Anna awoke suddenly, her heart pounding as she tried to orient herself in the unfamiliar surroundings. The grand room around her—decorated with opulent tapestries, heavy drapes, and elegant furniture—was far from anything she had ever known. This was the world of Helena, the villainess from the novel she had been reading, and now it was her reality.
She sat up in bed, her breath catching as she took in her reflection. The young girl in the mirror had striking green hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall, framing her delicate face. Her eyes, once Anna's soft brown, were now an unnerving shade of violet—brilliant and cold, the signature of Helena's noble bloodline. Her aristocratic features spoke of beauty, but there was an air of arrogance about them. Beneath the elegance was a sense of vulnerability—a reminder that Anna was now living in a story where she had a crucial role to play.
A knock on the door broke her thoughts. The maid entered, polite but distant, her expression carefully neutral. "Good morning, Lady Helena. Your father has requested your presence at breakfast. He wishes to discuss important matters with you."
Anna nodded, gathering her composure. "Thank you. I'll be down shortly."
As she dressed in the elaborate garments befitting her new role, Anna felt the weight of the task ahead. She had to navigate Helena's life while altering the tragic fate of Noah, the second male lead she had grown to care about. Today, she would meet him for the first time—not as a reader, but as a character within the story.
The grand staircase led her to the dining hall, a room as majestic as she remembered from the novel. Her father, a man of imposing stature and a commanding presence, sat at the head of the table, his gaze sharp as he glanced up from his morning paper. Her mother, elegant and distant, nodded in acknowledgment as Anna entered.
"Good morning, Father. Mother," Anna greeted, hoping her voice sounded natural.
Her father's expression softened slightly, though he remained formal. "Morning, Helena. Sit down. We have much to discuss."
Anna took her seat, her heart beating rapidly as she anticipated what was to come. Her father's next words confirmed it.
"As you know, we will be welcoming Noah into our family today," he began, his tone carrying a note of solemnity. "Noah's parents were dear friends of ours. After their tragic death in the carriage accident, we agreed to take him in. His mother, as you may remember, was a talented mage, and his father was a skilled diplomat."
Anna nodded, remembering the backstory she had read in the novel. Noah's mother, a mage of considerable power, had been respected and loved by many, including Helena's family. His parents' untimely death had left him orphaned, and her father, out of loyalty and friendship, had decided to adopt him.
"We will do our best to make Noah feel welcome," her father continued. "He is to be treated as one of us. I expect you to help him adjust to his new life here."
Anna's heart tightened with a mixture of anticipation and determination. She knew the pain Noah was destined to endure, but she was resolved to change his story. "Of course, Father. I'll do everything I can to make Noah feel at home."
After breakfast, Anna sought refuge in the estate's expansive gardens. The manicured lawns and vibrant flowers were beautiful, yet her mind was consumed with thoughts of Noah. She knew that this was a pivotal moment—one that could alter the course of his future.
As she walked through the gardens, she saw a young boy being led toward the mansion by a servant. Noah. His striking red eyes and long silver hair were exactly as she had imagined, though his expression was a mix of apprehension and quiet strength. The knowledge of his past and the burden he carried made Anna's heart ache.
Steeling herself, Anna approached him with a warm smile. "Hello, Noah. I'm Helena. Welcome to your new home."
Noah looked at her, his eyes wary but polite. "Hello, Lady Helena. Thank you."
Anna's heart went out to him. "I thought you might like a tour of the gardens. It's a beautiful day, and it might help you get familiar with the estate."
Noah hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "That would be nice."
As they walked through the gardens, Anna made an effort to engage Noah in conversation. She spoke about the different plants and flowers, trying to make him feel at ease. Gradually, Noah's initial wariness began to fade, and a small, genuine smile appeared on his face—a sign that he was starting to relax.
By the end of the tour, Noah seemed more at ease. "Thank you for showing me around, Lady Helena. I appreciate it."
Anna smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "You're welcome, Noah. If you ever need anything, or if you just want someone to talk to, I'm here for you."
As Noah walked away, Anna felt a mixture of relief and determination. She had taken the first step in changing his fate, but she knew there were many challenges ahead. Still, she was committed to her mission: to protect Noah from the suffering he was meant to endure and to give him the life he deserved.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Anna watched Noah disappear into the distance, her mind already planning her next move. She was determined to make a difference, one small act at a time.