AVELINE The backyard of the Brown estate was breathtaking, adorned with elegant floral arrangements and crystal ornaments that sparkled under the sun. It was my first time attending a tea party, and the number of noble ladies in attendance was overwhelming. Their curious gazes followed me as I was led to my seat.

Oh, Emilia is here too. Great.

I found myself seated beside a striking ginger-haired lady who offered me a warm smile. "Hello, Lady Lytheryss," she greeted politely.

"Nice to meet you," I replied with a small smile, matching her friendliness.

But before we could exchange more words, a familiar and irritating voice cut through the gentle chatter. Lady Margaret, seated at the head of the long table, smiled sweetly, though her words were anything but. "It must be refreshing for someone who recently became a noble to enjoy such society gatherings. I imagine it's all quite new to you, isn't it?"

The soft murmur of the other ladies ceased, all eyes turning to me. I held my head high, refusing to let her words sting. "Indeed, Lady Margaret, navigating new experiences can be a challenge," I said, smiling graciously. "However, I must clarify—I did not just become a noble recently. I have always been one."

Her expression wavered for a moment before she recovered, her gaze shifting toward Emilia. "Well, you could say that. I heard you're related to the Thorne family, isn't that right, Emilia?"

Emilia's smirk was sharper than any blade. "It's more of a stain," she said, her voice loud enough to carry across the table.

A wave of whispers rippled among the guests, their glances now tinged with judgment. Are they working together to undermine me?

I met Lady Margaret's gaze directly, my voice steady. "I believe it is none of your business."

Lady Margaret leaned forward slightly, her cunning smile deepening. "Well, it is intriguing. I am curious—how did you manage to secure a debut at the imperial ballroom? Did you, perhaps, threaten His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince?"

The insinuation sent a chill down my spine, but I remained composed. "Lady Margaret, please be careful with your words. I am from the Lytheryss family. Is it truly surprising for me to debut at the imperial ballroom?"

Her confidence faltered, her smile now strained. She fumbled, searching for a retort. "Oh my, how bold of you. But let's not forget—you're adopted, aren't you? Shouldn't you mind your place?"

That was the final straw. I stood, the movement silencing the murmurs around us. My voice was cold and sharp, cutting through the tension. "I am still a Lytheryss. I warn you again—be careful with your words. I wonder what Duke Edric would do if he were to hear this."

Her face flushed with anger, her voice rising. "How dare you threaten me? And to address the Duke by name—what insolence! Talking to you truly makes my blood boil!"

I looked down at her, my gaze unwavering. "Know your place, Lady Margaret," I said icily.

Without another word, I turned and walked away, the sound of my heels against the stone pathway echoing in the silence. I refused to look back, even as my heart raced from the confrontation.

As I neared the gates of the estate, I heard hurried footsteps behind me. I turned to see the ginger-haired lady from earlier. "Lady Lytheryss," she called, breathless. "I'm so sorry for what happened back there. I hope you don't take Lady Margaret's words to heart. She's always like that."

"It's okay," I said, offering a small smile. "It's not your fault at all. You don't need to apologize. May I know your name?"

"I'm Jane Viller," she said, smiling nervously.

Ah, so she's the one who also debuted at the imperial ballroom. "It's nice to meet you, Lady Viller. Perhaps, sometime, I could invite you to the Lytheryss estate. I'll be staying in the capital for a while since Duke Edric has some business to attend to."

Her eyes widened in surprise, then softened with delight. "Oh, wow, thank you so much, Lady Lytheryss. I'd be honored."

"Well then, I'll take my leave. It was nice meeting you," I said with a polite nod before continuing my way back to the carriage, feeling a strange sense of triumph amidst the drama.

***

EMILIA The tea party ended, and I'm now in Lady Margaret's room.

"Now you see how cocky she is, right?" I said to Lady Margaret, my voice dripping with disdain.

"She sure is something," Lady Margaret replied, her tone tight, barely masking her venom.

"Is everything ready?" I asked, my gaze sharp as I leaned in closer.

Lady Margaret's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Don't worry, Emilia. I've got your back. I'll make sure Aveline gets what she deserves during the hunting competition."

I raised an eyebrow. "It's amazing how you already know about the upcoming hunting competition when His Imperial Majesty hasn't even announced anything yet."

Lady Margaret chuckled darkly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "I sure am amazing, aren't I? I've been preparing for this moment for quite some time."

I felt a sense of unease gnawing at me. "Preparing for what?"

Her eyes gleamed with malice, a spark of something darker than I had ever seen in her. "My father has taught me things, Emilia. Things that others wouldn't dare to even speak of."

I paused, my heart skipping a beat. "Your father?" I asked cautiously. "You mean Duke Brown?"

Lady Margaret's smile deepened as she nodded. "Yes. He's been teaching me... dark magic. The kind that can shape fate itself. It's not just some petty spell. It's something far more powerful."

I felt a cold chill creep up my spine. "Dark magic?"

Her eyes shone with pride as she explained. "Not just any magic. I've learned to summon creatures—monsters that obey my command. At the hunting competition, when Aveline is at her most vulnerable, I'll unleash them. They will attack her, throw her off course, and terrorize her until she can no longer stand. She won't know what hit her."

I swallowed, horrified at the implications. "Monsters?" I whispered. "You can summon monsters?"

Lady Margaret's laugh was cruel. "Yes. And it's going to be glorious. Aveline will think she's just another contestant, but she'll be caught in my trap. While the others are distracted, she'll face the wrath of the creatures I summon, and no one will be able to stop it."

I was stunned. "But... what if it's discovered? Dark magic is forbidden, Lady Margaret. It's punishable by death."

She waved a hand dismissively. "Who would dare question me? My father has connections—powerful ones. No one will ever know the truth. Once the monsters are dealt with, the evidence will vanish. It will be like nothing ever happened."

Her voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper. "Aveline will regret ever stepping foot into this world. She's made a mistake, and I'll make sure she pays for it."

I stood there, processing her words, a mix of awe and fear gripping me. "But what about the crown prince? You're not upset that he chose Aveline over you?"

Lady Margaret's face darkened, her eyes flashing with jealousy and rage. "The crown prince? He was supposed to be mine. But now, Aveline has taken everything from me. She stole him from me, just like she steals everything else."

I thought to myself, The crown prince... I've had my eye on him too. But it's okay. I'm marrying Young Master Kevin Ashbourne anyway. I wasn't sure if I could shake off the lingering jealousy, but it didn't matter right now.

Lady Margaret leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest as she spoke again. "But let's focus on the plan. Once Aveline is attacked, she'll be humiliated. Her reputation will be ruined, and the crown prince will see her for the weak, helpless girl she truly is. She won't be able to hide behind her perfect facade anymore."

I nodded slowly, understanding now just how far Lady Margaret was willing to go for revenge. Dark magic... a monster attack... It was dangerous, twisted, and yet brilliant in its cruelty. I had no doubt that it would work.

Lady Margaret smiled at me, her expression one of dark satisfaction. "Soon, Aveline will learn her place. She will never overshadow me again."