Chapter three: Destiny Reforged
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The sudden change in Lei's warmth affected me more than I expected.
"Hey, just because you're rich doesn't mean you can oppress me. I don't want to spend any more time in your car. Bye," I snapped, slamming the door behind me.
I stormed away, heart pounding. I really felt like he didn't deserve even a shred of appreciation.
"He helped me," I thought begrudgingly.
A part of me wanted to turn back and say "thank you"—but he had already zoomed off, leaving behind only the sound of screeching tires and my conflicted emotions.
"Anyhoo," I muttered, brushing my hair out of my face.
The walk to Emily's block felt longer than usual, and each step was weighed down by the chaos unfolding within me. My thoughts were a whirlpool—Lei, my strange awakening, and now these eerie sensations I couldn't explain. When I finally reached Emily's building, I opened the door slowly, my senses alert.
The room was empty.
I scanned every corner cautiously. "Emily?" I called out gently.
No answer.
Just as I was about to check the other rooms, a sudden sensation surged through me—warm, strange, and powerful. I closed my eyes and let the feeling settle, trying to understand it.
And then—I saw her.
Emily.
Not here in this apartment, but somewhere else entirely. She looked worried, lost… frail.
"What is going on?" I whispered.
"She is in the outskirts of Jianchung," a voice echoed around me, soft yet firm. "And you can see her because I have eyes all over the city."
My eyes snapped open.
Visions? Voices? A being with eyes across the city? This had escalated far beyond anything I could comprehend.
"Identify yourself!" I commanded.
Silence. Then the voice returned.
"I am Luna Qiu. Your fox companion. I can grant you powers."
I blinked. "What the—Since when do I have a fox spirit companion? What do you want from me?"
"You've always had me in you. Since the day you were reborn into this world," Luna replied. "I don't want anything. You were chosen by the great goddess Ling Virera. When your soul wandered the spirit realm, Virera took interest in your essence. She died unjustly. So did you. I've served her, and now I serve you."
My chest tightened. "So this isn't just a freak accident. This is destiny?"
"Correct," Luna said. "Virera passed on her powers—and me—into your soul the moment you were reborn. You are to complete what she could not. You are her successor."
My mind reeled. "Why didn't you show up before now?"
"Virera gave strict orders—I was to appear when you turned twenty-two. But your determination… your desperation to right past wrongs is volatile. It forced me out earlier. You must be careful, Lyra."
I clenched my fists. "I want what's mine. I want justice. I want revenge. You said Virera had powers—what kind of powers did she have?"
"That," Luna said, her voice suddenly distant, "is for you to discover. Through visions, through trials. You will grow into them. First, we begin your training."
I stared at the ceiling, half-dazed, half-excited.
"This is just like an Isekai. I'm a reborn goddess with fox-like powers." I smirked. "Get ready, haters. Zhao Min is gone. Lyra Li has arrived, and she's here to claim everything stolen from her."
"When do I start training, Luna?"
"Anytime you wish, Lyra."
"Good. And… don't call me Min again. That name makes my skin crawl. I've left it behind, like a snake shedding its skin."
"Understood. Lyra it is. As for others like you—I cannot say. My knowledge is limited to you and you alone."
I sighed. "Fine. Then tell me this—why is Emily in the outskirts of Jianchung?"
"She's looking for you."
Typical Emily. Always worrying herself sick over things that barely make sense. Still, I was touched.
I pulled out my phone and called her.
"Hey, Emily. Where you at?"
"Where were you, Lyra?" she barked. "I was worried sick and here you are calling like everything's fine. Not cool!"
She sounded furious—relieved, but furious.
"I'm so sorry, Miss Wang," I said playfully. "I'm at your place. Come home and I'll explain everything."
"You better," she grumbled. "And don't go wandering off again."
She hung up.
"She is a good friend. Unlike the other one," Luna growled, her voice suddenly dark.
My stomach twisted. "Don't remind me of her."
The name alone triggered a surge of revulsion.
Zhilan Xue.
My so-called best friend. My cherished companion. My biggest mistake.
FLASHBACK...XXX
"Min, come to my place. It's safer there," Xue said softly, extending a hand.
"Thank you, Xue. You're the only one that truly cares," I replied.
We walked side by side, her presence oddly comforting. Until…
Men appeared. Torches, pitchforks, hostility gleaming in their eyes. My blood ran cold.
"Xue, what's going on?" I asked, stepping back.
She turned to them.
"It's her! She's the one you're looking for. She is Zhao Min! Seize her!"
My world shattered in one breath.
"Xue, you snake! After everything I've done for you… You betray me like this?"
Her expression twisted into something I'd never seen before.
"You speak of trust like you own it. But you never noticed, did you? You stole everything from me. The love of my life. The attention. The village's praise. I was always second to you—just a shadow."
I stepped back, hurt, stunned.
"Was that how you saw our friendship?"
"Yes! And I took it all back, piece by piece. Your fiancé. Your status. Your life. And now… the village reveres me. I hope your soul never finds peace!"
END FLASHBACK...XXX
Even now, the memory made me tremble with rage.
"What did I ever do to her?" I whispered bitterly. "I never meant to take anything from her."
But it didn't matter now.
She would pay.
I would reclaim what was mine—with fire if I had to.
"Get ready, Zhilan Xue," I muttered, eyes glowing faintly with a new power surging inside me. "Lyra Li is coming for you."
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