Chapter 3

The whispers were immediate, pitying glances thrown my way.

An unchosen Lumin female was a deep disgrace.

Alistair Thorne, the community Patriarch, looked at me, his expression unreadable but stern.

He valued power, strong lineage. Damien's choice of Selena, despite her questionable mother, was a nod to her supposed Tier 6 Aura.

"Elara Vance," Alistair's voice cut through the murmurs.

He wouldn't let the direct Vance line be so publicly shamed, not entirely.

"There is an old pact between the Thorne and Ashworth families," he declared.

My blood ran cold. The Ashworths.

"Rhys Ashworth is in need of a companion. You will marry him."

Rhys Ashworth. Son of Elder Ashworth, from a respected but declining family.

He suffered from Aura Drain, a creeping sickness no Lumin healer could cure.

He was dying.

In my past life, Selena had been briefly married to Rhys.

He died soon after.

And at his funeral, Selena had her dramatic "Aura Bloom," revealing her Tier 6 power.

It was all a setup.

Damien stepped forward, a picture of false concern.

"Father, perhaps Elara's life force... it might be compatible with Rhys's. An old folk belief, but worth trying."

His eyes met mine, glinting with malice.

He wanted me to die with Rhys, forgotten, my weak Aura extinguished.

A cruel, subtle suggestion, making it seem like a desperate measure for Rhys, but a death sentence for me.

The community murmured agreement. It sounded like a noble sacrifice.

I was trapped.