PROLOGUE
The Grand hall of the royal palace shimmered with candlelight, casting flickering shadows on the marble floors. Laughter's and music filled the air.
As I stood near the entrance of hall, my heart thundered in my chest, not from the beauty surrounding me, but from the weight of the impending confrontation. Tonight, I would reclaim what was rightfully mine.
"Elara" a smooth voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see Orion, the master of the magic tower, sauntering me his long dark hair tousled and his emerald eyes sparkling with mischief and he said to me,
"You look ravishing".
"Thank you, Orion," I replied,
I felt more like a puppet than a princess. His presence ignited a flicker of warmth in my chest, but it was overshadowed by the chill of my purpose.
"Ready to light up the night?" He grinned, showcasing a dimple that could charm the sun out of the sky.
"With you by my side? Always." I took a steadying breath, my crimson red eye's sweeping the room filled with nobles and dignitaries. Each face held a story, a secret, a betrayal.
My heart raced not just for the thrill of the royal banquet but for the revenge I had longed for since my awakening in Elara's body. The world would witness the rise of new force tonight.
"Shall we?" Orion extended his arm, and I placed my hand on his sleeve, feeling the warmth of his skin through the fabric.
Together we glided into the throng of people, the music swirling around us like spell.
{Announcement of entering the ball}
Lady Elara Larousse and the master of magic tower lord Orion are enter the ball.
"Did you hear?" A lady in a sparkling gown leaned towards her companion, lowering her voice.
"The duke's daughter is! Some say she's possessed by a devil."
"She is Possessed by a devil?" Another noble scoffed, her laughter ringing out like a ball.
"More like she's been cursed. No one returns from the dead unscathed."
I clenched my jaw, the whispers piercing my resolve. They had no idea what I was capable of. I was no longer the naive girl they remembered.
I was a force of nature, and I would make them tremble. Orion leaned in close to my ear, his breath hot against mine.
"Ignore them. They are just jealous."
"Jealous? Or fearful?" I murmured, my gaze fixed on the grand table at the center of the hall.
At its head sat my father, Duke Larousse, his expression a mask of pride as he surveyed the guests.
"They should be."
"Let's give them a show." Orion suggested, mischief dancing in his eyes.
"How about we start with a little magic?"
"Let's make this spectacle," I replied, my lips curling into a smile.
"I want them see my power." With subtle nod, Orion turned and raised his hands, sending a flash of shimmering light dancing above us, causing people in the crowd to roar.
The Crown prince stepped forward, his voice resonating like ball.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we are celebrating not only a royal banquet, but the return of lady Elara Larousse."
Everyone murmured
The hall erupted in applause, the sound washing over me like a tide. I enjoyed the moment, knowing that I was no longer naïve Elara. I had been reborn, strong fierce.
I felt eyes turning towards me, the nobles leaning in catch a glimpse of the girl who had returned from the dead.
I revealed in it, my heart racing with mixture of fear and exhalation.
"Then let's make a toast." Crown prince suggested, and raising his glass. The crystal caught the light, casting colors dancing across the floor.
"To Elara! May she reclaim her rightful place." The hall erupted in cheers, and I raised my glass high, my heart pounding with ambition.
"To Empire's power, magic, and the return of Elara Larousse!" As the glasses clinked, I felt the weight of expectation settle on my shoulders. I was no longer just a girl in a beautiful dress; I was a force to be reckoned with. The whispers of doubt faded into the background, replaced by the fire of determination.
"Watch closely Orion," I said, my voice low.
I'll show them the depths of my power. "They will fear me, and they will remember the name Elara Larousse…" I smiled
"Let's go, show them what you're made of."
As the magic swirled, I felt the weight of my past, the pain of betrayal fuelling my resolve. I would reclaim what was mine and I would not stop until I had the empire at my feet.
"THE GAME HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN".
["VENGEANCE IS NOT A SIN; IT'S A PROMISE"
- ELARA LAROUSSE]