~ Victoria’s POV

After making the swap, I put the bottle back in its place. I felt a thrill of satisfaction. Bella would take those pills, thinking she was getting better, while I would watch her fade away.

Finally, Bella took the pills. I watched from a distance as she swallowed them, blissfully unaware of my plan. As the hours passed, I could see the effects kicking in. She grew heavier, her eyes drooping.

“Perfect!” I thought, feeling pleased. The palace was finally quiet without her whining.

But then something unexpected happened. Her best friend, Kate, burst into the room, her voice filled with panic. “Bella! Can you hear me?”...