The Reborn Choice

I leaned against the stone pillar, my arm throbbing. The family members around me started whispering and pointing.

"What a disgrace..."

"During such an important ritual..."

"To attack her own sister..."

Julian helped Seraphina to her feet. She nestled against his chest, tears still streaming down her face.

"Elara." Julian turned to me, his voice hard as steel. "Apologize to Seraphina."

I wiped a trickle of blood from my lip and looked him straight in the eye. "I did nothing wrong."

"You're still denying it?!" Julian's voice grew louder with rage. "Everyone saw you!"

"Saw what? Saw her fall on her own and then blame me?"

A new wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd. A few of Julian's followers stepped forward.

"Miss Elara, please watch your words," one of the young men said. "Miss Seraphina is gentle and kind, she would never..."

"Exactly. You're just jealous that she has Lord Julian's favor," another chimed in.

"So petty."

"What do you expect from a minor family..."

The taunts brought back the humiliation of my past life. But this time, I wouldn't take it.

"Enough," I said coldly.

"Enough?" Julian sneered. "Elara, I think you need a reminder of your place. Don't think this engagement gives you the right to act out in front of me."

"You should be grateful I'm willing to marry you," he continued, his voice dripping with superiority. "Who else would want a vicious, worthless girl like you? You depend on me. Remember that."

In his arms, Seraphina gave a faint, triumphant smile.

I was about to speak my truth when the crowd parted.

Alistair's advisor walked forward, followed by a familiar figure.

Damien.

He was still in his black cloak, his silver-tipped cane tapping softly on the floor. His steps were slow, but they carried an undeniable authority.

"What happened here?" the advisor asked.

Julian spoke immediately. "Elara pushed Seraphina during the ritual. She almost fell into the sacred fire."

Damien ignored Julian and walked straight to me.

As he got closer, I saw the concern in his eyes. His deep-set gaze studied me, finally resting on my trembling arm.

A memory from my past life surfaced—

After being betrayed by the man I loved and my own sister, I was a ghost of myself.

It was Damien who appeared, silently encouraging me. He even saved me when I tried to end my own life.

I had just found the courage to live again when Julian and Seraphina came for me.

They poisoned me together, making me die in agony.

Maybe because my death was so unjust, my spirit lingered for a while.

I saw Damien, driving his car like a madman, trying to crash into Julian—

He failed. Julian used it against him, captured him, and had him locked away.

"She's your future sister-in-law, Damien," Julian's voice cut through my thoughts. "You don't need to worry about her. I'll handle her."

Julian was clearly annoyed that Damien was getting closer to me. His words were a clear claim of ownership, as if I were his property.

Damien glanced at Julian, then his eyes returned to me.

He leaned in, his voice a low whisper only I could hear.

"You okay?"

Those two simple words were warmer than any grand speech. No doubt, no blame, just pure concern.

I looked at his pale but sincere face, and a warmth spread through my chest.

"I'm fine."

This time, I thought, I'm going to be the one protecting you.