Eleanor
I hadn't thought my plan would be successful, and I owe my thanks to my so-called brother, Ethan. Reincarnation after centuries felt good, but encountering Ethan in this life was unexpected. I was promised in the past by him—that person—that I would meet the love of my life, Kael, again. I waited and waited, and finally, I'm here. But damn it, Aurelia is with him again. After all the pain I went through because of her, fate has placed her in my path once more. This time around, I won't let her get away with anything.
Two years ago, I met Cassian, now Ethan, at a fun fair. We bumped into each other, and the sense of familiarity hit me so hard that I had to double-check who it was. Time stood still when our eyes met.
"You," I pointed out.
"Maid?" he replied.
"MAID?" I shouted. "So, it's really you, loser."
"Loser, huh? You still haven't changed after all these centuries, except that you've become prettier," he countered.
"Not much can be said for you. How... what are you doing here?" I asked curiously.
"I'm here with my family to enjoy the fair. What else do you think I'm doing?" he replied with his stupid grin.
"You know what I'm talking about, Cassian."
"Alright, alright. Let's find somewhere to chat. But before that, let me enjoy some snacks first."
We had a rather boring chat after his snack-eating adventure. He told me about the promise he made—a second chance to meet his love and to take revenge. He also told me Aurelia and Kael were in this life, which surprised me. That's how our plan to reclaim what was ours came to be.
I know you're wondering why I'm hell-bent on reclaiming what's mine. It all started when I was appointed Aurelia's personal maid in the past. It was the best day of my life. I was an orphan from a young age, forced to beg on the streets and eat scraps just to survive. Then I met him. A mysterious man who always lurked in the shadows, his face obscured, his voice a low, resonating whisper that sent shivers down my spine.
He told me he could give me a better life. At first, I scoffed, convinced he was toying with me. But he kept coming back, making the same offer, his persistence as unsettling as his presence. Days turned into weeks, and exhaustion wore me down. I had nothing to lose. So, I listened.
All he wanted in return was a small vial of my blood. It sounded ridiculous, almost laughable. What harm could that possibly do? Without hesitation, I gave it to him. I didn't realize then that it was the beginning of something far greater than I could ever comprehend—the beginning of my new life... and my inevitable downfall.
I was sent to the Palace as a laundry maid. It wasn't easy, but at least I had food, dresses, and a warm bed. One day, while hanging the washed bedsheets at the back of the palace, I heard groans. I went to investigate and met Princess Aurelia for the first time, clad in her pretty gown and sitting on the GROUND. I rushed to help her.
"What are you doing on the ground, my Princess?" I shouted.
"Oh, finally, there's help," she replied. "Don't mind my appearance; I slipped, and my foot got stuck in the mud."
"If you don't mind, may I help you up?" I asked.
"Yes, please," she replied with a smile.
I was surprised by her politeness. I helped her up, and that was the beginning of our friendship. Every day, she visited the maid quarters with me. At first, I feared punishment for getting too close, but she assured me it was fine. I was the happiest maid in the palace. I considered her a close friend and sister, and I was glad the feelings were mutual. Then one day, she dropped the bomb.
"Would you like to be my personal maid, Selene?" Aurelia asked with hope in her eyes.
"Wh... wha... what did you just say?" I stuttered.
"I asked if you're interested in being my personal maid, Selene," she chuckled.
"Oh my gosh, am I dreaming? I'm not dreaming, right?" I asked, unsure.
"Yes, I'm serious, Selene. Why would I lie to you?" she laughed heartily.
"Oh, my goodness, my princess, yes, yes, I'll be your maid until I have white hair and weak bones," I jokingly said.
Being by her side was fun until the King, her father, told her about her arranged marriage, and she became rebellious, always sneaking out to the capital. But despite everything, I stayed by her side like glue, managing to bring her back from her adventures. This time, however, I couldn't. Everything I said fell on deaf ears.
"My lady, what are you doing here?" I asked.
"I'm just taking a break to clear my head, that's all. You didn't need to come all the way from the capital," she replied casually.
"My princess, you can't do this. The King will notice your absence after a week," I whisper-shouted.
"Then that settles it. I'll stay here for a week until the Majesty notices my absence."
"What are you saying, my princess? If anyone notices your absence, I'll pay with my head," I whisper-shouted.
"No one will notice. I'll return before you know it," she tried to assure me. "So go back quickly before sunrise, okay?"
"Okay, my princess," I answered reluctantly. "But I'll be back tomorrow to check on you, so please don't do anything stupid," I pleaded.
"I swear on my heart, Selene, I will stay out of trouble," she said.
During her stay at the inn, I always sneaked out to her with clothes and food. That was when I met Kael and Cassian, who claimed to be travelers. At first, I was suspicious of their friendship with Aurelia, but she assured me they meant no harm. Even after Aurelia's stay at the inn ended, we continued to meet them in the capital or secluded places.
We had fun at the beginning and grew close. What started as a crush developed into something serious. I told Aurelia about my growing feelings for Kael, and she promised to help me get closer to him. I also realized Cassian had feelings for Aurelia, but I didn't comment.
Whenever we met with the boys, Aurelia would intentionally give Kael and me space, but I realized Kael's attention was always on her, not me. At first, I dismissed it, but as time went on, I realized Aurelia was also giving Kael looks. I was hurt by her betrayal and questioned her.
"You promised to help Kael and me grow closer, but why are you becoming closer to him instead?" I asked, tears streaming down my face.
"I promise you, it's not what it looks like," she answered.
"Are you telling me the truth, Aurelia?"
"Of course. Why would I hurt you?" she hugged me.
But I knew she was lying because shortly after, I saw her kissing Kael passionately. Cassian realized my feelings for Kael and promised to make Kael mine and Aurelia his. He told me his plans, and I was scared.
"I can't do that, Cassian," I shouted. "Aurelia is my best friend, and I can't hurt her."
"Why can't you? Huh? Did she think about your feelings before sneaking around with Kael and lying to your face?" he shouted back, his eyes burning with a cold intensity. "This isn't just about Kael, Selene. She undermined you, used you. We're taking back what's rightfully ours."
"I know, but... but the plan is risky. What if it backfires? Don't forget you're a revolutionary too?"
"Nothing bad will happen. Just trust me. We'll be careful and make sure we get what we want without being caught," Cassian said. "This is the only way."
And I did, but it cost me the love of my life. Kael was killed right in front of my eyes, and it's all Aurelia's fault. I couldn't handle the pain and decided to take my life, but before that, the mysterious man appeared and promised to reincarnate my soul so I could be with my unrequited love—Kael.
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