Deviating from the original plot

Chapter forty-seven

Later that day, Victoria stood before a modest shop tucked along a busy downtown street, hidden beneath a simple commoner's disguise.

"So, this is her shop," Freya said, gesturing toward the wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze.

"Thank you, Freya," Victoria replied, turning to her with a grateful smile.

"You're welcome, Honey. It's been nice seeing you again. What about your other friends?"

"Oh... I'm here on my own this time," Victoria admitted.

"That's alright," Freya said kindly. "I'll wait outside if you need me."

"Thank you," Victoria said again before stepping inside.

The air was fragrant, sweet with lavender and rose. Shelves were neatly lined with stacks of soaps and rows of bottles that shimmered like essential oils.

"The fortune teller runs a cosmetics shop?" Victoria murmured with a faint smile. Honestly... a clever cover.

She walked up to the counter and rang a bell. Moments later, a woman emerged from the back, drying her damp hands on her dress.

"I'm here—" the woman began, only to stop short, her eyes widening at the sight of Victoria.

"Hello? Are you looking for soaps or... something else?"

Victoria lowered her voice. "I came to see my fortune."

The woman's lips curved into a knowing smile, and she let out a soft laugh. "The first time, you didn't seem the type."

"The first time?" Victoria blinked. Then realisation struck. "You... you're the fortune teller I met before. What a coincidence—I didn't recognise you without the veil."

"I am," the woman said, folding her arms. "Now, tell me—what is it you truly want?"

Victoria hesitated only a moment before speaking. "I was sent to find a Seer. I need to talk to you."

The woman studied her closely, then gave a slow nod. "Follow me."

The woman led Victoria through a beaded curtain at the back of the shop into a small chamber. A round table sat at the centre, draped in deep violet cloth.

"Sit," the woman instructed, her voice calm yet firm.

Victoria obeyed, taking her seat on the wooden chair across from the woman.

The seer regarded her intently, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "This body isn't truly yours," she finally said.

Victoria blinked, surprised at her bluntness, but gave a small nod.

"It mirrors the former owner, compatible with the body, yet... not quite. You share the same soul element, but your destinies are not the same," the woman observed, her tone calm but piercing.

Victoria gave a faint smile. "Well, I do see myself as different from the original owner."

The woman leaned forward. "Then tell me—how did you come to inhabit it?"

"I... once lived another life," Victoria admitted slowly. "But I was killed by mistake, too soon. Because the former owner and I shared similar natal charts, I was given this body to continue my life."

The seer's eyes narrowed. "And not through black magic?"

"Not black magic," Victoria said again, steady in her reply.

"Good," the woman murmured. "Then let us begin. Your hand."

Victoria extended her hand without hesitation.

"May I?" the seer asked, her tone unusually gentle.

"Of course," Victoria nodded.

The woman clasped her palm and closed her eyes, humming softly.

Then she whispered, "Ah... I see it. Evil has begun to dwell among humans—slipping into their hearts, twisting them with corruption, feeding on their souls. And you... you have been chosen to confront it. To stop the chaos before it consumes all. But know this path will be perilous. After today, you may begin to notice strange occurrences around you. You must be ready."

She released Victoria's hand and rose. Crossing the chamber, she opened a chest and retrieved a small glass vial filled with shimmering liquid.

Returning, the woman uncorked the vial and let a few shimmering drops fall into Victoria's open palm. With slow, deliberate movements, she traced a glowing symbol that shimmered faintly against her skin.

"This seal marks your choice," she intoned solemnly. "From this moment, your path is bound. You may feel... different and you will be able to perceive the corruption festering in the world. But beware—those steeped in darkness will sense you as well."

Victoria's eyes widened slightly. "Oh..." she murmured as the glowing mark faded, disappearing into her skin as if it had always belonged there.

"You will do well," the woman said with a small, knowing smile.

Victoria inclined her head in thanks and stepped out into the evening air. Freya was waiting just outside, leaning casually against the wall of the shop.

"So, you're finished?" 'Freya?' she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"Yeah," Victoria said with a small nod. "It's done. Thank you again—for bringing me here."

"You're welcome," Freya replied warmly.

With that, Victoria made her way back to her carriage. As the wheels began to turn and the city streets rolled past, a strange weight settled in her chest. She had officially begun her journey.

✦ ✦

Evelyn's maid knocked softly before stepping inside.

"My lady, you have an unexpected visitor," she said. Evelyn set her book aside and looked up.

"Who is it?"

"Lady Ashford—Lady Celeste Ashford."

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise. Celeste? She had never imagined that woman would come to her personally. Rising at once, she hurried to the drawing room, where Celeste stood waiting, her face tight with worry.

"Lady Celeste?" Evelyn greeted cautiously.

"Lady Leclair! Thank goodness. I needed to see you," Celeste said.

"Please, sit," Evelyn replied, taking her own seat opposite. "What is it?"

"It's worse than I feared," Celeste confessed, wringing her hands. "I've thought about this over and over, and I realised you're the only one who might understand. We must find a way to protect Lady Victoria."

Evelyn frowned deeply. "Lady Victoria?"

"Yes." Celeste leaned forward, her voice dropping. "The prince... he's still very suspicious of her. He believes she's dangerous—evil, even. And once Cassius decides something, he becomes impossible to move. He's set on making her a spectacle, Evelyn. A public execution."

Evelyn's expression hardened. "That son of—how dare he," she hissed, her fury barely restrained.

"We have to find a way to clear her name," Celeste pressed urgently. "If we can prove her innocence, he'll have no grounds to target her anymore."

Evelyn's hands curled into fists against her gown, knuckles whitening.  'That scoundrel... that insufferable bastard. I would love nothing more than to beat him to a pulp and tear out his eyes. He's lucky he's a prince—otherwise I'd make him regret every vile thought.'

Finally, she exhaled sharply. "I agree. We need to prove her innocence and force him to back off. But... how?"

Celeste leaned closer. "We'll go undercover. Track down the black mages ourselves. That's the only way."

Evelyn fell into thought, her jaw set. It's dangerous... but I swore to protect Lady Victoria. 'I'll risk anything to keep that promise.'

Her eyes lifted, resolute. "Then it's decided. Let's do it."

'He will not lay a hand on her—not while I still draw breath.'

✦ ✦