---- Some were defective.


    The power of supernatural beings was too strongand many babies born from unions with elementals couldnt survive it.


    Some were born deformed.


    Others simply died.


    "Lm so sorry, little one," swallowed the lump in my throat, pressing a gentle kiss to the cursed marks on its forehead.


    This child wouldnt live long.


    But I would give it a chance.


    I gazed at the skyat this horrific past the Goddess had thrown me into.


    Thad to harden my heart.


    If Iwanted everyone to believe I was truly her, I had to be this woman Electra De La Croix.


    One of the most ruthless, bloodthirsty witches in history.


    I cast a sleeping spell, easing the baby into a deep slumber, then hid it inside the hollowed tree trunk, sealing it with magical ---- velvet seats.


    The wheels began to turn.


    The whip cracked.


    Through the dark gauze curtains, I discreetly watched the world outside.


    We left the wild forests, passing through ces I had never seen before.


    In the distance, colonies of wooden and stone houses sat nestled in the hillssmoke curling from their chimneys.


    We passed a vastke, where fishermen worked their trade, casting massives from small wooden boats.


    Wheat fields stretched for miles, thend dotted with crops, workers toiling under the sun to earn their livelihood.


    I stared, mesmerized.


    All these beings...hey were elementals.


    Back when the world was filled with themwhen we, the supernatural beings, were the minority.


    And yet...


    We had enved them.


    And in the end...


    We wiped them all out.


    ---- protectionshoping Id get the chance to save it again.


    eee "Where have you been, mydy?" On my rushed return, I was intercepted by the tall, sharp-eyed man who had been apanying mehis name was Grimm.


    "Do I need to exin my actions to you now? Lets leave this filthy ce already," I snapped, mimicking her tone, digging into every ounce of disdain I had ever learned from Zarek.


    "Forgive me, Lady Electra.


    I was only concerned for your safety.


    This area is dangerous.


    The carriage is ready for departure." He bowed, and I strode past him without so much as a nce.


    Bootlicking traitor.


    This man was nothing but a spy for the head of the family The cruelest witch of them all.


    My elder sister.


    Morgana De La Croix.


    1 followed the stone path, leading deeper into the twisted grove, feeling like thousands of unseen eyes were watching me.


    But all I could hear was silence.


    A sepulchral silence.


    I stepped into a discreet ck carriage, settling into the plush red