The story unfolds in a mythical Slavic setting, where two sisters, Balladyna and Alina, compete for the affections of Prince Kirkor. Their mother sets them a task to gather raspberries, promising the prince's hand to the one who returns first. Driven by ambition and jealousy, Balladyna murders Alina to secure her own future. As Balladyna rises to power, her guilt manifests in a series of supernatural events and moral dilemmas, ultimately leading to her downfall. The narrative explores themes of ambition, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked power, set against a backdrop of folklore and mysticism.
