Ariella walks through the Varinthian manor, admiring the intricate stonework and tall windows. The air is cool, crisp, and filled with the faint scent of pine. She’s still thinking about Elara’s enthusiastic welcome when a sharp, commanding voice slices through the hallway.
Voice: “So. You’re the infamous exile.”
Ariella turns slowly.
A tall woman stands at the end of the corridor, posture perfect, chin lifted with aristocratic pride. Her silver hair is braided elegantly over one shoulder, and her icy blue eyes assess Ariella with open hostility.
Ariella (thought): “Seraphina Varinth. The duke’s older sister. The one who despises the idea of anyone getting close to her brother.”
Seraphina approaches with deliberate steps, each one echoing like a warning.
Seraphina: “I expected someone… more impressive.”
Ariella smiles politely.
Ariella: “I get that a lot.”
Seraphina circles her like a predator evaluating prey.
Seraphina: “My brother is a man of high standards. I doubt you meet any of them.”
Ariella raises a brow.
Ariella: “You’re very protective.”
Seraphina stops in front of her, leaning in slightly.
Seraphina: “I’m more than protective. I’m the only one who truly understands him.”
Then, without warning, she reaches out and brushes her fingers along Ariella’s shoulder — a gesture far too intimate to be innocent.
Seraphina: “We’re very close. Closer than you could ever imagine.”
Ariella stares at her.
Then she laughs.
A soft, amused, utterly unbothered laugh.
Ariella: “You’re testing me.”
Seraphina’s expression cracks.
Seraphina: “Testing you?”
Ariella: “Yes. To see if I’d panic. Get jealous. Throw a tantrum. Beg for his attention.”
She steps past Seraphina, calm as a lake.
Ariella: “Sorry. I don’t play those games.”
Seraphina turns sharply.
Seraphina: “You don’t care that I implied I’m his lover?”
Ariella glances over her shoulder.
Ariella: “You’re his sister. If you were his lover, this kingdom would have bigger problems than me.”
Seraphina’s cheeks flush — with embarrassment or irritation, Ariella can’t tell.
Ariella (thought): “In the original story, Eveline fell for this trick and humiliated herself. Not this time.”
Ariella continues walking, heading toward the manor’s grand library. Seraphina follows, still thrown off balance.
Inside, the library is breathtaking — towering shelves, ancient tomes, maps pinned to the walls. Ariella goes straight to the map table, pulling out a large parchment.
Seraphina watches her warily.
Seraphina: “What are you doing?”
Ariella smooths the map with her palms.
Ariella: “Preparing.”
Seraphina: “For what?”
Ariella taps a narrow mountain pass on the eastern border.
Ariella: “For the invasion.”
Seraphina stiffens.
Seraphina: “Invasion? That’s absurd.”
Ariella shakes her head.
Ariella: “Drakovia has been building forces for months. They’ll strike here. Through the pass your scouts rarely check.”
Seraphina steps closer, eyes widening.
Seraphina: “How do you know this?”
Ariella shrugs lightly.
Ariella: “Because your enemies are predictable. And because your brother will need this information.”
Seraphina stares at her, stunned.
Seraphina: “You’re… helping us?”
Ariella looks up, meeting her gaze.
Ariella: “I live here now. And I don’t intend to let this place fall.”
Seraphina’s voice softens for the first time.
Seraphina: “You’re not what I expected.”
Ariella smirks.
Ariella: “Good. I’d hate to be boring.”
Seraphina hesitates, then speaks quietly.
Seraphina: “I… apologize. For earlier.”
Ariella waves a hand dismissively.
Ariella: “Don’t worry. If I were you, I’d test me too.”
Seraphina lets out a breath — half a laugh, half relief.
Seraphina: “You’re dangerous.”
Ariella smiles.
Ariella: “Only to people who deserve it.”
Seraphina steps beside her, studying the map.
Seraphina: “I’ll inform Alistair immediately. He needs to hear this.”
Ariella nods.
Ariella: “Tell him I’ll be here if he wants details.”
Seraphina pauses at the doorway, glancing back.
Seraphina: “Lady Eveline… I think I might actually like you.”
Ariella’s smile softens.
Ariella: “Good. I like you too.”
Seraphina leaves, and Ariella returns to the map, eyes gleaming with strategy.
Ariella (thought): “Let the plot twist begin.”
---
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 60 Episodes
Download
Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Comments