23. Arrival of lady Isabella

THE SAME EVENING

WANESSA'S POINT OF VIEW:

I stood at the edge of the great hall, my back pressed against a cool stone pillar, trying desperately not to watch. But I couldn't look away. Across the room, Priestess Isabella was laughing a sound as smooth as silk, and flirting shamelessly with the three princes Xavier, Michael, and Terrence. Their eyes sparkled in the candlelight as they returned her smiles and playful remarks. I felt my heart twist in a mix of anger, hurt, and jealousy.

"Xavier, you always fall for her charm." Michael teased, nudging him lightly as Isabella draped an arm casually around his shoulder.

"Don't act like you're not enjoying every minute of it."Xavier said.

But every time I caught a glimpse of their exchanged glances or the way Isabella's fingers brushed against Xavier's hand, I felt like I was fading into the background a ghost in my own life. The sound of their laughter, the easy camaraderie they shared with her, was too much. I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white. What does she have that I don't? I thought bitterly. Why is she so... welcome? She was female lead in this game and story but watching her being so close to them...hurt.

I walked down the long corridor, my footsteps muffled by the thick carpet until I reached a hidden side door that led out to the cold night air. Before I could open the door, a soft, insistent voice called me. I already recognized that voice.

"Wanessa, wait!"She said.

I froze. I turned slowly and saw her, Priestess Isabella, standing in the doorway, her dark eyes softening as she spoke.

"I know you're hurting." Isabella said gently, taking a tentative step toward me. "Please, don't run off like this. Come, talk with me."

I didn't want to talk with her. I didn't want to be reminded of everything that she had and I didn't.

"Leave me alone! I don't need your help, Isabella!" My voice was raw with anger and fear..

"Wanessa, I only wish to ease your pain. You must understand that I'm here to help. You're not alone." She said, her tone deceptively sweet, as if she were offering comfort without any ulterior motive.

"Leave me alone, priestess. I not here for your entertainment."I growled.

I turned away from her. I could feel the weight of my own despair pulling me further from the castle, away from everything and everyone who reminded me that I didn't belong.

I sit on the edge of my narrow bed in my small room, the muted light from the window barely illuminating the few belongings that have become my entire world. With each item I pick up a faded journal, a pair of worn boots, a tattered cloak I feel the weight of my memories and the oppressive expectations of the castle pressing down on me. Every piece reminds me of who I was supposed to be, and who I never wanted to become. Everywhere I look, I see them laughing, talking, and marveling at Priestess Isabella. Her arrival has transformed everything; her confident charm and effortless grace have stolen the spotlight, and with it, every bit of warmth that once belonged to me.

"They all love her, why can't they see me? I thought I was their true mate even if I didn't liked that idea that much." My voice is barely a whisper, lost among the rustle of my belongings.

I place my journal in my bag, then carefully fold my clothes. Every movement feels like an act of rebellion against a life that I can no longer stand. I refuse to be the forgotten mate, the shadow of a memory overshadowed by this new, attention grabbing priestess.

"I'm not here to be second best. They promised me here a good life and failed me. I deserve to be seen, to be heard." But the more I try to convince myself, the heavier my heart becomes.

As I zip up my small bag, the sound of distant laughter echoes through the castle halls, a sound that once brought me comfort, but now only reminds me of my isolation. Isabella's laughter, in particular, rings in my ears, a constant reminder that she has stolen the attention I so desperately crave. I can't bear it any longer. I can already picture the guards, the concerned eyes of my family, and the sympathetic looks of the princes as they try to convince me to stay. But I have made up my mind. With one final, lingering look at the room that has held both my hopes and my despair, I slip out the door into the dark, quiet corridor. I know not where I'm heading but I feel happier. Tonight, I choose to leave behind the woman they want me to be the one who is constantly overshadowed by Isabella's brilliance and be happy again.

I couldn't bear another moment of suffocation under its watchful eyes. I clutched the small bundle of belongings tight against my chest, a few precious remnants of a life that once felt mine. I knew they would see me, and yet I dared not slow my pace. I walked past them, my footsteps muted by the worn carpet, feeling the chill of freedom in the night air seeping through the open door.

The guards shifted uneasily, but no one followed. I stepped into the cool night, the stars overhead a silent promise of solitude. I kept my eyes forward, not daring to look back, as the castle disappeared behind me.

"Are you sure you want do this Wanessa?"Wanny voice aappeared in my head.

"I am sure. It's time, the real female lead is here, and I now no longer an important part of story like started seven years ago."I said.

I had a long way ahead but I was sure that I was unable to return to the spot where I lived for seven years. If someone looking for me they would look for this location. I had to find another spot, that I could call home.