The Start of The Plan's Failure

Estella's body felt like it was on fire. The heat pulsed through her veins, her skin sensitive to every movement, every breath. She closed her eyes for a moment, steadying herself, trying to block out the fog of desire clouding her thoughts. The aphrodisiac was stronger than she had expected, its effects overwhelming every sense, reducing her focus to a haze of heat and need. Her body screamed at her to give in, to let go, but Estella's stubbornness wouldn't allow it.

No, she thought, her jaw clenching.

I'm stronger than this. I won't be beaten by my own plan.

She had always prided herself on her willpower. Her beauty, her cunning, her endurance—these were the traits that had gotten her this far in life. The aphrodisiac might be winning over her body, but she refused to let it claim her mind. The more the warmth twisted through her, the more she fought it. Estella wouldn't allow herself to lose control. Not now. Not when so much was at stake.