The cold, damp air of the dungeon seeped into  Serene Van deras's bones, chilling her to the core. The darkness clung to her like a second skin, as if the shadows themselves sought to swallow her whole. She no longer felt the biting pain of the iron shackles digging into her wrists and ankles; that sensation had long dulled, just as her hope had withered away.

She lay slumped against the stone wall, barely alive, her breath shallow and labored. Her once golden hair, now matted and tangled, had lost its luster, and her once-bright eyes were dull with despair.

How did it come to this?

.......... 

Serene had been a beloved daughter of the powerful Van deras family. She had grown up in luxury, destined for greatness. The entire kingdom had admired her beauty, grace, and intelligence. She had been betrothed to Prince Revero, the future king, and their love was celebrated throughout the land. Lady Lilian, her dearest friend, had been by her side through it all, her confidante and closest companion.

But it had all been a lie.

As Serene's life crumbled around her, she learned the truth—the bitter, soul-crushing truth. Revero had never loved her. He had used her to climb closer to the throne, and when he no longer needed her, he had cast her aside like a pawn. Lilian, her best friend, had coveted her position, her beauty, and her power all along. It was Lilian who had whispered lies into Revero's ear, who had poisoned the court against Serene, framing her for treason and leaving her to rot in this dungeon.

And now, she was dying—alone, betrayed, and forgotten.

A sharp cough racked her frail body, and she tasted blood on her lips. Her time was almost up.

As her vision blurred, Serene stared up at the narrow window high above her, where a sliver of moonlight pierced the darkness. She closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting to those who had betrayed her. Revero, with his false smile and honeyed words. Lilian, with her venomous lies and pretty face. They had taken everything from her.

If I had one more chance, she thought bitterly, I would destroy them all.

Her breathing grew shallow, her heartbeat slowing. She could feel death creeping closer, wrapping its icy fingers around her. But just as the last flicker of life began to fade from her body, something strange happened. A warmth, faint at first, began to spread through her chest.

Serene's eyes snapped open, but the dungeon around her was gone. Instead, she found herself in a vast, endless void of shimmering light. It felt... familiar, as if she'd been here before.

"Do you seek vengeance?"

The voice came from everywhere and nowhere, a soft whisper that echoed in the empty space. Serene turned, searching for the source, but found nothing.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice hoarse from disuse. "I want revenge."

"Then it shall be granted."

A surge of power coursed through her, a sensation so overwhelming that it left her breathless. The pain that had plagued her body vanished, replaced by a fierce, unrelenting energy. Serene gasped, clutching her chest as the light around her intensified, blinding her.

And then, everything went black.

---

Serene awoke with a start, her heart racing. She blinked rapidly, her vision adjusting to the soft morning light that streamed through the open windows. She sat up, her body feeling light, free from the shackles that had bound her in the dungeon.

Her hand flew to her throat, feeling the smooth, unblemished skin there. No bruises. No chains.

Panicking, she threw off the silken covers and rushed to the ornate mirror that stood in the corner of her bedroom. Her bedroom. The reflection that stared back at her was not that of a broken, dying woman, but that of a young, vibrant girl—herself, years younger.

She touched her face in disbelief. Her skin was smooth and flawless, her hair golden and shining, cascading down her back in soft waves. Her eyes—once dull and lifeless—now gleamed with a sharp, fiery light.

How is this possible?

She turned away from the mirror, her heart pounding in her chest. Memories flooded her mind—her imprisonment, the betrayal, her death. She had been certain that she had died in that dungeon. But here she was, in her room, as if none of it had happened.

No. It had happened. She remembered it all too clearly.

Serene’s mind raced, piecing together the impossible. She hadn’t merely been saved. She had been reborn. Returned to a time before everything had fallen apart, when she still had her family’s support, her reputation intact, and the prince's affection—or so she had once believed.

But this time, she would not be the naive, trusting girl she had once been. This time, she would not allow herself to be used and discarded.

This time, I will destroy them all.

As she sat on the edge of her bed, her fists clenched tightly, the door to her room opened, and a familiar figure stepped inside.

"Serene, you're awake!" It was her maid, Lily, a sweet and loyal girl who had served her faithfully for years. "I was just about to wake you for breakfast. Are you feeling alright?"

Serene stared at Lily, her mind reeling. Lily was alive, just as she had been before everything had gone wrong. She had been one of the few people who had remained loyal to Serene, even in her darkest hours. Her heart softened for a moment, but she quickly steeled herself.

"I’m fine, Lily," Serene said, her voice calm and measured. "Bring me my breakfast. And then... I need to make preparations."

Lily frowned, clearly sensing that something was different about her mistress, but she nodded and hurried out of the room.

As the door closed behind her, Serene rose to her feet and walked to the window. She stared out at the sprawling palace gardens, the very picture of serenity and beauty.

They don’t know what’s coming, she thought darkly, a smirk curling at the corner of her lips. Revero, Lilian... I will take everything from you, just as you took everything from me.

---.................... 

Serene's breakfast arrived shortly after Lily's departure, and though the familiar scent of fresh bread and honeyed tea filled the room, she had little appetite. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of her next move. She sat at the small round table by the window, staring at the delicate porcelain teacup in her hand, her fingers idly tracing its rim.

I have time. I can change everything.

In her past life, this was the beginning of the end. Her engagement to Prince Revero would soon be announced, and from that moment on, Lilian’s poison would slowly start working. The manipulations, the small betrayals, would all build up until Selene found herself alone, framed for treason.

But not this time.

This time, she would be the one to manipulate the game.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and Serene’s head snapped up, her cold resolve quickly slipping into the mask of the sweet, innocent noblewoman she once played so well.

“Come in,” she called softly.

The door creaked open, and her father, Duke Van dera, stepped inside. Tall, broad-shouldered, and with silver streaking his dark hair, the duke was a formidable presence. He was a man who commanded respect, and yet, Serene had always known him to be gentle with her—too trusting of those around him. It was that trust that had made him a victim of the schemes that had ruined their family.

“Good morning, my dear,” the duke said with a smile, though his brows furrowed slightly in concern. “Lily told me you were feeling unwell last night. Are you alright?”

Serene rose from her seat, moving toward him with a soft smile. The warmth in her father’s voice tugged at her heart, a reminder of the one person who had truly loved her in her previous life. She had failed him before, allowing her enemies to drag his name through the mud alongside hers. Not this time.

“I’m fine, Father,” she replied, taking his hand. “I’ve simply had a lot on my mind. But I’m feeling much better this morning.”

He nodded, though his eyes searched hers for any sign of deception. He always had a way of seeing through her, though now, Serene had the experience to hide her emotions far better than before.

“That’s good to hear,” he said, patting her hand affectionately. “There’s much to do today, my dear. The palace has invited us to the royal banquet tonight—an event to celebrate the upcoming engagement of Prince Revero.”

Serene’s smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly masked it. This was it—the beginning of the engagement announcement. She had little time to act.

“The royal banquet,” she repeated, her mind spinning with possibilities. If she recalled correctly, tonight would be the night when Revero would publicly hint at their engagement. It was also the night that Lilian would begin to weave her web, charming her way into Revero’s inner circle while subtly undermining Serene.

Not this time.

Her father misinterpreted her hesitation as nervousness. “I know the prince is fond of you, Serene. It won’t be long before he makes his intentions clear.”

Fond of me? He never cared for me at all, Serene thought bitterly. Revero had seen her only as a tool, a stepping stone to power. He had never loved her, never even respected her. She was nothing more than a means to an end. The memory of his cold, dismissive gaze as he watched her dragged to the dungeon burned fresh in her mind.

But instead of giving in to the fury that bubbled beneath the surface, she smiled sweetly. “Of course, Father. I’ll make sure to be at my best tonight.”

As her father left, satisfied with her response, Selene returned to the window. Her hands clenched into fists as she stared out at the sprawling gardens below. Tonight, her enemies would think they were taking the first step toward her ruin.

But I will be the one to strike first.

---

That evening, as Lily helped Serene dress for the banquet, Serene’s mind raced with strategies. She knew that Revero and Lilian had already formed an alliance, though it was secret.Lilian had been slowly cultivating Revero’s attention, her flirtatious smiles and honeyed words worming their way into his ambition. Serene had been blind to it before, believing their friendship was solid. Now, however, she knew Lilian’s true intentions.

Her gown for the evening was a deep, royal blue, embroidered with silver thread. It was beautiful, elegant—perfectly suited for the fiancée of a prince. The choice of color was deliberate. In her previous life, she had worn a pale pink dress, one that had made her blend in with the other noblewomen. This time, she wanted to stand out.

“You look stunning, my lady,” Lily said, her eyes wide with admiration. “You’ll certainly be the talk of the banquet.”

Serene smirked, adjusting a sapphire pendant around her neck. “That’s the idea.”

As she descended the grand staircase into the main hall, she could feel the eyes of the guests turn toward her. Whispers followed in her wake, but Serene kept her chin high, her expression serene. She was no longer the naive girl she once was. Tonight, she would begin to change the game.

Prince Revero stood near the head of the hall, surrounded by courtiers and sycophants. His golden hair and sharp, angular features gave him the appearance of a man born to rule, but Serene knew better. He was nothing but a snake hiding behind a charming smile.

When their eyes met across the room, Revero’s lips curved into a smile that had once made her heart flutter. Now, it filled her with disgust.

“Lady Serene,” he greeted as she approached, his voice dripping with false affection. “You look radiant tonight.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Serene replied, her tone cool but polite. She offered him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It is an honor to be in your presence.”

Revero’s smile faltered for a moment, as if sensing the change in her demeanor, but he quickly recovered. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you, Serene. There are matters we should discuss, regarding our future.”

Serene’s eyes flicked to his hand, noting the subtle gesture toward Lady Lilian, who stood not far from them, pretending not to watch. The sight of her former friend made Serene’s blood boil, but she maintained her composure.

“Our future?” Serene repeated softly, tilting her head ever so slightly. “I wasn’t aware there was one.”

Revy’s eyes narrowed in confusion, but before he could respond, another voice cut in.

“Serene! I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Lady Lilian’s voice was as sweet as honey, her smile wide and friendly, but Serene could see the venom lurking just beneath the surface. Lilian glided toward them, her silver gown shimmering in the candlelight. “Prince Revero, forgive me for interrupting, but I simply had to steal Serene away for a moment.”

The prince smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course, Lady Lilian.”

Serene turned to Lilian, her smile never faltering. “Lady Lilian. What a pleasant surprise.”

Lilian took Serene’s arm, pulling her gently away from the prince. “Come, let’s catch up,” she said brightly, leading Serene toward a more secluded part of the hall.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Lilian’s cheerful expression shifted into something colder. “Serene, you looked so lost over there with the prince. Are you alright?”

So it begins, Serene thought, recognizing Lilian’s subtle jab.

“I’m fine,” Serene replied smoothly. “More than fine, actually.”

Lilian raised an eyebrow. “Really? You seemed distant.”

Serene chuckled softly, stepping closer to Lilian, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper. “You know, Lilian, I’ve been thinking. I’ve realized there are some people I’ve trusted far too much. But now I see things clearly.”

Lilian’s eyes flickered with unease, but she quickly recovered, her smile returning. “I’m glad to hear that, Serene. We all need clarity sometimes.”

“Oh, I have it now.” Serene’s smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. “Crystal clear.”

She turned and walked away, leaving Lilian standing alone, her smile faltering as Serene’s words hung in the air. This time, Serene wouldn’t be the one blindsided.

She had made her first move, and now the game truly began.

.....

Serene left the banquet hall with a satisfied smirk lingering on her lips. Tonight had been only the first step in her plan, but it was enough to plant the seeds of doubt in Lilian's mind. The evening still played vividly in her memory—Revero's subtle confusion at her coldness, lilian's momentary flicker of uncertainty.

But there was much more to do.

She had spent years suffering under the weight of betrayal, but now she had the power of foresight. She could use the knowledge of the future to her advantage and tear apart the alliances that had once destroyed her.

As she walked through the palace corridors, Serene’s thoughts turned toward her next move. Lilian had been unnerved, but Revero—he was the real threat. His ambition knew no bounds, and she knew from bitter experience how quickly he could turn on anyone who no longer served his goals.

This time, she would outmaneuver him.

"Serene!"

The voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She turned to see a familiar figure approaching—a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark hair and a commanding presence. Lord Damien Greythorne, the son of the Duke of Greythorne, and a man who had been one of Revero's closest allies in the past. He had been charming, quick-witted, and dangerous—though not in the way Revero was. Damien’s danger lay in his cunning. He was always a few steps ahead of everyone else, though in her past life, Serene hadn’t fully realized it until it was too late.

Now, however, she knew just how useful Damien could be.

“Lord Damien,” Serene greeted, giving him a polite curtsy. She had to play this carefully.

Damien smiled, his dark eyes studying her intently. “I’ve been looking for you all evening. You disappeared so quickly after your conversation with the prince. Did something happen?”

Serene knew Damien had an uncanny ability to read people, and if she wasn’t careful, he would sense her true motives. She softened her expression, letting a trace of vulnerability slip into her voice.

“Nothing of consequence, my lord,” she replied. “It was simply... a little overwhelming, to be in the spotlight like that.”

Damien’s smile widened slightly, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “You? Overwhelmed? I find that hard to believe, Lady Serene. You’ve always carried yourself with such grace.”

He’s testing me.

Serene returned his smile, though inwardly she steeled herself. Damien Greythorne was not someone to underestimate. In her past life, he had remained neutral, never fully aligning with Revero or opposing him. This time, however, she would need to ensure Damien was on her side—or at least far enough away from Revero that he wouldn’t pose a threat.

“You flatter me, Lord Damien,” she said lightly. “But I’ve heard whispers of your own reputation. You’re known for your... ability to navigate difficult situations.”

Damien’s smile became sharper. “Reputation is often exaggerated. People love to talk.”

Serene tilted her head slightly, meeting his gaze head-on. “Perhaps. But I imagine you’re more interested in truth than in rumors.”

His eyes flickered with interest at her words. “Indeed. And what truth are you offering, Lady Serene?”

Serene stepped closer to him, lowering her voice. “The truth is, Lord Damien, there are forces at play here that you might not fully understand yet. Alliances shifting, old friendships dissolving. But I think you’re clever enough to see that, aren’t you?”

Damien raised an eyebrow, his curiosity clearly piqued. “You speak in riddles, my lady. Are you suggesting that the court is not as stable as it seems?”

Serene smiled, knowing she had his attention now. “I’m merely suggesting that we both keep our eyes open. The winds are changing, and those who adapt will thrive. Those who don’t...”

She left the sentence unfinished, letting the implication hang in the air.

Damien studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he chuckled softly. “You’ve certainly changed, Serene. I like it.”

“Change is inevitable,” Serene replied smoothly. “It’s how we survive.”

Damien’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he inclined his head. “I’ll keep your words in mind, Lady Serene. And if you ever find yourself in need of an ally, don’t hesitate to seek me out.”

With that, he gave her a graceful bow and walked away, disappearing into the crowd of courtiers.

Serene watched him go, her mind already calculating. Damien would be useful, but she had to be careful not to reveal too much too soon. He was unpredictable, and while he could be an ally, he could just as easily turn on her if he saw an advantage in it.

One step at a time, she reminded herself.

---

Later that night, back in her chambers, Serene stood by the window, gazing out at the moonlit gardens. The events of the evening had unfolded as she’d hoped, but she couldn’t afford to be complacent. She needed to be ten steps ahead, always anticipating her enemies’ next moves.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

“Come in,” she called.

Lily entered the room, her expression worried. “My lady, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Serene turned to face her, immediately alert. Lily had been her faithful maid in both lives, and while she had never been directly involved in the court’s political games, she often heard things. Things that others assumed were too insignificant to matter.

“What is it, Lily?” Serene asked, her tone calm but firm.

Lily hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer, lowering her voice. “I overheard some of the servants talking, my lady. They said Lady Lilian has been spending a lot of time with the prince recently. More than usual. And... they said she’s been asking questions about your family.”

Serene’s blood ran cold. She had expected Lilian to begin her subtle sabotage, but it seemed she was moving faster than Selene had anticipated.

“What kind of questions?” Serene asked, keeping her voice steady.

Lily bit her lip, glancing nervously toward the door before answering. “About the Van dera lands, my lady. About your father’s influence in the court.”

Serene’s mind raced. In her past life, Lilian had slowly undermined her reputation, casting doubt on her loyalty and competence. But it seemed this time, Lilian was going straight for the Van dera family’s political power.

She wants to weaken my father’s position, Serene realized. If the court loses faith in him, Revero will have the excuse he needs to break off the engagement and align himself with Lilian.

This couldn’t be allowed to happen. Serene needed to move quickly—before Lilian could do any more damage.

“Thank you, Lily,” Serene said, her voice calm despite the storm brewing inside her. “You’ve done well to bring this to me.”

Lily nodded, relief flooding her expression. “Of course, my lady. I’ll keep listening for anything else.”

As Lily left the room, Serene turned back to the window, her jaw clenched in determination.

So Lilian wants to strike at my family? Fine. Let her try.

But Serene would be ready. She would expose Lilian for the schemer she was—and in the process, tear apart her alliance with Revero before it could fully form.

The seeds of deception had been planted.

Now, it was time for Serene to nurture them and watch them grow into the downfall of her enemies.