The next morning, Esther lingered in deep, dreamless sleep, her ancient body wrapped in luxurious sheets within the McMillian mansion. A firm knock at the door pulled her back to awareness.
She stirred, eyes fluttering open. Another knock echoed. Still half-asleep, Esther rose from the grand bed and padded toward the door in nothing but her usual black lace lingerie—delicate straps framing her pale curves, the matching panties barely covering her. She opened the door to find Prince Ethan standing there, his cheerful smile freezing as his striking purple-and-red eyes trailed down her body.
"Good morning, Lady Esther," he said, voice warm despite the flush creeping up his neck. "I hoped you might join us for breakfast with Amanda's family."
Esther blinked, focusing. The events of the previous night rushed back. She glanced down at herself and let out a soft, amused "Ha." When had she grown so careless? She was supposed to blend into this empire's rigid society, not parade around like this.
"You must think I'm doing this on purpose," she murmured, a rare blush touching her cheeks as she met his gaze again.
"My apologies for the… unexpected appearance. Yes, I'll dress and join you shortly." She offered a small smile, aware he had now seen her fully bare twice in quick succession.
Ethan's eyes lingered a moment longer, appreciative but respectful. "Although, I do find your fashion taste quite intriguing. I simply do not wish for others to see you this way. You are far too beautiful for careless glances."
Before she could respond, he added smoothly, "I look forward to your company, Lady Esther." He lifted her hand gently and pressed a warm kiss to the back of it, then departed with evident reluctance.
Esther closed the door, rubbing her temples with a soft laugh. "Such interesting men I keep finding…"
Another knock followed moments later—this time from a maid sent to help her prepare. Esther allowed the assistance, emerging soon after in one of the mansion's custom-made gowns: elegant black fabric that hugged her figure, accented with delicate white lace at the cuffs and ruffles along the neckline. She looked every bit the refined noblewoman.
The dining hall fell silent the instant the doors opened. All eyes turned to Esther. The warm atmosphere she had carefully cultivated through subtle mind influence shattered like glass. The Marquis's lingering excitement carried a new, hungry edge as his gaze traced her body while she approached the table.
"Uh, who allowed this peasant to sit with us again?" Amanda's mother sneered, rolling her eyes. "It was either Mandy or you, dear, who brought home this stray. You could have at least taught it some decent manners."
The woman's husband said nothing, but his stare lingered too long. Amanda's mother added with reluctant admiration, "I will say she is beautiful, though. I see the obsession."
Esther's lips curved into a sinister grin. "I thought we could play house a little longer. Oh well."
She glanced at Prince Ethan. "Your opinion of me may have changed after this morning."
A visible chill ran down Ethan's spine—and Amanda's. They both knew what was coming.
"Mother! Father!" Amanda broke into a nervous sweat. "Remember, Esther is my sister now? Why are you both acting so strangely?"
Francesca, seated beside Amanda, placed a comforting hand over hers. "There, there. You don't have to keep up this front any longer, Mandy. I'll protect you now."
In a blur of motion, Esther shot forward. She pinned Francesca against the table, hand clamped around the Saint's throat with a quarter of her true strength. The chair splintered beneath them. Esther's jewel-like eyes blazed as she bared razor-sharp fangs. "How exactly do you plan to do that, Lady Saint? It seems you cannot even lift a finger."
"Ack! Get your grimy hands off me!" Francesca struggled futilely, unable to summon even a spark of her holy magic.
"Uh… M-Mandy… what did you bring into our home?" Amanda's mother panicked. The Marquis barked orders at the servants.
Esther laughed coldly. "See? I was going to be a good daughter. Live peacefully with my new family." With a casual wave, she levitated every knife and fork on the table and hurled them forward. The silverware pierced clothing and pinned the family members to the wall like grotesque decorations.
She turned back to the Saint, tears streaming down Francesca's face. "You called me evil, didn't you? Then that's exactly what I'll give you."
Esther ripped the Saint's dress open with brutal efficiency, exposing her. "This world has only seen my gentler side until now. In my old world, I was the merciless being who put fear into the hearts of kings and gods alike. Whether you serve the Goddess Arianna or that fool Lilith from the underworld means nothing to me. Both those bitches looked down on me."
She glanced briefly at Ethan and his servant. "I'm afraid I haven't shown you the side I intended. I wish for what happens in this room to remain here."
"I… I understand, Lady Esther," Ethan replied. He turned and knocked his servant unconscious with a precise blow, then returned to his seat, clearly eager to watch.
Esther laughed, a hysterical, chilling sound, as she leaned down to whisper in Francesca's ear. "Are you really doing all this over a man who has shown you no interest? Or does it simply enrage you that the 'weak' monster has overpowered the mighty Saint?"
She summoned blue-black flames that danced menacingly beneath the Saint's throat. "I normally prefer my meals raw. But since you've ruined my living arrangements… I'll have to cook you alive."
Francesca screamed for help. "Your Highness! Please—ha!—help me!"
Ethan continued eating calmly. "I must say, your meal was rather bland. You should teach your cook about proper seasoning."
Enraged, Francesca glared. Esther loosened her grip slightly. "Ah, that reminds me. Did you like the little present I left for you in town?"
Francesca's eyes widened in horror as she recalled the report of a mutilated body. "Th-that was you?"
"Of course it was." Esther's nails sliced an artery at the Saint's collarbone. She sank her fangs in deep, drinking with savage satisfaction while pinning her prey harder.
The family needed dealing with. Esther summoned a towering archdemon, commanding it to handle them. Amanda pleaded desperately, "W-wait! Please don't harm them! We'll never speak of this. I promise—we'll pretend none of this happened and you can stay as my sister!"
"Mandy, I don't think your parents want to play house anymore," Esther giggled. "Especially your father. He seemed more interested in taking me as a mistress."
Ethan's expression darkened. He hurled a fork into the Marquis's arm, eliciting a scream. "You and your wife already agreed to betroth your new daughter to me." He pressed a knife to the man's throat. "I will not allow you to covet what is mine."
Despite the Marquis's protests, Ethan sliced his neck cleanly. Amanda cried out, "D-Daddy?"
The wife, tears streaming, begged to follow her husband. Ethan deferred to Esther, who gave a casual nod. "Sure. I never liked her attitude anyway."
Before Esther could finish feeding on Francesca, guards and holy priests burst in, flooding the room with light magic and physical force. Esther was far too strong. She hurled more levitated objects, then soared upward, summoning a legion of dragons and beasts that darkened the sky.
Her loved ones answered instantly. The twins appeared in massive dragon forms, flanking her. Thor emerged in his colossal Fenrir shape, wolves at his side surrounding the estate. With a flick of her power, Esther freed Ethan from restraints and had a dragon carry him to safety.
The battle turned brutal. Guards and priests fell one by one under claw, flame, and fang. An hour later, the Emperor and Empress arrived with reinforcements.
Esther descended, a blue-flamed arrow aimed at them. "Your kingdom welcomed me so warmly. I thought I'd repay the kindness."
Negotiations collapsed quickly. The Emperor offered apologies and a treaty, even pushing Ethan's marriage. Esther countered fiercely. The Empress, tired of her husband's weakness, slit his throat herself and proposed a private chat.
Esther refused. The Empress attacked with devastating holy magic—only for Sylvian to teleport in at the critical moment, erecting a barrier that deflected it effortlessly.
The Empress laughed. "You're quite the temptress."
Esther released her arrow. It struck true. In one cataclysmic moment, both the Emperor and Empress fell. The Empire as it was known died with them.
Ethan addressed the stunned survivors: "Today marks the end of the old Empire. Return to your homes. We will discuss the future soon."
Esther landed amid the carnage, blood-spattered and regal. Her husbands and soon-to-be husband surrounded her. Ethan approached first. "If you like, you're welcome at the palace to clean up."
Thor wrapped his powerful arms around her waist from behind, lips brushing her bloodied neck as he tasted the remnants. "Whatever you desire, we'll make it happen. Rule here or return with us to build Scarlett."
Killian and Kyrell knelt, kissing her palms reverently. "We've completed the palace with ten new pavilions for any future loves. The entire city and surrounding lands are ready. Your people await their queen."
Esther stroked their heads tenderly, pulling each into a deep, passionate kiss, tongues intertwining. The longing between them was palpable. She broke away gently. "The throne now passes to my brother, Prince Ezra. Once I settle matters here, I'll join you—if you'll still have me."
Ethan added his quiet support. Sylvian stepped forward. "I can create anything now—entire forests if needed. Wherever you go, I go."
Esther sighed. "That leaves Dillon and Zoey…" She looked at Amanda, who stood shattered among the ruins. "Would you like to come with me?"
Amanda, with nothing left, took her hand. "Alright."
Together, they departed for the palace as the sun dipped lower, the Empire forever changed.