The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the delicate curtains of the chamber, casting a warm glow over the polished floors. Serina Elowen blinked awake, the remnants of a strange dream lingering in her mind. For a brief moment, she was disoriented, her body frozen in place as her eyes adjusted to the light.
But then it hit her—the undeniable weight of the reality she had returned to.
It wasn't supposed to be like this. The wedding day. The night she was supposed to be united with the prince she had loved. The night her life had ended in blood and betrayal. The night she had died.
But now, here she was, alive once more. Back in the familiar surroundings of her childhood home—the Duke's estate—before the tragedy had unfolded. Before everything had gone wrong.
She had awoken in her bed, her heart pounding, her breath shaky. The last thing she remembered was the cold steel of betrayal piercing through her chest, the prince's cruel smile etched in her memory. She had died. She had felt the life leave her body. But now... now, she was back. Back in the same room, in the same bed, as though nothing had changed.
Her fingers brushed the fabric of her sheets as she rose to sit, trying to steady her racing thoughts.
Was it all a dream?
No. It couldn't have been. The pain, the loss, the heartbreak—it was real. And she had come back to stop it.
Her fingers traced the silver pendant around her neck—a gift from her mother. The pendant had always brought her a sense of calm. But this time, there was something else within her—a strength she didn't have before. The kind of strength that only came from having seen the depths of betrayal and death itself.
Serina shook her head, standing up and walking toward the full-length mirror. She had to see herself. See if it was really her.
And there she was. The same features she had always known—soft brown hair that cascaded down her back in loose waves, bright hazel eyes that had once been full of hope, now clouded with caution. Her skin was pale, the faint scars of past battles, both physical and emotional, marking her appearance. But something in her eyes had changed—there was a fire there now. A purpose.
She wasn't the same Serina from before.
She couldn't afford to be.
A light knock sounded at the door, pulling her from her thoughts. Her heart skipped, and her body tensed. It was the last thing she wanted to face right now. Her father's voice came softly through the wood.
"Serina? Are you awake? It's time for breakfast."
Breakfast. She forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. Her father—the Duke. He had always been a loving, protective man, but his role in the grand schemes of the kingdom had always been a political one. She had always known he loved her, but she had never realized the extent of his influence, or the web of intrigues he was tangled in.
She had to make sure she was cautious this time. Too many mistakes were made before, and they all stemmed from trusting those she shouldn't have.
With a deep breath, Serina straightened, adjusting the simple white gown she had been wearing the night before. She felt the weight of her responsibilities pressing on her, the knowledge of what was to come looming over her, but she couldn't let herself falter. Not now. Not again.
She walked to the door, opening it to reveal the servant standing with a respectful bow. The servant, a young girl with blonde braids, smiled gently. "The Duke requests your presence at breakfast, milady. It is time."
Serina nodded silently, her voice steady despite the inner storm brewing. "Thank you, Lira. I will join him shortly."
The servant nodded again and left, closing the door softly behind her. Serina stood there for a moment, her mind racing. She had to be careful. She had to make sure everything played out differently this time.
She wasn't going to make the same mistakes.
As she moved to gather her things, her thoughts turned once again to the prince—Lucian. He was the reason for her death. The reason she had died so young. So blindly. She had loved him with everything in her heart. And he had returned her love with nothing but false promises. He had killed her without hesitation, with the coldness of a heartless ruler.
But this time, she wouldn't make that mistake. She wouldn't let him manipulate her, wouldn't let him draw her into his web of lies. She had been too naive, too trusting, and it had cost her everything.
This time, she would watch him from the shadows. This time, she would play the game carefully. If Lucian thought he could use her again, he was mistaken. She had a second chance, and she wasn't going to waste it.
Serina took one last look at the room—the familiar, safe space that had once been her sanctuary—and stepped out. She would face her father, yes. But she would also make sure she moved carefully, making sure every step she took now would be one that led her closer to victory.
Her path was clear now. Protect herself. Stay ahead of the game. And when the time came, destroy Lucian and his kingdom from within.
But for now, the first step was simple: breakfast with her father.
As she descended the stairs, the smell of warm bread and fresh fruit filled the air. Her father was already seated at the long wooden table, his silver hair catching the light of the morning sun. His eyes—eyes that had seen countless political struggles—looked up when she entered, and a small smile touched his lips.
"Serina, my dear. You're up early today."
Serina smiled back, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I couldn't sleep. The night felt... too long."
Her father nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "The past always feels like that. Time is a strange thing, isn't it?"
Yes. Time was strange. She had learned that more than anyone else.
"Come, sit," her father said, motioning to the seat beside him. "There is much to discuss today. I've received word of troubling things in the kingdom."
She nodded, taking her seat, but her mind was elsewhere, her thoughts focused on the future. The path she would carve for herself. And the revenge she would soon take.
But for now, she would be the daughter of a Duke. She would play her role.
For now, she would bide her time.
And when the time was right, she would make sure the prince—and everyone who had wronged her—would pay.