Chapter 3

Just as Julian finished speaking, the great hall doors opened again.

A figure walked in slowly. A black cloak, a silver-tipped cane, each step heavy and deliberate. When he lowered his hood, I saw a face as pale as paper.

Damien.

His arrival made the whispers in the hall grow louder.

"Look, the useless sixth son is here."

"I heard he can barely even walk now..."

"Such a disgrace to the family."

Damien seemed to hear them, but his expression didn't change. His deep-set eyes scanned the crowd, finally landing on me.

Just then, I remembered Alistair's words: "Timing is everything, child. Don't show your hand until the time is right."

I took a deep breath, suppressing the impulse to act.

"You're right, Julian," I said, my voice terrifyingly calm. "Really, what other choice do I have but you?"

My words stunned everyone in the room, including Julian.

But I saw a flicker of disappointment in Damien's eyes. He turned, about to leave.

"Wait," I called out. "Damien. Aren't you going to join the party?"

He turned back, his eyes holding an emotion I couldn't read.

"I was just passing through," he said softly. "I apologize for the interruption."

With that, he turned and left the hall.

I watched his back disappear, an indescribable feeling welling up inside me.

"Well, the drama is over," Julian's voice broke my train of thought. "Shall we continue our dance?"

He extended his hand to Seraphina, who accepted with a coy blush.

I watched them for a moment, then turned and left the hall myself.

On the ride home, Seraphina sat across from me, her fingers constantly stroking the blood-red pendant.

"Sister Elara, you really don't mind?" she asked, her voice dripping with smug satisfaction. "This pendant is so beautiful. Julian said it's a Blackwood family tradition..."

"It suits you," I said flatly.

"You're not angry?" Seraphina asked, surprised.

"Why would I be?" I said, looking out at the passing night. "You and Julian are a perfect match."

"We... we're just friends..." she said, feigning shyness.

"Are you?" I turned to look at her. "Well then, I hope your 'friendship' lasts forever."

Seraphina froze. This was clearly not the reaction she was expecting.

The rest of the ride was silent.

Three days later, on the night of the autumn equinox.

It was one of the Blackwood family's most important rituals. The day the Don would announce major family decisions—including the official announcement of my engagement.

I stood beside the grand dais in an elegant white gown. As the supposed fiancée of the future Blackwood heir, I had the right to be part of this sacred ceremony.

Torches burned around the hall, adding a mystical air to the ritual.

Don Alistair stood at the center of the dais. He raised his cup and began his speech. "I have gathered the members of the Blackwood family here today..."

The ceremony proceeded smoothly until Seraphina appeared.

She was also wearing a white gown, the blood-red pendant at her chest glittering in the firelight. She walked over to me, a sweet smile on her face.

"Sister Elara, this ceremony is so solemn," she whispered.

"It is," I replied, my focus on the Don's speech.

"Look, the pendant is even more beautiful in the firelight," Seraphina said, deliberately stroking it. "Julian has such good taste."

I didn't respond.

"Actually..." Seraphina leaned closer. "Julian told me he's always preferred me. If it weren't for the family arrangement..."

"Seraphina," I finally turned to look at her. "The ceremony is in progress."

"I know, I just wanted to tell you..." her voice dropped even lower, "you don't have to force yourself. If you really don't want to marry Julian, I could..."

"You could what?"

"I could take your place," she said, a flash of triumph in her eyes. "After all, we both know who he really loves."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she made a show of stumbling backward, losing her balance and falling toward the torches at the edge of the dais.

"Ah!"

Her scream cut through the ceremony. Everyone turned to look.

"Elara pushed me!" Seraphina cried from the floor, her face a mask of terror. "She tried to push me into the fire!"

I stood my ground, not having moved an inch.

"I didn't touch her," I said calmly.

But Seraphina was already sobbing. "I just wanted to talk to her, and she... she pushed me! If I hadn't reacted so quickly..."

"You're lying," my voice was cold.

"Elara!"

Julian's voice boomed from the crowd. He rushed forward, and the moment he saw Seraphina on the ground, his eyes blazed with fury.

"How could you do this?!"

"I didn't—" I started to explain.

A hard shove sent me stumbling backward. I landed hard on the stone floor. Pain shot up my arm, and a grunt escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"I won't let you hurt her!" Julian stood over Seraphina, his eyes burning with rage as he glared at me. "Never!"

The hall fell silent.

The family members stared, shocked at the chaos that had erupted during the sacred equinox ritual.

I used a stone pillar to pull myself up, pain radiating through my body. The memories of my past life rushed back—the same accusations, the same rage, the same disbelief.

But this time, I wouldn't cry.