Remnants: III. The Shadow’s Ascent

I walked back in with lowered eyes, A nameless girl in servant’s guise. No one remembered the child they threw— But I remembered every face I knew. I scrubbed the floors where once I played, Smiled at guards who once betrayed. Learned the passages, the hidden doors, Mapped the palace from its very cores. I listened at keyholes, stole their plans, Whispers of weakness from noble clans. A dropped letter here, a bribe there, I traded secrets for a higher stair. From rags to whispers, shadow to flame, I climbed the ranks, no one knew my name. The serpent shed her skin of pain— Now Seraphine blooms in their domain. One noble owed me gold and fear, Another craved the words I’d hear. I gave them both, took back my due— They called me clever, never knew. I rose in silence, sharp and bright, Became the voice they feared at night. No bastard now, no outcast stain— Seraphine stands where roses wane. They welcomed me with open arms, Unknowing of the coming harms. The palace bends to my design— The serpent claims what once was mine.