---- 231, CHALLENGE SILAS My eye itched and burned, but I didnt stop it.


    Magic surged from my body once again, and a dark mist filled the night.


    "Quick, close the gates! Its an order from the boss, close them now!" "Dammit, what is this fog? I cant see a thing! Alfred, Alfred...!"" "Dont move, or you fall into the pitwait, I cant see anything! Aaabhh!"" Amid the shouting and the grinding gears of the closing mechanism, the neigh of a horse echoed.


    It leaped just as the two massive wooden doors were about to shut.


    BAM! The heavy sound rang behind us as the De Croix stronghold was sealed.


    Panting and sweating, every muscle in my body tensed as Iypletely over the back of the magnificent ck horse, racing into the darkness and the safety of the forest.


    Ikept using this magic to hide from the witches, despite the toll it was taking on my body.


    My veins, on the verge of bursting, pulsed and darkened like a ---- spiders web spreading under my skin.


    This feeling was familiar.


    I had pushed my power like this before to kill someone.


    It must have been that woman.


    It didnt matter as long as I could warn mydy.


    I just had to hold on until I found her.


    cere SIGRID This party was torture.


    The only thing I enjoyedimmenselywas Lucrecias twisted expression at the entrance.


    She looked like she had swallowed a fly.


    She barely managed to hide her shock and disgust at the fact that I had been invited.


    Fuck her.


    I sipped from my cocktail ss, though I needed something stronger, even if I didnt like these brews.


    But enduring the lecherous nces, the constant flirting in every corner, and the murderous intentions of several who couldnt stand Electras arrogance made me want to drink myself to death.


    Not that I was in the body of a particrly pleasant woman either.


    I tried to slip outside for some air, to hide behind the tall hedges, waiting for Alessandre d to somehow inform me about the ---- exchange that actually interested me.


    Distinguished guests, it is a pleasure to have you here tonight.


    Shit.


    I got caught just as I was about to sneak out of the overcrowded hall.


    Leaving now would be rude.


    we thank the Silver family for making us feel at home.


    They were praising that idiot Lucrecia, all Its a pleasure, It was nothing, and h, h...


    Well, this party is in honor of our heir, Alessandre d, which is.


    why we''ve gathered the finest of the finest among single women...


    So thats what this party was forto find the rtive a match.


    But wait, that means the Selenia who married him, the one we descend from, must be here too.


    I scanned the crowd.


    Some wore masks, while others remained uncovered, but the aura of a Selenia was always distinctunless she was purposely hiding.


    our Alessandre will choose to have a date with the winner.


    Good luck,dies...


    I caught the end of the announcement.


    I turned to the stage at the back.


    Our ancestor didnt exactly look thrilledif anything, I could subtly see him scanning the crowd as well.


    I didnt care about their ridiculouspetitions.


    He needed to find me for the exchangenowbecause I wanted to leave.