Chapter two

Elina had always known she was different, but the sight she had just witnessed was beyond anything she had ever imagined. It was a truth not meant for her eyes, and yet, she was still alive. She should have perished by now.

"Elina," a voice called, snapping her from her thoughts.

"Where am I?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

"You are in Leuzerium," came the response.

"Leuzerium?" Elina's brows furrowed. "I've never heard of such a place."

"That's because it's a realm that living humans do not venture," the lady answered softly.

Elina felt a dry, irritated sensation in her throat for a moment.

"There are two reasons you're still alive," the woman continued.

"Two reasons?" Elina echoed, the confusion growing deeper.

The lady's gaze was fixed on her, observing the young woman as though she was an enigma.

"I must confess," the lady said, her voice almost a whisper, "only a few of your kind are here. But even if you weren't, it wouldn't change anything."

"What do you mean?" Elina asked.

"There are secrets that cannot be revealed yet, but you are in the perfect state to understand them. However, the time is not right." The lady's smile was soft, but it seemed laden with meaning. "Elina, if you were to return to your world, you would succumb to despair. That much I know."

"Do you really know everything?" Elina's voice trembled with disbelief.

"Yes, my dear. But you will understand it all soon. Consider this your second chance at life. Embrace it and make the right choices. This world... it's a place for reinvention," the lady said. She smiled before rising to her feet. "I will return soon to assign you your new role."

Alone in the desolate room, Elina sat with her knees drawn to her chest. Her mind spiraled through the events of her life—her parents' death when she was just a child, the betrayal of her aunt and uncle who stole her inheritance and left her in an orphanage, her escape into a life of hustling and survival. Then there was Kelly, who had become her family, and Mike, who had seemed like a gift... until he betrayed her with Kelly. The sting of that betrayal was still raw.

A single tear rolled down her cheek as she thought of everything she had lost. The wisdom of lady she just spoke with echoed in her mind. Perhaps she wasn't meant to remain Elina any longer. Maybe this was her chance to rebuild herself into something stronger.

Her eyes fell upon a neatly folded black dress resting on the cushion. The sight made her heart skip a beat. The black shoes beside it were a mystery—yet she could not resist. Her reflection in the mirror showed a woman transformed. As she slipped into the dress, which fit her like a second skin, she marveled at her own reflection. The dress hugged her waist, cascading gracefully down her legs. With a final touch, she applied a coat of lip gloss, her dimples revealing a newfound radiance.

She smirked at herself, a touch of sarcasm in her voice. "Well, I must say, I look absolutely stunning. But seriously, what kind of job is this? Am I working in a palace or something?"

Before she could continue, a voice from behind her spoke.

"You would indeed be working in a palace," it said, smooth and composed. Elina turned to see Elizabeth, the woman who had appeared earlier, now standing behind her with an amused smile.

"When did you arrive?" Elina asked, startled.

"I knocked, but you seemed busy admiring yourself," Elizabeth said with a polite smile.

Elina blushed. "I'm sorry."

"No need," Elizabeth replied. "You look stunning."

"Thank you," Elina said softly.

Elizabeth nodded, a knowing smile curving her lips. "You made the right decision. Since you're entering a new world, I'll give you a new name. From now on, you are Skylar."

"Skylar," Elina repeated thoughtfully, testing the name on her tongue. "I love it. It's like a fresh start—a new goal. I always felt like I wasn't accomplishing anything as Elina."

"I'm glad you like it. Let's go, Skylar," Elizabeth said, her voice warm.

As they walked through the palace, Skylar marveled at the grandeur. Her eyes darted from one opulent detail to another. The maids they passed bowed respectfully to Elizabeth, leaving Skylar curious about her true identity. Soon, they encountered a maid.

"Your Highness, everything is prepared," the maid said with a bow.

"Then I'll see you later," Elizabeth said with a smile before passing the maid, her grace undeniable.

Skylar blinked in realization. "Wait, Your Highness?" Her gaze shifted between Elizabeth and the maid.

"You're overreacting," Elizabeth replied with a soft laugh.

Skylar bowed. "I apologize, Your Highness."

"Lift your head," Elizabeth said kindly. Skylar did as instructed. "I am Princess Arya of Leuzerium. I should have properly introduced myself."

Skylar's breath caught. "You... You're a princess?"

"Yes, and one destined to be a queen," Arya replied, her voice carrying the weight of wisdom. "But you are also someone extraordinary, Skylar. You have a calm, peaceful spirit. You are meant for greatness."

Skylar's gaze softened with admiration. "I believe that. I may not have trusted you at first, but I can see now. You are someone worth following."

Arya's smile was warm. "It seems you truly are exceptional, Skylar."

As they walked side by side, Skylar couldn't help but wonder: Could someone like her, someone of humble origins, truly possess the same extraordinary qualities as those born to royalty? Time would tell, but for now, she was ready to embrace the journey ahead.