Chapter 3

When the door swung open, I came face-to-face with my own body.

More accurately, it was Serena Cross inhabiting my flesh.

She had once been my best friend.

We both came from the ancient coven, but not everyone was born with magic.

I was blessed with innate witchcraft from birth; she had none.

Growing up, I was an outcast, quiet and introverted. Serena was the only one who stepped into my world, pretending to care for me.

I considered her my closest sister. Whatever she liked, I gave her.

It wasn't until I was bound to that altar that I realized what she truly coveted: my magical gift, and my lover.

Her affection had always been poisoned by jealousy and malice.

A sharp sting burned across my cheek, snapping me back to reality.

Serena had slapped me across the face, glaring down at me with pure arrogance. "Bitch. You really think you're worthy of competing with me for Julian?"

I lowered my head, hiding my bloodshot eyes and burying the venom in my heart. I scurried behind Julian, trembling. "Julian, help me..."

Julian held my face, a fleeting flicker of irritation and pity in his eyes. He snapped at Serena, "What the hell are you doing? What if you ruin her face?"

"Good! Let her face be ruined so you stop running off to her every damn week!"

Serena pouted, grabbing Julian's arm. "Julian, how long has it been since you stayed home? I told you yesterday I wasn't feeling well, and you ignored me!"

Julian pulled his arm away with an impatient sigh. "You say you're sick every single time. When is it ever real?"

Serena whined, "I just want you to love me more! But all you care about is this slut. Tell me the truth—are you in love with her?"

Julian frowned. "Why are you getting worked up over her? She's just a plaything. You're my only wife."

"You'd better mean it," Serena sneered. "Just remember, I'm not Elena Vance. I don't swallow insults.

Half of your business empire was built on my magic. Letting you keep a little pet on the side is my absolute limit. If you forget your place again, don't expect me to lift a finger for you next time."

A murderous glint flashed in Julian's eyes. It was gone in a fraction of a second, but I caught it.

He leaned down, kissing Serena's eyelid, his tone honeyed and sweet. "I know, Serena. I see everything you do for me. I would never betray you."