The pond of Walentyna’s residence glistened under the moonlight as I swiftly made my way across the well-groomed grass. The name, Zoya Walentyna, ran like fire through my mind. Never in my life had I felt so enraged, so rebellious, so revenge-thirsty.

This time for sure, Zoya Walentyna had crossed her limits. This girl had everything anyone could ever dream of -- a big house with maids and servants, two perfect mollycoddling parents who gave her whatever she asked for, and basically every other luxury that most people are deprived of. And that still did not stop little Miss Richie-Rich from getting jealous and stealing from others.

Unlike her, I have no family left and dwell under a roof with some friends who endeavour to make sure that they are no leaks on rainy nights. My only treasure was a golden amulet which belonged to my mother. I would have sold it and got enough money to get me going, but I couldn’t as it had so much meaning to it. It was a family heirloom as well.

Making for one of the open windows, I glanced back. Vincent, who had accompanied me here loyally, stood already waiting for my return. I slither through the window soundlessly. Fortunately, the corridor I found myself in was lit and deserted. Sounds of chatter came from nearby. It looked like someone was having dinner.

Her room wasn’t so difficult to find; I was here for a party once, dragged by some friends, so I had a general sense of the layout. The door was open and lights were off. Inside, I rummaged through my backpack for a torch. Unsurprisingly, the lush furniture and the regal look seemed to be straight out of a fairy tale, fit for a princess. But isn’t that who Zoya was? Quite an evil one, though.

The grand aura made me feel more conspicuous of my intrusion. Her closet came out clean and I tried not to get distracted by the silks and lavish gowns. No amulet in the drawers, dresser or the study corner. I didn’t come here all the way to end up with nothing.

However, there was a box under the bed, more like a treasure chest. I got down on my knees and opened it. There it was! Amid the items, I caught sight of something gold glimmering. Before my hand even moved to reach out for it, there was a sharp click, the room flooded with a bright light and a high pitched shrill followed.

“What are you searching for in this room? You have no right to be here!”

I froze. My blood ran cold. I turned slowly and faced Zoya. Standing in the doorway with clenched fists, Zoya’s figure emanated fury.

I could hear approaching footsteps. Her outburst had brought two servants running, followed by her mother, Mrs Walentyna herself. She stood utterly perplexed, her eyes travelled between me and Zoya.

“Qué pasó? W-what is the meaning of this? Miss Xia! Explain yourself,” she spluttered. I saw a malevolent glint in Zoya’s eyes, “Mother, I found Alexia ripping apart my room. She is probably here to steal something, seeing as she can hardly afford a thing in this room,” she drawled dramatically.

“Oh, yeah? Why don’t you rephrase your words a little Zoya? How about this, ‘Stealing something that was already stolen’, from me, of course,” I retorted.

I brandished my golden, amulet. With grim pleasure, I watch as Zoya grew pale and the mask of false ire and pride on her face shattered and gave her away.

“What are you talking about?” she shrieked, but the damage was done. Mrs Walentyna looked stricken with disbelief, disappointment and shock.

Mrs Walentyna addressed me, “Perdóneme, Miss Xia! I deeply apologise with all humbleness on Zoya’s behalf. I am extremely horrified by her behaviour. You will receive compensation. And as for you,” she turned to a petrified Zoya “a week worth of house confinement ought to be in order.”

Exiting Zoya’s house triumphantly (through the front oak doors this time), I heard Zoya pleading with her mother in vain. To be honest though, I didn’t think Mrs Walentyna would see through Zoya’s act, but she surprised me.

I ran towards Vincent, my amulet in my hand and my beaming face was reflected in his. He got a little surprised with my exit from the front doors, I simply told him to enjoy our walk home. After all, I did want to do justice to my story, with an audience of at least three people, along with mugs of hot chocolate.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 24th, 2022