The ballroom was way too bright, with every chandelier burning like a miniature sun. Its golden glow reflecting off the polished marble floor and the silver-trimmed gowns the music drifted from the corner of the room as the nobles currently staring at me could only whisper with sharp tongues.
I followed Evelyne through the room like a shadow, flinching at every whisper, laugh, or cruel sideways glance cast in my direction. Of course the nobles would notice me even before Evelyne because they enjoyed a good show.
A bastard girl walked as a disgrace behind her betters, dragged along as some kind of pity project to show off to the others. The stares were sharp, but the words were even sharper.
"That's her?"
"The illegitimate one?"
"Why would Evelyne bring her here?"
I tried to hold myself together and not glare at them with my own personal killing intent developed over the years. My body was aching from all the injuries I had recently sustained, and I was forced to keep my head down, as every time I lifted it, a maid would force it back towards the ground.
I felt so helpless, and my heart was becoming numb to the abuse, which was something scary to think about.
With every passing second, the weight I was feeling became even heavier. A mountain pushing down on top of me that this weak body couldn't hold up to without just crumbling.
Then it happened…
Evelyne stopped and turned around in my direction.
"I think it's time we introduce the guests to my adorable little sister." She said it sweetly, as if to try and keep up an image of a girl who cares for others.
But anyone close to her knows she's pure evil, just like those bastard maids who follow her.
Everyone turned and stared at me, causing my whole body to freeze.
No… no, no, no!
Evelyne reached out and yanked me forward by the wrist. The same arm that was just injured earlier caused me to wince at the force and then stumble to my knees right into the center of the floor.
The gasps echoed around me like gunfire as this villainess smiled down at me.
"This…" she said, gesturing to my hunched form "is Seraphina. Isn't she precious?"
Muffled laughter resounded among all those in attendance, but at the same time they tried to keep it at a level that was suitable for a noble.
My face burned with hatred more than embarrassment. I felt my heartbeat rise to an uncomfortable level as I stared at all those looking down on me.
Then Evelyne crouched down, right in my face. Way too close for comfort.
Her voice dropped, but her words were razor-sharp. "You really do belong on the ground."
She then stood back up and poured a full glass of some type of wine over my head. It all happened in slow motion as she slowly tilted the cup deliberately. As it landed right on my head, I couldn't help but see red. It wasn't because of the wine, but my hatred had hit a level that I couldn't hold back any longer.
I felt the cold liquid soak into my scalp, slide down my face, and pool in my lap like I was nothing but a broken thing left in the rain.
People gasped at the display, and then, like before, they laughed, but it was no longer muffled. They pointed, mocked, and looked down upon me as if I was nothing more than an animal to these self-righteous bastards.
"Trash… That's all you'll ever be, Seraphina."
Like before, I was already past the point of breaking, and this absolutely snapped it; there was no going back.
A wire, a thread, a nerve that had been stretched too thin for far too long finally gave way, starting a chain reaction in my body I couldn't stop.
Like a slingshot released from its maximum pull, my body moved with purpose.
I don't even remember deciding to do it.
My hand just flew.
It whipped upward with every ounce of fury, pain, and humiliation I'd kept bottled up inside since the day I woke up in this cursed world.
CRACK
Evelyne's rosy cheeks were now much redder than before.
The impact was louder than any of their laughing and caused everyone in the room to go completely silent in stunned shock or possibly amusement.
Who doesn't enjoy watching a self-righteous bitch get what's coming to them?
My arm flared in pain instantly; a jolt so sharp I nearly blacked out ran through my arm. It felt like something cracked, with how weak this body is from all its constant mistreatment.
But it didn't matter.
Evelyne staggered back with her head snapping sideways as she fell pathetically to the ground, flat on her ass, right in the center of the marble floor in front of everyone in attendance.
The look of utter disbelief on her face caused so much excitement in my body to bubble up I almost thought I had my first orgasm as a woman. The huge red palm print on her face was visible for all to see.
A massive welt that won't be fading anytime soon is tattooed on her face.
The grin I had on display, I'm sure, was huge, as everyone looked at me like I was already dead.
Silence was in the air as no one spoke, waiting to see what would be the conclusion of this little play. I was also curious to see how she would react.
Then she screamed. "BRING ME HER HEAD!"
I didn't wait to find out if she would actually cut off my head, turning around and bolting.
All the doors had guards looking my way as if to catch me, so I had no choice but to run upstairs. It's a stupid move, but what other choice do I have?
The death traps on my feet caused me to stumble a few times, so I yanked both heels off and threw them at those who were now chasing me.
I turned around and continued running, still with a gap between those who were currently trying to apprehend me.
There was a shrill and murderous voice that sounded behind me. "STOP HER!"
I of course knew that voice and the pure hatred she had towards me at my actions. No way was I planning on being caught if I had anything to do with it.
My feet pounded the steps two at a time with my lungs burning at the sudden cardio. Tears blurred my vision at the thought of the fate I had in front of me. But, at the same time, I thoroughly enjoyed her face and panic at the fact I was getting away from her.
Going back to that damn estate meant torture and then probably death after she got out all her grievances with me.
Once I reached the top of the balcony, my legs were threatening to give out. Below was the garden with many bushes and trees with an occasional fountain or two.
Beyond even that was the street, woods, and then the sweet release of freedom.
I threw myself against the railing, climbing it without thinking. Voices were shouting behind me, and I started to feel the presence of people getting much too close for comfort.
As I looked down at the convenient, thickly covered bushes below me, I couldn't help but have a wry smile. Even though it will probably hurt badly, it also gave me the most optimal chance to possibly get away and avoid being butchered like an animal.
So I just jumped without even giving it a second thought. I glanced at those behind me trying to grab some part of my body to stop me from getting away.
I didn't flail or reach for anything; I just fell.
The air whipped past my face, the sky spinning above me, and the world slowed down for just a moment. I could feel every tear on my cheek, every scrape on my arms, and the throb of something wrong in my shoulder.
The only thing going through my mind was, even if I died here… I don't care! Because for once… just once, I gave that bitch a taste of what she's given me for years.
She got slapped in front of everyone she wants to impress, and not only that, I saw some blood trickle out of her mouth. I humiliated her in the worst way possible because too many people saw it.
If only those damn guards hadn't been at every exit, I wouldn't have had to throw myself from a balcony on the second floor like some tragic heroine in a play. Still… it's better than the alternative.
It's true that time truly does slow down when you're in an emotionally charged situation. As I brace myself for the impact of the bushes and then the hard ground, I can't help but wonder how much this is going to hurt.
Surprisingly, I never had the chance to find out because something warm and strong caught me out of nowhere, catching me right before I landed.
I was pressed firmly against her chest. The world jolted, then stilled as I gasped at the one who saved me in shock.
That's when I saw her… a beauty unrivaled by those I had just seen in the noble banquet. I don't know if I'm delirious or insane from everything that just happened, but somehow an angel caught me.
She was… breathtaking.
Her hair was like cherry blossom petals in a spring breeze. A few strands framed her face, one curtain drifting down just enough to veil her right eye. That one eye was a brilliant sapphire as deep as the ocean.
We both locked eye's; my mind was going a million miles an hour thinking how lucky I must be to come into contact with someone like this.
My heart couldn't help but skip a beat at her beauty. I'd never felt such strong emotion towards another person in all my life.
Tears fell faster than I could stop them, as if a dam on my emotions had broken. I couldn't help but cry out at my savior.
"Thank you… heroine!" I sobbed even harder, feeling that she was here to protect me… to save me! "Please… save my life!"
Her expression shifted just a little, as if something was bothering her. The one visible eye slightly widened at what I said.
The way she tilted her head was so cute I couldn't help but repeat my words again. "Heroine, please save me."
My voice cracked into a whimper as my fingers dug into the fabric of her coat.
I didn't care if I was being ridiculous or if she thought I was insane. This could even be a fantasy I'm having as I'm bleeding out from taking a large hit from the fall to my head. Please, beauty, save my life!
She didn't speak right away. Instead, she reached behind herself, pulling free a long, dark cloak from somewhere I couldn't see, and wrapped it tightly around my trembling body.
It felt warm and safe, something I have not felt since I entered this world.
Footsteps thundered nearby as I felt her cradle me even deeper into her arms. Then the voices came.
"She went this way!"
"Check the gardens!"
"She couldn't have gotten far!"
My breath caught as if I couldn't even speak at all. I froze, burying my face against her chest, trying to make myself smaller.
Then, they passed… Many steps are running in all directions, but none of them seem to approach us.
I couldn't help but peek up at the quite feminine face of the woman who was currently cradling me like I was the most important thing in the world.
Why didn't they see us? Was she so important that these guards couldn't even approach her without punishment, or am I just extremely lucky for a change?
Before I even knew it, the excitement of the night was starting to hit me as I laid my head on her shoulder. The truly comforting feeling wasn't going away and lulled me into a state of security.
I can sleep now, I thought, as the world around me slipped away.
Warmth was the first thing I felt when I blinked my eyes open. There was no fake warmth of a way too hot attic burning under the sun. It was gentle, comfortable, and very soft.
After looking at a very luxurious room for a few seconds, I couldn't help but close my eyes again. My mind couldn't help but remember the last time I woke up somewhere unexpected; it became one of the worst days of my life.
So I just lay completely still, pretending to sleep, to see if anyone would come. My body didn't hurt as much, which I was thankful for.
Then I remember the most important detail: I had fallen!
Opening my eyes once again, I thought about the banquet… slap… and the jump, then the beautiful woman who saved my life? I froze, not knowing the answer.
I slowly opened my eyes to get a better look at my surroundings. The ceiling above me wasn't stone or covered in cobwebs. It was painted with pale ivory with a thin golden trim running along each beam.
My head turned slowly on the very soft and comfortable pillow. The room was massive. Polished oak floors and velvet drapes the color of wine hung from the tall windows, spilling morning light across the room. The air had a very rich smell to it that wasn't overpowering but added a comfortable feeling as I took it in.
I couldn't help but marvel at the bed I was currently lying on being able to hold ten of me. It was much too luxurious; my heart once again skipped a beat as I realized this wasn't the Durel estate.
This wasn't anywhere I recognized, and that terrified me. I don't know if this was a good or bad omen.
I sat up slowly, holding the blanket to my chest like it was my very own personal armor. My body protested the motion, but I needed to see more.
Just… where was I?
The only thing that came to mind was the heroine, but would they really bring me back to their home? Why would she bring me here, I wonder? Does she have any bad motives? I couldn't help but put up my guard, as this was too kind, not something I've experienced in a long time.
Then, thus came from the door—someone was knocking! I couldn't help but flinch at that. My heartbeat rose to an unhealthy speed as I just stared at the door, unwilling to answer.
The knocking just came again and again, followed by the sound of the door creaking open.
NO, no, no, no! I couldn't help but clench the blanket tighter.
What I saw was a soft, delicate-looking maid enter the room I was currently occupying. She stepped inside carrying a silver tray with a teapot and a small plate of something warm.
My entire body locked up, and I held my breath subconsciously. At the very least she didn't have the same uniform as those bastard maids from the Durel estate. Better uniforms and even much cleaner with a big ribbon in her hair.
But… that didn't matter!
I don't care if she looks different! She's still an evil maid because there is no such thing as one who has good intentions! I've seen enough stories to know a maid is only one step away from taking your life. Never trust them!
I panicked. Before she could even speak, I yanked the covers over my head and curled into the tightest ball I could manage, burying myself under layers of silk.
They can't hurt me if they can't see me.
My breathing sped up.
They can't hurt me if I stay hidden.
The blanket became my shield.
But my actions didn't stop the maid.
"Miss?" She said gently.
I didn't respond, but the maid took another step forward.
"Miss, are you alright?"
Her voice was calm. But I just couldn't trust it.
Silence filled the room with a false sense of security when I knew the maid was standing right there.
Then I heard a deep, commanding voice, "Leave her alone."
I heard her leave the room and then shut the door, but that wasn't the end of my worries now being alone in a room with a man. The silence once again returned to the room.
There was no way I was going to come out of my safe place and possibly be taken advantage of by this man. I will just stay here and wait for him to leave!