Transferred to another life

**Chapter Thirty-Nine: Brewing Tension**

The morning sun filtered through the heavy drapes in Olivia's room, casting long shadows across the floor. She had barely slept, her mind consumed by the plan she had carefully laid out the night before. The vial of *Caelestis Malum* rested in her hand, its liquid swirling darkly, a symbol of her newfound resolve.

Olivia rose from her bed, her movements slow and deliberate. The weight of what she was about to do settled over her, but there was no hesitation in her heart. Her family had shown her no mercy, and now she would return the favor.

After dressing in a simple gown that concealed the potion, Olivia made her way downstairs. The air was thick with tension, the events of the previous night still hanging over the household like a storm cloud. She could hear the quiet hum of voices from the dining room, where the family had already gathered for breakfast. Matthew, as always, would be at the head of the table, exuding false charm and control.

But not for much longer.

### **The Family at Breakfast**

When Olivia entered the room, the conversation faltered. All eyes turned to her, some with cold indifference, others with open hostility. Her father, Charles, sat at the far end, his face stern, while Clara and Aunt Beatrice exchanged sharp glances. Matthew, however, greeted her with that same infuriating mask of sympathy.

"Olivia," he said smoothly, rising slightly from his chair as if to show courtesy. "I'm glad you decided to join us this morning."

Olivia ignored the sickly sweet tone in his voice and took her place at the table. She kept her eyes down, acting subdued, knowing full well that her family expected her to be ashamed, to retreat after the events of last night.

But Olivia was far from retreating.

The conversation resumed, though it was stilted and awkward. The air crackled with tension as her father spoke about family matters, and Clara made snide comments about the responsibilities Olivia had neglected. Olivia remained silent, carefully timing her moment.

As the servants moved about, refilling cups of tea and juice, Olivia discreetly slipped the vial from her gown. She watched for the right moment, her pulse quickening when she saw Matthew reach for his goblet.

With a steady hand, she leaned forward slightly, her fingers barely trembling as she poured a few drops of the shimmering liquid into his drink. The potion dissolved instantly, leaving no trace of its presence. Olivia felt a surge of power as she imagined the effect it would have on him. Soon, Matthew would be caught in his own nightmares, just as she had been trapped in hers.

The family remained unaware of her actions, too engrossed in their shallow conversation and veiled insults to notice what she had done. Olivia settled back into her chair, her heart racing with anticipation.

### **Matthew Takes the Bait**

Matthew raised his goblet to his lips, oblivious to the trap that had been set for him. Olivia watched with bated breath as he drank deeply, the potion now working its way into his system. She could almost feel the shift in the air, the brewing storm that was about to descend upon him.

At first, nothing happened. The conversation continued, but Olivia's gaze never left Matthew. He leaned back in his chair, his expression as calm and collected as ever, but then—just for a moment—his brow furrowed. He blinked, as though trying to shake off a strange sensation.

Olivia felt a rush of satisfaction. *It's beginning.*

Matthew's hand twitched slightly as he reached for a piece of bread, his movements suddenly less sure. He glanced around the table, his eyes narrowing as though he were seeing something that wasn't there. A bead of sweat formed on his temple, and Olivia's heart leapt.

The potion was working faster than she had anticipated.

"Matthew?" Clara's voice cut through the quiet tension. "Are you all right?"

Matthew turned toward her, but there was a flicker of confusion in his eyes. "I... I'm fine," he said, though his voice lacked its usual confidence.

Olivia bit her lip to keep from smiling. She knew what was coming next. The hallucinations would start subtly—shadows that moved in the corner of his vision, whispers that weren't there. And then, the true terror would begin. He would see his deepest fears, his darkest thoughts, come to life before him.

Matthew shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his hand now gripping the edge of the table. He blinked rapidly, his breath quickening as his eyes darted around the room. The others began to notice his odd behavior, exchanging worried glances.

"Matthew?" Charles said, his voice stern. "What's the matter with you?"

"I... I don't know," Matthew muttered, rubbing his eyes. He looked around the room, his expression growing more panicked with each passing second. "Something's not right."

### **The Descent into Fear**

Suddenly, Matthew recoiled, his chair scraping against the floor as he stood up abruptly. His eyes were wide, wild, as if he had just seen something horrifying.

"Get away from me!" he shouted, his voice cracking. He stumbled back from the table, knocking over his goblet in the process. The family froze, their faces pale with shock.

"What are you talking about?" Clara gasped, standing up as well. "There's no one there!"

But Matthew wasn't listening. His eyes were fixed on something only he could see, his breathing ragged as he backed into the wall. "No... no, stay away! Don't touch me!"

Olivia watched with cold satisfaction as Matthew's carefully constructed facade began to crumble. He was losing control, his mind unraveling under the influence of the potion. The family looked on in confusion and fear, their golden boy spiraling into madness before their eyes.

"What is happening to him?" Aunt Beatrice whispered, her hand covering her mouth.

"I don't know," Charles muttered, his face twisted with concern. "Matthew, what's going on?"

But Matthew didn't answer. He was lost in his own nightmare, his eyes wide with terror as he flailed against invisible enemies. "No! Don't—please!"

Olivia remained seated, her face a mask of calm as chaos unfolded around her. Her heart beat steadily now, the rush of power filling her veins. *This is what they deserve*, she thought. *This is what he deserves.*

Matthew collapsed to the floor, clutching his head, his screams echoing through the dining room. The family rushed to his side, trying to calm him, but it was no use. He was trapped in the web of his own fears, unable to escape.

And Olivia? She merely sat back and watched.

They wanted a villain? She was more than ready to play the part.