Chapter 7 Vesper's Counterstrike

• Seraphina's POV
• "You planted those documents in my rooms you deceitful omega," Vesper accused loudly as she burst into the main hall with two guards behind her.
• I stood near the long table where several nobles had gathered for the afternoon reports. Her voice echoed off the walls and drew every eye in the room. This was the move I expected from her. In my first life, she had used similar tactics to destroy me. This time I prepared in advance. I kept my face calm and turned to face her directly.
• "I have no idea what you mean Vesper," I replied in an even tone. "What documents are you talking about?"
• She stepped closer with her face flushed. "Letters and payment records that make it look like I am working against the pack. They appeared in my private quarters this morning. You did this to undermine me."
• The nobles murmured among themselves. I noticed Lucian enter the hall from the side entrance and stop to observe. I had switched the real evidence with carefully altered papers the night before. These new ones pointed back to Vesper in sloppy ways that would raise doubts about her judgment instead of mine.
• I reached into the pocket of my dress and pulled out a sealed envelope. "If someone placed false items in your rooms then we should investigate properly. Here are witness statements from three servants who saw unfamiliar guards near your wing last night. They work for no one in this palace."
• Vesper grabbed the envelope and tore it open. Her hands shook as she read the contents. The statements were real but I had timed their delivery to coincide with her attempt. She looked up at me with wide eyes. "This is impossible. You are twisting everything."
• Her voice rose higher and cracked slightly. The guards beside her shifted uncomfortably. One noble cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should review all evidence calmly instead of throwing accusations in open court."
• I stayed quiet while Vesper continued to insist on my guilt. Her words grew more frantic as she repeated the same claims without new proof. I could see the moment the room turned against her. The old guard who usually supported her family now watched with clear discomfort. Lucian finally stepped forward and raised his hand for silence.
• "Enough," he said. His gaze moved from Vesper to me and back again. "We will handle this matter privately. Vesper return to your quarters until I call for you."
• She opened her mouth to protest but stopped when she saw his expression. She shot me one last angry look before leaving with stiff steps. The hall remained tense after she departed. I felt a small sense of victory because her attempt had backfired completely. She appeared unstable and impulsive while I looked composed.
• Lucian approached me once the nobles began to disperse. "You handled that better than expected," he said quietly so only I could hear. "Walk with me."
• We moved to a side corridor away from listening ears. He kept his distance but I sensed the shift in him. "She grows desperate. I see it now."
• I nodded without offering more. Inside I noted how he no longer defended her so strongly. His words created clear space between them. This was the beginning of the distance I wanted to see.
• Later that evening, I heard whispers from the old guard as I passed their meeting room. One elder spoke in a worried tone. "That omega gains too much influence too quickly. She turned Vesper's own strike against her without effort. If she continues this way the traditional lines of power will break."
• Another voice agreed. "Lucian watches her constantly. We cannot allow an outsider to upend years of order."