Chapter 3

Morning sunlight filtered through the garden's rose arbor, painting dappled patterns across the stone bench where I sat with a book of poetry. The words blurred on the page—my mind was elsewhere, replaying last night's overheard conversation.

Gravel crunched under approaching footsteps. I didn't need to look up to know who it was.

"Sera."

Dashiell's voice still held that velvet quality that made girls weak in the knees. Now it sounded like poison honey to my ears.

I glanced up slowly, arranging my features into perfect confusion. "Dashiell? This is a surprise."

He settled onto the bench across from me, concern etched across his flawless face. "I'm worried about you. Last night's choice was... unexpected."

"Unexpected?" I closed the book, blinking with practiced innocence. "I chose my ideal mate. What's strange about that?"

"Ideal?" His voice sharpened. "Sera, that Omega can barely meet your eyes. You've spoken maybe ten words to him your entire life. This isn't you."

There it was—that familiar mental pressure sliding against my consciousness. Stronger than last night, more desperate. Invisible claws scratching at my mind, seeking purchase.

In my past life, I'd be writhing in agony by now, my thoughts reshaping themselves to his will.

Now his power shattered against my defenses like glass against steel.

"How strange," I tilted my head with deliberate innocence. "Why do you care so much about my choice? You seemed... upset last night."

Dashiell's mask slipped as he doubled down on his mental assault. I felt him hammering frantically at my barriers, sweat beading on his forehead from the effort.

"This is impossible..." The words escaped before he could stop them. "What's happening?"

"What's impossible?" I rose gracefully, feigning concern. "Dashiell, you look terrible. Should I call for help?"

He shot to his feet, panic flashing in his eyes.

"I'm fine." He forced composure back into his voice. "Sera, are you certain about last night? Maybe you should reconsider."

Satisfaction bloomed in my chest. Seeing him rattled, remembering how effortlessly he'd controlled me before, how he and Vivienne had laughed at my stupidity—revenge tasted sweet.

"Of course I'm certain," I smiled warmly. "But since you're so concerned, I'll think it over. You are my friend, after all."

The word 'friend' hit him like a slap. He managed a stiff nod before retreating through the roses.

I watched him disappear, lips curving into a predator's smile.

Round one to me.

The afternoon drawing room smelled of Earl Grey. Several elders sat in their usual circle, teacups balanced on saucers, conversation flowing like ritual.

When I entered, the chatter died.

"Sera, darling." Aunt Margaret set down her cup with deliberate precision. "We were discussing your... announcement last night."

I sank into the velvet armchair, spine straight. "What about it?"

"Choosing that Omega." Uncle Robert's bluntness could cut glass. "Reckless, child. Do you understand what this does to our standing?"

Vivienne swept in like she'd been waiting in the wings, concern painted across her porcelain features. She perched beside me, fingers stroking my hand with sisterly affection.

"Don't blame Sera," her voice dripped honey. "I think someone influenced her judgment. That Caspian... what if he used some kind of enchantment?"

I bit back laughter while arranging my face into shock. "Enchantment? Vivienne, what are you saying?"

"Think about it." Vivienne turned to the elders, playing her audience perfectly. "Sera's always been logical, careful. This sudden fixation on an unremarkable Omega? It's completely out of character."

Aunt Margaret's head bobbed like a bird's. "She has a point. Sera, did anything feel... off last night?"

I pressed fingers to my temple, the picture of confusion. "I... maybe? Something did feel strange."

"I knew it!" Vivienne pounced. "Father, we need to investigate this. Sera's choice affects our entire bloodline."

Uncle Robert's cane struck the floor like a gavel. "Absolutely. If there was interference, heads will roll."

"I'll reconsider everything," I whispered, voice trembling just enough. "Please, give me time to sort this out."

Vivienne squeezed my hand, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. "There's another concern—we know nothing about Caspian's background. What if this is all calculated?"

I watched her orchestrate the performance with grudging admiration. Without my rebirth memories, I'd have fallen for every word. She'd cast herself as the protective sister, me as the victim, Caspian as the threat.

Masterful manipulation.

"You're right." I lifted my chin with newfound resolve. "I need to investigate properly. If something's wrong, I'll choose again."

The elders relaxed into their chairs, and Vivienne pulled me into a warm embrace.

"Thank you for warning me," I breathed against her ear. "I'll be more careful."

Her body went rigid for a heartbeat before melting back into the hug. "Always, little sister. I'll always protect you."

Midnight painted the estate in shades of black and silver. I ghosted through the corridors toward Father's study, where conspirators liked to gather in the dark.

Light leaked under the door like spilled secrets. Voices murmured within.

"My power has zero effect on her," Dashiell snarled. "Zero. This has never happened before—no one resists me."

"Control yourself." Vivienne's voice could freeze blood. "Maybe that Omega has protection magic. Some old bloodlines carry natural immunities."

"Then what's our play?" Dashiell's footsteps paced the room. "Without control, the whole plan falls apart."

"The plan adapts." Ice clinked against glass—Vivienne pouring wine. "This afternoon went perfectly. The elders doubt her judgment now. She's vulnerable."

"Not vulnerable enough." Dashiell's tone turned lethal. "If subtle doesn't work, maybe it's time for direct action."

My blood turned to winter in my veins.

Direct action.

What exactly were they planning?