Chapter 1: The Second Dawn
The scent of blood still lingered in her nostrils when consciousness returned.
Shen Miao opened her eyes to sunlight streaming through embroidered curtains - the very same she'd seen on the morning of her sixteenth birthday. Her fingers trembled as they touched the unblemished skin of her wrist where shackle scars should have been.
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. Heaven had granted what no mortal could - a return to the beginning.
The memory of flames consuming her flesh, of betrayal carved into her heart by those she loved most, crystallized into cold resolve. This time, she would wield her knowledge like a dagger in the dark.
"Young miss, the madam requests your presence." A familiar voice called from beyond the silk screens - the same maid who'd later slip poison into her tea.
Shen Miao's crimson lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Tell my dear stepmother I'll attend her shortly."
She rose with the grace of a reborn phoenix, the heavy brocade of her robes whispering secrets against the marble floors. Outside her window, plum blossoms fell like snow - nature's reminder that even the most beautiful things must eventually perish and begin anew.
The game board was set once more. But this time, the pieces would move at her command.
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and then Add to home screen.