Karina opened her eyes to find herself lying on a bed in a strange room. Confusion quickly morphed into a sense of wonder as she realized that she had somehow found herself inside the world of a novel. Though she couldn't quite remember how she got there, it didn't matter. What was important was that she now had the chance to make a difference in the lives of the novel's characters.
After exploring the room and discovering some basic supplies, Karina set out to find Roland Bleuet and his sister, Melisa. She knew that they were destined for tragedy according to the original plotline, but with her newfound knowledge, she could alter their fate.
Finding the siblings had proven to be more difficult than she had anticipated. It wasn't until she heard rumors of a young boy and girl begging in the streets that she finally stumbled upon them. Roland's piercing blue eyes captured her attention immediately, but it was the gentle demeanor of both siblings that won her heart.
Karina learned that their parents had passed away from an unknown illness, and ever since then, they had been forced to fend for themselves. Determined to give them a better future, Karina saved every coin she could and plotted their escape to the capital.
But when they arrived in Torres, the last stop before the capital, Karina realized that their funds fell short of the required amount to reach their destination. Despite her setbacks, she refused to give up on her dream of a better life for the siblings.
It was while they were seeking shelter in Torres that Karina bumped into Duke Claude Torres, a man whose pale blue eyes seemed to gaze right through her. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched him conversing with other townsfolk, seemingly enthralled by their talents and potential.
Karina tried to keep her distance, sensing that there was something off about the Duke. However, fate had other plans as Duke Claude suddenly made a beeline towards her and the children. He stopped in front of them, scrutinizing each of them with an intensity that made Karina's skin crawl.
"Tell me, little miss. What talents do these children possess? They seem to hold great potential," Duke Claude said, a small smirk forming on his lips.
Karina's heart raced as she realized that Duke Claude was not just a man obsessed with collecting talented individuals, but he was also the antagonist that would negatively impact Roland's life in the future.
She knew she had to protect the children from him at all costs. Suddenly, the task at hand seemed even more daunting, and Karina wondered if she was ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
But as she looked at the innocent faces of Roland and Melisa, Karina knew that she could not give up. She took a deep breath and steeled herself. She would do whatever it takes to safeguard their future.