Destined Across Time | LadaEarn

Chapter 8

Earn’s first sensation was the cold splash of water hitting her face, stinging her awake. Every inch of her body ached, a dull, bruising pain settling deep in her bones, and her wrists throbbed where they were tightly bound together. She blinked, eyes heavy, trying to focus on her surroundings. Wet, cold soil beneath her, the bitter night air seeping through her clothes, and the faint scent of damp grass and stagnant lake water filled her senses. She forced herself upright, and it was then she realized she was by a desolate lake. Only faint moonlight illuminated the surrounding reeds and trees, casting dark, shifting shadows.

Just as she tried to piece together where she was, a mocking laugh echoed through the silence, the sound scraping against her nerves. Earn’s gaze snapped up, her heart sinking as she saw Ratee standing over her, a smirk twisting her features, a bucket still in her hand, glistening with the last drops of water.

“Finally awake?” Ratee sneered, swinging the bucket with casual menace. “I was beginning to think you’d sleep through your own demise. How disappointing that would be.”

Earn’s head pounded, but she met Ratee’s gaze, defiance flaring even as her wrists throbbed from the rope digging into her skin. “What…are you talking about?” she managed, her voice rough, her mouth dry.

“Oh, don’t play dumb,” Ratee snapped, her tone laced with irritation and envy. She leaned forward, her face inches from Earn’s. “You’ve been a thorn in my side since the moment you set foot in the palace. The princess’s new favorite maid… acting so pure, pretending you’re innocent when you’ve clearly wormed your way into her life, stealing what’s rightfully mine.”

Earn couldn’t hold back a small, bitter laugh, ignoring the flare of pain. “You think I wanted to be anyone’s favorite?” she shot back, the edge of her voice mocking. “Maybe if you spent less time obsessing and more time doing your job, you might actually earn someone’s respect.”

Ratee’s face darkened, and her hands clenched into fists. “Don’t lecture me!” she hissed, her voice trembling with rage. “The princess was supposed to be mine to serve, mine to attend to. But then you appeared, with your pathetic charm and manipulative ways, slinking around like you own the place.”

Earn shook her head, her smirk cutting through her own fear. “Trust me, Ratee, I didn’t beg for any of this. If you’re so consumed with jealousy, maybe take a good look at yourself instead of blaming me.”

Ratee’s lips curled into a snarl, her composure cracking as she raised her hand, a spark of cruelty lighting her gaze. But before she could strike, two figures loomed behind her, stepping out from the shadows like dark sentries. They moved to Earn’s side, roughly grabbing her by the arms and yanking her to her feet, their grips ironclad.

Ratee took a step back, her expression shifting to something far more dangerous. “You think I’m here alone?” she sneered, her eyes gleaming with sadistic satisfaction. “I’m done watching you parade around like you belong. I’m done with your smug face. You’re nothing but an insect in my way, and I’m here to squash you.”

Earn’s heart hammered in her chest, her pulse pounding as her mind raced. She struggled, but the villagers tightened their hold, their faces unreadable and unfeeling. “You’re insane if you think the princess wants anything to do with you,” she spat, her voice dripping with disgust.

“Oh, believe what you like,” Ratee whispered, leaning close. Her tone dropped to a low hiss. “But tonight, you’ll be gone, and the princess will finally realize that you were never worthy of her attention.”

With a nod, Ratee signaled to the men. Before Earn could react, one of them forced a strip of cloth over her eyes, tying it tightly and plunging her into darkness. She gasped, trying to pull away, but her strength was waning. Suddenly, the sharp sting of a slap cracked across her cheek, jolting her head to the side.