Chapter 1

My mother always favored my younger sister, Delilah. In my past life, Delilah was quick to pick Callum, the Fae Deer, who was meant for me, the one who truly resonated with my spirit.

I was left with no choice but to settle for Finn, the Carp, who hadn't even fully transformed yet.

To everyone's shock, Callum suddenly went berserk, almost killing Delilah and making her the laughingstock of Our Order.

Meanwhile, my little Carp, Finn, found his destiny and became the revered, legendary Koi.

Delilah went mad with jealousy, plunging a knife deep into my stomach.

When I opened my eyes again, watching Delilah unhesitantly choose Finn, the Carp, I knew. She had been reborn too.

But what she didn't know was that Finn's transformation into the legendary Koi wasn't a stroke of luck. It was an Apex State opportunity I had risked everything to find for him.

In Our Order, upon reaching adulthood, we choose our Spirit Mates.

Each year, the new Spirit Mates presented are selected in a tiered choosing ritual, starting with the Matriarch’s children.

The future power and potential of a Spirit Mate deeply impacts their chosen partner.

"In a moment, the young lords from the different clans will be brought in. You must choose carefully, for selecting a Spirit Mate is a bond for life."

My mother's tone suddenly sharpened, growing cold and severe. "Rowan, even though the Elders say Callum, the Fae Deer, is most compatible with you, that doesn't necessarily mean he's the best. You're the older sister; you need to be understanding and let your sister have what she wants. Do you understand?"

I stared at my mother, stunned. The vivid image of blood still clouded my vision, and then her stern gaze fell upon me.

That sternness was reserved only for me. For Delilah, she had nothing but gentle, doting affection.

"Rowan, answer me!" My mother's voice was a cold snap.

A bitter, resigned smile touched my lips. "Mother, what do you want me to say?"

In my past life, I had argued.

Callum and I were clearly more compatible, but she called me greedy, lacking the generosity of an elder sister, claiming I'd never amount to anything.

Callum still became Delilah's Spirit Mate, and I was forced to settle for Finn, the Carp.

Later, when Callum tried to advance, he went mad, almost killing Delilah.

My Finn, however, transformed into the legendary Koi, revered by thousands. Even I was jointly nominated by several Elders to become the Heir Apparent.

My mother summoned me urgently late one night. I thought she finally saw my worth.

But when I entered the room, what greeted me was Delilah's knife.

I clutched my abdomen, blood gushing out.

My mother, standing beside me, cried and begged me to forgive Delilah. She said Delilah didn't mean it.

Did that mean I deserved to die?

Everything from my past life flashed before my eyes in a dizzying whirl.

I thought she just didn't love me the same way. But I never imagined that my very life, in her eyes, was utterly worthless.