientist Nathan explained. "Therefore, they are not allowed to see each other anymore."
"What!?" Marysa was clearly upset by the news.
"So we can't take our daughters with us when we meet up?" Sakina lamented, disappointment heavy in her voice.
"For how long?" Leontien asked, clearly concerned.
"At least until they reach maturity," Nathan replied, his tone firm.
"This is ridiculous," Marysa sighed, frustration seeping into her voice.
"We should keep each other updated on the girls' growth every Friday evening," Ismene suggested, trying to find a way to stay connected.
"Good idea," Natsumi agreed, nodding in approval.
At the time, I didn't fully understand why the scientists had made this decision. They seemed nervous when they shared the news with us, and I thought their anxiety was simply because they feared my reaction.
However, I later learned that the girls had unknowingly formed a hierarchical system. Maeve, my daughter, and Benesha, Balela's daughter, had clashed over the authoritative position within the group. This division split the girls into two factions—one loyal to Maeve, the other to Benesha.
Then, one day, something changed. Maeve, with her natural strength and determination, asserted control over the group. She crushed the rebellious spirit of her sisters and, through sheer will, took command of them all. It was clear that Maeve was now the leader, and the others, willingly or not, followed her.
The scientists were deeply alarmed by this shift in the girls' behavior. They feared that if the girls lost their individuality and began acting as a singular collective, they could pose a serious threat to Dutch society—and potentially the entire world. With all Seven Deadly Sins functioning in unison, their power could be devastating.
To make matters worse, the girls had apparently failed an important test given by the scientists. They had been told they could access every room in the laboratory, except for one at the very back. They were strictly forbidden from approaching the door, opening it, or entering the room. It reminded me of the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve were warned not to touch or eat from it.
But as they say, curiosity killed the cat.
I don't know exactly how it happened, but the girls somehow found a way into that forbidden room. When they did, they discovered something they weren't meant to see. The knowledge they encountered in that room was unsettling, and I could see the unease in Maeve's eyes when she refused to speak about it.
"Mom," Maeve called to me one evening. "Yes, sweetie?" I responded, sensing something was off.
"Could you give me some alone time with my sisters? This may very well be the last time I see them," she said, her voice distant, as if weighed down by a hidden burden.
Understanding her need for space, I agreed. My friends, the scientists, and I quietly left the room.
The scientists suggested monitoring the girls through the security cameras, but we strongly opposed the idea. "We cannot do something so unethical," I firmly stated. "And you will delete the recordings of their conversation once they're done."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the scientist replied with a bow.
Part 3
Mandane, Haniya, Eliza, Min-Ah, Benesha, and Kayla surrounded me, Princess Maeve of the Netherlands, forming a circle of loyalty and respect.
My sisters stood before me, silent, their gazes fixed on me, waiting for my command.
"I see that you've all finally grasped your place," I said, my voice firm and commanding. "You used to lack the respect I deserve, especially you three—Ira, Invidia, Avaritia. It took time to discipline you, but I'm pleased it worked, just in time before we part ways."
Benesha, or Ira, raised her hand. I nodded, giving her the floor. "Speak," I commanded.
"I don't want you to misunderstand, Superbia," she began, her voice defiant but subdued. "I still consider myself superior to you. I'm merely following your orders to maintain harmony in our sisterhood."
"I don't care about your reasons for obeying me, as long as you follow my commands," I replied coldly.
Luxuria, or Haniya, raised her hand next. "Yes, Luxuria," I said, granting her permission to speak.
With a soft sigh, she spoke. "I'm saddened that we must part. We may not see each other for a long time. I love you all, my dear sisters, and I'll miss you."
Tears welled in Kayla's eyes. "Gula, what's wrong?" I asked, noticing her distress.
"I love you all too!" she sobbed, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll miss you!"
"Thank you for everything!" Eliza, or Avaritia, cried, her voice trembling.
"Hey!" I snapped, my tone sharp. "I didn't give you permission to speak."
"I'm sorry, Maeve!" she stammered.
"Don't call me that," I hissed. "Call me Superbia, understand?"
"My sisters!" Invidia, or Min-Ah, cried out, her voice breaking. Haniya also began to cry, while Benesha held back her tears, her face a mask of controlled composure.
"Gula, Ira, Invidia, Avaritia, Luxuria, Acedia," I called them out, one by one, my gaze hardening. "Do not forget who you are. We were all born with one of the seven qualities of success that humans mistakenly call 'sins.'"
I turned to Kayla, or Gula. "Gula," I said, my voice cold and commanding. "You are like a ravenous pig. Never let go of your gluttony. Take everything you want—without hesitation, without guilt. Not just for yourself, but for your sisters as well."
"Ira," I called out, my voice calm yet commanding. "What?" Benesha reluctantly answered, her defiance barely contained. "You are a lioness, fierce and unyielding. You refuse to bow before anyone, even me. Be fearless, no matter what they say, in order to protect yourself and your sisters."
"Invidia," I continued, my gaze shifting. "Yes?" Minah answered, her eyes meeting mine. "You are a poisonous snake, with fangs laced in envy. You strike when necessary, using your venom to protect yourself and your sisters."
"Avaritia," I called next. "Yes, sister," Eliza responded quickly. "You are a sly fox, driven by greed. Keep desiring for yourself, and for your sisters, everything you can get your hands on."
"Luxuria," I said, turning to Haniya. "Yes!" she responded eagerly. "You are a seductive cat, playful and enchanting. Use your charm to captivate those around you, and acquire what you desire for yourself and for your sisters."
Finally, I turned to face Mandane, my tone growing colder. "Acedia," I began, her name hanging in the air. She met my gaze quietly. "You are like a dragon. Mythical and powerful, but unseen, because the world does not need to know the full extent of your power. And just as the world is better off not knowing dragons, we are better off not witnessing what you're truly capable of."
Mandane's silence was unnerving. I wanted my sisters to use their traits for their own gain, for each other—but Mandane… I feared her potential. I wanted her dormant, untouched, until the time came when she should take down Lilith.
"Remember this," I said, my voice steady but filled with intent. "No matter what happens, we are, were, and always will be sisters. They fear us, because they know what we're capable of when we stand united. We all came from the same womb; we are one trunk split into seven branches. Lilith is not one of us, and when the time comes, we will take her down. My last order to all of you is to meet me when you're older and show me the kind of person you have become."
Tears streamed down their faces as they clung to each other, and to me. "Girls! Let go of me!" I urged, my voice breaking through the emotion. "This is an order!"
"But you already gave us your last order until we meet again!" Minah cried, her voice full of sorrow.
The door burst open, and my mother, Queen Elara, along with her friends and the scientists, rushed into the room, drawn by the commotion. "They're just saying goodbye," Ismene, Acedia's mother, said softly, her voice tinged with sympathy.
"I feel so sorry for the girls," Marysa, Gula's mother, sniffed, her eyes watery.
"It's heartbreaking to witness this," Natsumi, Invidia's mother, said, her voice heavy with sorrow.
And just like that, we parted ways, unaware that the next time we would all meet would be a decade later, at a fateful reunion that would forever change everything.