Betrayed soul’s vengeance

Aria's POV (in Jasmine's Body)I slept on a gold, warm-lit bed and the soft sound of crystal. My lids fought to rise above a ceiling bearing sparkling chandeliers and furniture that had gold adorning them hanging from above. I remained still for a short while, trying to soak in the lavish surroundings. A pounding headache pounded at the rear of my head, and I was relieved to find that my skin was unburned…though my mind remembered the fires that had consumed my former life. The feelings were alien and synthetic, as though I'd been rebuilt in someone else's body.I yawned, and this odd looseness in my arms. The warmth of the fire had given way to numb ache, reminding me that even if I were rescued, something essential had changed. My head wobbled as I struggled to piece together answers: Which room was this? Where was I? The softness of the bed and muffled rustle of silk drapes testified to decadence and luxury.. just the reverse of the stark realities I'd known."Jasmine?" a soft, unc

Aria's POVI was trying to comprehend Jasmine's lifestyle when a man accosted me in the corridor. He looked suspiciously natural, with a curious look that was both friendly and interrupting. As he approached, there was something possessive in his stance."Jasmine." His voice was a whisper and heart-achingly familiar. "I was worried about you."I forced a polite smile, but his eyes made me uneasy. "Thank you, but… I'm fine. Things have just been… complicated.""Complicated?" He scowled. "Jasmine, you tried to kill yourself instead of being with Adam. You should have told me if things were that bad."I gasped in surprise. That was what they believed?"Aadam is my fiancé," I said carefully. "We… we need to keep things… professional."His eyebrows creased in confusion and annoyance. "Jasmine, don't you remember what we agreed? This temporary marriage with Adam was the plan."Temporary? My mind reeled, though I couldn't show my confusion. I swallowed hard, trying to talk like Jasmine."Dav

Sparks of RebellionJasmine's POVI awoke to a chilly, silent room. I was battered all over from head to toe and could not remember anything that occurred in my mind last night. I lay on a simple bed with thin blankets and kept muttering to myself, "I am not broken.". I will not be outdone by this." I slowly sat up, shaking off the pain and the humiliation that wrapped around me like a wet cold shroud. My head was a jumble of other people's and my thoughts. I was Jasmine again, alive, but at the core of me was Aria—seething with anger for revenge.I hurled my legs off the bed and upright, hearing every creaking step on the bare hallway. I whispered to myself, "I must be strong. Tomorrow, I'll know." I passed a wall mirror. I looked at myself, and I growled, "Jasmine, or Aria, does not matter. I will fight back."I walked along the hallway and noticed two maids quietly talking outside two shut doors. I stopped and overheard."Did you hear the book in the study?""Yes, I did. And why, t

Recruiting Allies in the DarkJasmine's POVI woke up early and balanced my mission's responsibility. I had to find allies today. I couldn't do this alone. I had to locate individuals who detested this oppressive mafia regime just as I did. I moved stealthily around the house, head down, and eyes open.I met a maid named Rosa in the dining room. She was polishing silver. I walked slowly towards her and said, "Good morning, Rosa. How are you today?"She looked up at me with tired eyes. "Morning, Jasmine. I am fine, thank you."I whispered and asked, "I have a question. Do you know of anyone here who doesn't like the way things are done?Rosa stumbled. "I… I have seen hints among a few of us. Some have had enough of the cruelty. But you have to be extremely careful talking this way."I nodded. "I see. I just want to know whether there is a system of people who might wish change."Rosa glanced about, then crept closer. "There is a small clique. Some of the kitchen help and a few family m

Collision CourseAdam's POVI stood in the large hall of my estate, scanning the room as the rumors spread like flames. I had known it for days, now…a rumor of rebellion, a rumor of something evil that sent shivers down my spine. All of my servants, all of my lesser relatives, seemed to have a secret that they were keeping from me, and I was losing my grip. I could hear them muttering as they passed by."Something is not right," one of the guards grumbled as I overheard him from the corners of my study. I concurred in silence, knowing that if I did not comply, resentment would ferment.Later that evening, I was strolling down a corridor, my steps even, when I met Viktor, one of my most loyal enforcers. He was having a heated argument with someone, his words tangled and heavy with rage. I went up to him. Viktor noticed me."Sir, Jasmine's asked too many questions again," he said in a low but insistent tone.I scowled. "What questions, Viktor?" I asked my tone firm but even."Things tha