Natalia lay on the dusty bed, her breathing slow and shallow. The sunlight streaming through the cracked window highlighted the worn furniture around her. As she stared at the unfamiliar ceiling, fragmented memories of the former Natalia slowly resurfaced in her mind.
"I was abandoned... iniwan dahil wala akong magic," she whispered bitterly.
Back in her old life, as Natasha Monroe, no one would have dared to abandon her. She was the mafia princess—feared, admired, and respected. Here? She was nothing but a discarded child.
“Mahina? Ha!” A cold smirk crossed her lips. If magic was everything in this world, she’d have to find her own way to survive—just like before.
---
The creak of the door pulled her from her thoughts. Standing in the doorway was a boy with wild black hair and sharp green eyes—her younger brother, Damon Delacroix.
“Gising ka na pala,” he said, crossing his arms.
"Why? You thought I'd stay dead?" Natalia teased, raising an eyebrow.
Damon’s expression didn’t change, but his green eyes glinted with something—relief, perhaps. “Hindi ko gusto na mawala ka,” he said gruffly. "Let’s go. Huwag mong hayaang isipin nila na pwede ka nilang balewalain ulit."
For a moment, Natalia stared at him, surprised by the hint of loyalty in his voice. So... I’m not entirely alone in this household.
---
As they walked through the long, cold hallways of the Delacroix estate, Natalia noticed the servants whispering among themselves.
"She’s really alive?" one maid murmured.
"But what’s the use? Mahina parin siya, remember she doesn't have a magic" another whispered back, her voice laced with mockery.
Natalia clenched her fists but forced herself to remain calm. She was used to people talking behind her back. It happened all the time in the mafia world. Still, it stung to know she was seen as a disgrace—someone without worth.
They entered the dining hall where her three brothers and father sat around a long table. Alaric, the eldest, barely looked up from his meal. Lucian, the second son, gave her a sly smile, as if amused by her return. Magnus Delacroix, their father and the Duke, stared at her with cold indifference, as if her presence was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
"Sit," Magnus ordered curtly. Natalia obeyed without a word, sliding into the seat next to Damon.
---
The atmosphere at the table was tense, and Natalia felt the weight of everyone’s judgment. No one asked how she was or even acknowledged her return. It was as if she were invisible—like a ghost.
“So, bumalik ka nga,” Alaric said coldly, his gaze sharp. “Damon insisted you be allowed back. I suppose it can’t be helped.”
Damon shot his older brother a glare. “Mind your own business, Alaric.”
Lucian leaned forward, a mocking smile on his lips. “You’re still the same useless sister, huh?”
Natalia smirked, unfazed. “Don’t worry, brother. Hindi ako mawawala ulit.”
Her brothers exchanged looks, surprised by her sudden confidence. Even Magnus narrowed his eyes slightly, as if sensing the shift in her demeanor.
They think I’m the same helpless girl who died? They’ll learn soon enough.
---
After breakfast, Natalia wandered into the estate’s neglected library. It was a quiet place—dusty and forgotten, much like her former self.
She ran her fingers along the old books on the shelves, her mind racing. Magic dictated everything in this world. Without it, she had no place, no future. But she didn’t care. I don’t need magic to win.
Among the books, she found a notebook hidden between two old tomes. Opening it, she discovered entries written by the previous Natalia. The pages were filled with sorrow, frustration, and unfulfilled dreams. One sentence stood out...
"If only I were strong enough... if only someone cared."
Natalia’s heart tightened as she read the words. This girl... she was just like me. A wave of determination surged through her.
"Never again," she whispered. "This time, I will fight back. No one will leave me behind."
" I will promise to do everything to fulfill your dreams Natalia, so you can rest now" she whispered with determination in her voice.
---
Later that afternoon, Natalia decided to test the limits of her new body. She sneaked into the training grounds, determined to improve her physical strength. As she picked up a sword, it felt heavy in her hands, and after a few swings, her arms ached.
"Ang hina pala talaga ng katawan na iyo," she muttered, frustrated but refusing to give up.
She tried again, swinging the sword awkwardly, but it slipped from her grasp and clattered to the ground. Before she could pick it up, a familiar voice cut through the air.
"Pathetic," Lucian sneered, stepping out from the shadows. "You’re still weak."
Natalia straightened, meeting his gaze with a challenging look. “Give me a month, Lucian. Tignan natin kung ganoon pa rin ang sasabihin mo.”
Lucian chuckled, amused by her sudden boldness. “Good luck, little sister. You’ll need it.”
---
That night, Natalia lay in bed, her body aching from the brief training session. Despite the pain, she felt alive—more alive than she had in both her lives.
"I will grow stronger," she whispered into the darkness. "Not for them, but for me."
Her thoughts drifted to the god of reincarnation. What kind of reward would she receive after saving this world? Whatever it was, it didn’t matter. She would complete her mission, claim her reward, and live life on her own terms—just like before.