CHAPTER 19 - Navira's POV
If I learned one thing in the orphanage, it's this:
Never show your teeth unless you're ready to bite.
But always smile.
People fall for smiles faster than traps.
And right now?
This house is so easy to manipulate it's almost boring.
Almost.
Morning - Sweetness Mode Activated
I walk downstairs with the softest smile I own - the one that makes me look like a fragile, humble little angel who knows how to fold blankets properly.
Vivienne instantly brightens. "Good morning, sweetheart!"
I clasp my hands together. "Good morning, Mom."
Agnes stiffens.
I win automatically.
Victor peeks over his laptop. "Pumpkin, sleep well?"
"Yes," I say. "Much better than... well..." I sigh gently, eyes dropping. "Back in the orphanage, we didn't really get to sleep peacefully. Noise, fights... cold floors..."
Vivienne drops her spoon.
Alden freezes mid-chew.
Alastair's posture straightens like a soldier.
Agnes mutters, "For God's sake..."
I continue, perfectly innocent. "So I'm really grateful I get to rest now. I don't want to be a burden."
Victor clears his throat, emotional. "You're not a burden at all."
Vivienne reaches over and pats my hand. "If anything, we wish you had come home sooner."
Agnes almost breaks her cereal bowl.
I lift my eyes slowly, blinking like a soft, wounded puppy.
"But... I worry I'm not fitting in. That I'm... too different."
Alden shakes his head. "No. You're doing fine."
Alastair nods stiffly. "Better than fine."
Agnes makes a strangled noise.
I look down shyly, even though inside I'm laughing.
Hook.
Line.
Sinker.
Agnes, Meanwhile...
She's glaring so hard I'm surprised her eyeballs haven't burst into flames.
Because she knows what I'm doing.
She knows I'm acting.
Knows I'm playing the "gentle orphan girl" card like a master violinist.
But she can't say a thing without sounding insane.
Her grief today? Delicious.
At School - After the Rankings
The hallways are a buzzing beehive of rumors.
"She's albino AND brilliant-"
"No wonder Agnes acted weird-"
"Navira Aurline, rank 1... insane..."
"Is she joining the honor council?"
"Agnes dropped to 72- ouch."
I walk through the halls calmly.
Everyone watches.
Some stare like I'm a celebrity.
Some stare like I'm a threat.
Both are correct.
Agnes trails behind me, looking like she hasn't slept since the rankings came out.
Her friends attempt comfort-but only worsen it.
"Agnes, maybe the teacher messed up?"
"Navira probably guessed the answers."
"Or cheated-"
I stop walking.
Every head turns.
I look at them coldly. "I don't cheat."
The way their faces pale?
Perfect.
Agnes steps back-then her expression shifts.
Calculating.
Dark.
Scheming.
Oh?
Is my little imposter planning something?
Good.
Let her.
I need a hobby.
Lunch - Agnes Tries to Strike
We're outside in the courtyard when she tries it.
She walks up with fake confidence and a saccharine smile that looks painful.
"Navira," she says loudly, "don't you think you're getting a big head because of one exam?"
I smile sweetly. "Oh, I don't know... My head wasn't big enough to fake injuries and accuse people of attempted murder."
Her composure cracks. "Shut up-"
"Agnes," I interrupt softer, leaning closer, "you should really be careful. This school has cameras. And I'm sure the principal would love a second copy of that recording."
She goes silent instantly.
Bingo.
She clenches her fists. "You won't win."
"I already did."
She trembles.
I look at her, lowering my voice.
"You're not angry at me. You're angry because Jasver rejected you."
A gasp.
Her friends freeze.
Agnes's face collapses.
"Shut your mouth," she whispers furiously.
"It's the truth." I shrug. "You can't force someone to like you. And you can't keep pretending you're the only Aurline princess when you're not even related."
Every word hits her like a stab.
She's about to scream-
when the bell rings.
Saved by the bell... again.
Afternoon Classes - The Plot Begins
Agnes sits in the back of class scribbling furiously in her notebook.
Her eyes flick to me.
Again.
And again.
She's planning something.
Something stupid.
Something messy.
Something doomed.
Because Agnes's brain isn't built for strategy.
It's built for tantrums.
I rest my chin on my hand and smile.
Let her try.
Watching her struggle is entertainment.
After School - The Aureline Brothers
At the gate, Alden and Alastair are waiting like they've been assigned to retrieve radioactive material.
Alden crosses his arms. "We need to talk later."
I blink innocently. "Of course. Did I do something wrong?"
He hesitates.
He hates that question.
Alastair sighs. "Just... don't push Agnes too much."
I widen my eyes a little.
Soft voice.
Gentle tone.
"I'm not pushing her," I say. "I'm trying very hard. I told you... I don't want problems. Back at the orphanage... if we argued..." I pause. "Let's just say yelling always ended badly."
Their expressions soften immediately.
Perfect.
Alden nods. "We didn't know."
"I know," I whisper. "That's why I'm trying. Really."
They exchange looks-guilty, uncomfortable, confused.
Exactly the state I want them in.
Evening - Agnes's Storm
At home, Agnes slams her bedroom door so loudly the frames shake.
Vivienne looks worried. "Navira, darling... did something happen at school?"
I blink innocently. "Probably just stress. Exams are hard. I know how she feels... back in the orphanage-"
"Oh sweetheart," Vivienne whispers, hugging me.
Victor puts a hand on my shoulder. "You're safe now."
I smile up at them sweetly.
Agnes watches from the stairs, fury twisting her features.
She knows I'm playing them.
She knows she can't expose me.
She knows she's losing.
Which makes her more dangerous.
Good.
Danger is interesting.
And I'm ready for whatever she tries next.