Rebirth of the Phantom Empress

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**Chapter 13 – Shadows and Revelations**

The grand banquet hall erupted in a dazzling spectacle of wealth and ambition. Gilded chandeliers hung overhead, casting a warm, golden glow that danced across polished marble floors. Servants in crisp uniforms navigated the sea of elegantly adorned nobles, pouring honeyed wine and presenting trays of luxurious delicacies whose rich aromas tantalized the senses and left even the strongest stomachs dizzy.

Amidst the vibrant throng, Selene glided like a shadow, her demeanour humble as she deftly balanced a tray of refreshments. To everyone else, she appeared to be just another faceless servant lost in the crowd. But unbeknownst to them, Selene was the mastermind behind the evening's carefully orchestrated chaos.

At the head of the sprawling banquet table sat Lady Mirva, exuding sweet laughter and an air of graciousness, but Selene recognized the desperation lurking beneath the surface. This banquet was not merely a display of opulence; it was a last-ditch effort to salvage her crumbling influence and secure her standing among the powerful.

And at the heart of it all, looming like a dark cloud, was him.

**Lord Kael Draven.**

Dressed in an impeccably tailored black ensemble with silver embroidery tracing the edges, he exuded a presence that was both commanding and magnetic. His silent scrutiny enveloped the room, a predator observing its prey. Selene had seen many powerful men before, but none possessed the air of danger that he did.

Their eyes locked.

A chill ran through her.

It was not a mere coincidence; their gaze held weight—a silent acknowledgement of memories unspoken.

He remembers me.

Their brief encounter in the marketplace had been fleeting, yet one thing was for sure—Kael Draven had the uncanny ability to etch details into his mind.

Taking a steadying breath, Selene promptly lowered her gaze, retreating into the shadows of her role as an unnoticed servant. Her heart raced; his interest could spell disaster. If he grew too curious, her intricate plans were at risk.

Yet, falter she could not.

**She had a mission tonight.**

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**The Power of a Favour**

Amidst the sea of nobles, another figure entered—a man cloaked in deep crimson robes, exuding authority. Lord Reynard Valtier.

Selene's heart raced as recognition washed over her. She had unknowingly saved his nephew from a runaway carriage mere days ago, a moment that had seemed trivial at the time, driven by pure instinct. But now, the intensity of Lord Reynard's gaze lingered on her, sparking a surge of realization—a recognition that sent a jolt through her.

That act of courage had sown a seed.

And she intended to let it flourish.

With a subtle bow, she moved away, choosing to let the moment rest. Favour owed. Favour noted.

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**Selene's Plan in Motion**

But her true objective tonight had nothing to do with Lord Reynard.

Lady Mirva was on borrowed time, her wealth waning as this extravagant banquet sought to lure new investors—powerful nobles who could restore her dwindling support. Selene had ensured no such alliances would take root tonight.

Earlier that day, she had deftly spread rumours among the servants—whispers of Lady Mirva's lavish spending, tales of her recent failures, and her ever-growing debts. Servants were often overlooked, but their gossip travelled like wildfire through the noble courts, igniting fascination with every word.

As Selene moved through the crowd, she seized the opportunity to listen in.

"Have you heard? Lady Mirva's debts are catching up to her."

"I heard her last shipment of goods was seized before it even reached the capital."

Selene smirked inwardly. Perfect.

But that was merely the opening act.

Her true strike would come in the form of a covert adjustment to the banquet's wine supply.

She'd swapped a key shipment of vintage wine—one Lady Mirva had been boasting about—with an inferior batch, one that had been improperly stored. Drinkable, yes, but for a noble soirée? It was an affront to their status.

Selene watched, her heart racing, as goblets were raised… then faces contorted in distaste… and hushed complaints began to ripple through the crowd.

Lady Mirva's expression soured. She understood.

Just like that, Selene's calculated manoeuvre was damaging Lady Mirva's reputation further.

Allowing herself a small breath of satisfaction, she continued weaving through the throng.

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**A Collision with Fate**

Suddenly, Selene sensed a shift in the atmosphere—a heavy, oppressive weight pressing down on her.

And then—

She collided with something solid.

Her tray teetered as warm liquid splashed dangerously close to the edge of a goblet.

Heart lurching, she looked up—into the piercing gaze of cold silver eyes.

**Lord Kael Draven.**

The air between them felt electric, the banquet around them a blur as an intense silence enveloped them.

"You should be more careful," he murmured, his voice low, each word dripping with a mix of authority and intrigue.

Selene fought to regain her composure, exhaling slowly. "Forgive me, my lord."

She attempted to step back, but his gaze held her captive.

"Your name."

It wasn't phrased as a question; it was an unmistakable command.

A rush of uncertainty flooded Selene's mind. She should lie. She should deflect. Her instincts screamed at her to remain inconspicuous.

Yet, defiance ignited within her.

Meeting his gaze head-on, she replied with boldness, "Selene."

His lips curled—not quite a smile, but something far more dangerous and alluring lingered behind it.

"Interesting."

And just like that, as if summoning some hidden power, he turned away, dismissing her.

Selene stood frozen, heart pounding against her ribs.

What just transpired?

She had caught his attention. And that could either seal her fate or grant her an unexpected opportunity.

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Unfinished Business

As the banquet continued, Lady Mirva's frustration became more apparent. The murmurs about her dwindling wealth, the subpar wine—all of it was unravelling her carefully crafted image.

Selene watched with quiet satisfaction.

Her plan had worked.

But she knew this was only the beginning.

Lady Mirva would recover. She always did.

And so Selene would strike again.

As the night drew to a close, she slipped out of the banquet hall unnoticed. But as she moved through the dimly lit corridors, she felt it—the weight of a gaze on her back.

She turned, but the hallway was empty.

Still, she knew.

Lord Kael Draven was watching.

For the first time in years, she felt a shiver of uncertainty.