Beneath the Scales

The sun hung low over the village of Asandua, bathing the land in a warm, golden light as the townspeople buzzed with excitement. Today was the long-awaited wedding between Efua, the village's most beautiful woman, and Kwame, the chief's beloved son. The whole community had been preparing for this day for months, and anticipation filled the air.

Inside a small, colorfully adorned hut, Efua sat before a mirror, her heart a mixture of joy and anxiety. Her mother, Nana Yaa, stood behind her, delicately weaving intricate beads into her thick, dark hair.

“You look like royalty, my daughter,” Nana Yaa said with pride, but Efua's smile was strained. Her eyes betrayed a deep unease, one that she couldn’t ignore.

“Thank you, Mama,” Efua whispered, her voice low. “I’m just...nervous.”

Sensing the apprehension in her daughter’s voice, Nana Yaa paused and placed a comforting hand on Efua’s shoulder. “It’s normal to feel this way on your wedding day, my child. Every bride does.”

Efua nodded, trying to take comfort in her mother’s words. But the sense of foreboding in her heart remained. She had carried a secret for years—one that not even her mother knew. A secret that could ruin everything.

“Mama,” Efua began hesitantly, her voice wavering, “do you think Kwame truly loves me?”

Nana Yaa chuckled softly. “Oh, Efua, how could he not? You are the most beautiful woman in all of Asandua. Kwame is lucky to have you.”

But Efua’s heart sank at her mother’s response. Beauty was all anyone saw in her, but she knew that beauty could hide terrible truths. What would Kwame do if he discovered her secret?

“If there was something about me,” Efua whispered, “something I’ve never told anyone... do you think Kwame would still love me?”

Nana Yaa’s hands froze as she studied her daughter through the mirror. “Is there something you need to tell me, Efua?”

Efua opened her mouth to speak, but the words died in her throat. How could she explain something even she didn’t fully understand?

“No, Mama,” she finally said, forcing a smile. “It’s just nerves.”

Nana Yaa observed her daughter for a moment longer, then nodded. “Today is about love and happiness, my dear. Don't let anything steal that from you.”

As the final preparations were completed, the village of Asandua came alive with the rhythmic beats of drums and the joyous voices of its people. The wedding ceremony was about to begin, and Efua’s heart thudded in her chest as she stepped out of the hut.

Villagers clad in vibrant colors danced and sang in celebration. At the center of it all stood Kwame, looking regal in his kente cloth. His smile was broad and proud as he caught sight of her.

“Efua, my love,” Kwame called as he approached her. “You look more radiant than the stars themselves.”

Efua smiled, but her secret weighed heavily on her heart. “Thank you, Kwame. You look handsome too.”

Kwame took her hand, his grip warm and steady. “This is the day we've been waiting for,” he said softly. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

The village elder, Kofi Annan, stepped forward to bless the union, calling upon the gods to witness the marriage. “May your love be as enduring as the baobab tree’s roots,” his voice boomed. “And may your union be filled with joy and many children.”

The villagers cheered, and for a fleeting moment, Efua felt a surge of hope. Perhaps it would be all right. Perhaps the gods would protect them from whatever loomed over her heart. But as the ceremony progressed, Efua’s anxiety only deepened. She repeated her vows, but her mind was elsewhere, consumed by fear.

As night fell, the village erupted into celebration, music and laughter filling the air. Efua danced alongside Kwame, trying to lose herself in the joy of the occasion, but with each step, she felt the serpent within her stirring, growing stronger.

“Mama,” Efua whispered when she found a moment alone with Nana Yaa. “I need to tell you something—something important.”

Nana Yaa’s face filled with concern. “What is it, Efua?”

But before Efua could respond, Kwame reappeared, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Come, Efua,” he said. “Let’s dance together.”

The night wore on, and the villagers began to retreat to their homes, leaving Kwame and Efua alone in their new hut. Kwame turned to his bride, his face glowing with happiness.

“Efua, my love, this is the beginning of our life together,” he said, taking her hands in his. “I’m so happy.”

But Efua’s hands trembled in his grip. “Kwame... there’s something I need to tell you.”

Before she could continue, a strange sensation overwhelmed her. It started as a tingling in her fingers, then spread throughout her body. Her vision blurred, and her heart raced.

“Kwame, something’s wrong,” Efua gasped, clutching her head as pain shot through her. Her body convulsed, and before Kwame’s horrified eyes, Efua began to transform. Her smooth skin turned to gleaming scales, her limbs elongated, and her eyes became a glowing gold.

Kwame stumbled back in shock. “No... this can’t be happening,” he muttered, unable to comprehend what he was witnessing.

“Kwame, I’m so sorry,” Efua whispered, her voice barely audible as her body continued to morph into a serpent. “I didn’t want this...”

Kwame’s fear took hold, and he backed away, unable to look at her. “Stay away from me,” he shouted.

Those words shattered Efua’s heart. She slithered toward him, desperate to explain, but Kwame turned and fled, leaving her alone in the darkness.

Efua collapsed, her tears falling freely. The curse she had hidden for so long had finally destroyed everything she loved.