The Rejected Omega's Ruthless Comeback

Seraphina POV:

After Valerius's orders, a tense silence fell over the room. He stood guard at the door, a human cage, his eyes burning holes into my back as I waited.

Mrs. Adler entered, followed by two assistants. Her stern face softened with a flicker of pain when she saw my pale complexion and the faint bruises on my neck, but she was a professional. Without a word, she began directing her team to inventory my belongings.

Then, a soft, weeping sound drifted from the hallway.

"Valerius... what's happening? I heard my sister... she..."

My stepsister, Isabelle Beaumont, appeared in the doorway. She was a vision of fragile innocence in a white silk nightgown, her feet bare, her face streaked with tears. A perfect, wilting flower.

The same act that had fooled me for an entire lifetime.

The ice on Valerius's face instantly melted. He rushed to her side, his voice thick with concern. "Isabelle, you shouldn't be here. The night air is too cold for you."

She collapsed against him, her wide, hazel eyes darting towards me with a look of pure terror. "Sister, why are you doing this?" she sobbed. "I know you don't like me, but... but to poison Valerius? How could you?"

A masterful stroke. She painted me as the villain before I could even speak.

I simply watched her performance, my expression unreadable.

As expected, Valerius's rage reignited, now directed at me. "Seraphina! Look what you've done to her! Give me the antidote and apologize to Isabelle this instant!"

Apologize? A laugh almost escaped my lips.

Slowly, I rose from my chair and walked towards them. My deliberate approach made Isabelle shrink further into Valerius's arms, enhancing her damsel-in-distress act.

I stopped directly in front of her, my eyes dropping to her flat stomach. A smirk pulled at my lips.

"My dear sister," I said, my voice soft but carrying through the room. "Weren't you just telling everyone that you were pregnant? So devoted to Valerius's child that you would risk your own reputation. How noble."

Isabelle's breath hitched. She hadn't expected me to bring that up.

Valerius stiffened. It was true. Isabelle had used a supposed pregnancy to try and force his hand, to secure her position.

I turned my gaze to him, feigning surprise. "Oh, didn't you know? My sister was so desperate to convince me of her love for you that she swallowed a bottle of 'Purple Ghost Root' just a few days ago. All to prove she was carrying your child, hoping I would step aside for your happiness."

Purple Ghost Root was a violent abortifacient, a poison. Isabelle would never touch it. But the lie served its purpose.

Valerius's eyes shot to Isabelle, now filled with suspicion. If she were truly pregnant, why would she even know the name of such a thing?

"No! I didn't!" Isabelle cried, her panic rising. "Sister, why are you lying?"

I ignored her, my hand darting out to grab the moon-shaped silver pendant she always wore around her neck. Her supposed blessing from the Moon Goddess.

"And this," I sneered, "a gift from the Goddess that supposedly makes you immune to all poisons. If that's true, why would you fear any 'poison' I might have?"

I gave the chain a slight tug. She yelped in pain, fresh tears spilling.

Just as Valerius moved to intervene, I released the pendant.

And swung my arm.

The slap was so loud it echoed in the dead silence of the room.

CRACK.

Everyone froze.

Isabelle stared at me, her hand flying to her reddening cheek, her eyes wide with disbelief. Valerius was stunned into silence. He had only ever known me as a meek, submissive Omega.

I shook my stinging hand, my eyes locked on Isabelle's. Then I delivered the final, fatal blow.

"Stop the act," I said, my voice dropping to a cold, hard whisper. "You were never pregnant. And your trysts with the Captain of the Guard in the stables... would you like me to share the details of that little affair with everyone?"

In my past life, I had learned of her infidelity far too late. She had used a fake pregnancy to gain Valerius's sympathy while sleeping with another man.

The blood drained from Isabelle's face. She stared at me, horrified, her body swaying as if she might faint.

Valerius went rigid. He shoved Isabelle away from him, his gaze boring into her, a storm of betrayal brewing in his eyes.

He wasn't a complete idiot. My words, combined with Isabelle's reaction, were undeniable.

I watched the two of them, my supposed mate and my treacherous sister, their sordid little alliance crumbling before my eyes. A deep, satisfying pleasure filled me.

I drew myself up to my full height, a victor claiming her spoils.

"Valerius Kensington," I announced, my voice ringing with newfound power. "Do you still think I owe her an apology?"

I was no longer the Omega they could trample on. I was Seraphina Beaumont, the woman who would one day be the true Luna of this pack, and I was here to collect my debts.

From the hallway, the Elder's aged voice cut through the tension. "Your Highness, shall we begin the ritual?"