Part 3Cold Blooded: The Demon Queen's Rebirth

I stopped going to the mountains to pick herbs. I stayed in my room, studying.

Until the annual Spring Gala. Bella dragged me out.

"It's the Gala, Raven! If you don't go, the Flower Goddess won't bless you!"

Flower Goddess? Blessings?

I glanced at the history book on my desk, thought for a second, and nodded.

"I got you an outfit! Throw away those rags. You need to look pretty!"

She handed me a bag.

I opened it later that evening.

It was a hideous red floral shirt with neon green pants. It looked like a clown threw up on a Christmas tree.

But when I went to find my other clothes, they were gone.

Hungry and out of options, I put on the clown suit and went out to find food.

I ran straight into Bella and her posse. She was wearing sheer silk, looking ethereal.

"Oh my god," one girl gasped. "Does she think she looks good?"

"Ugly people really try the hardest. Is she trying to steal Bella's thunder by looking like a joke?"

"Haha, well she succeeded. Bella's dress is made of celestial silk gifted by Lord Lucien. Raven isn't fit to wipe her shoes."

"Stop it, everyone!" Bella rushed over, looking horrified. "Raven, why are you wearing that? It's my fault... I didn't prepare well enough for you."

Her eyes welled up with tears.

The crowd immediately started comforting her.

"Bella, it's not your fault she has no taste!"

"Yeah, where would she find a sister as good as you? It's her own choice to look like trash."

"Are you done acting?" I asked loudly.

The crowd went silent.

I stepped up to her minions. "You said you don't believe this is my only outfit? Bella, do you dare tell everyone who took all my clothes?"

Bella choked.

In the past, I would have walked away. Not today.

"That silk looks nice on you, Bella. Even if the snake gave it to you, you must have added your own touch. So why did someone with such 'high taste' pick this garbage for me?"

Bella covered her mouth. "Raven... are you doubting me?"

"Stop playing the victim!" I swatted her hand away. "If you're so innocent, let's go to your room right now and see if my clothes are stuffed in your closet!"

Bella turned pale.

I grabbed her arm to drag her back, but she pulled away, sobbing. "Raven! Even if I did... doing this is tearing our sisterhood apart!"

"Let's just look."

I reached for the door. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my wrist.

Two puncture marks.

A snake bite.

Suddenly, my mouth moved on its own.

"What's wrong with red and green? I'm prettier than Bella anyway... I want everyone to know she's an ugly hag! I bet everyone will still protect her even if I throw this trash in her face!"

I clamped my hand over my mouth.

The crowd's gaze shifted from pity to disgust.

"I knew it! She's a jealous psycho!"

One of Bella's friends slapped me across the face.

The mob swarmed, pulling my hair, tearing my ugly clothes.

"You don't deserve anything Bella gives you!"

I stumbled back and ran.

Before I turned the corner, I saw Lucien appear next to Bella, pulling her into his arms. His cold eyes bore into me.

Bella was weeping into his chest, hiding her smirk.

I rubbed my throbbing wrist where a white shadow had flashed moments before.

I gritted my teeth.