"Sometimes, fate pulls you into a story not to play the hero, but to rewrite its ending."
***
Evelyn Monroe awoke to chaos.
The clinking of glasses and the low murmur of voices reached her ears before her surroundings came into focus. The heady scent of roses lingered in the air—sweet and suffocating. Blinking, Evelyn's amber eyes swept over the grand hall awash in golden candlelight. She was seated at the head of a lavish banquet table, draped in a gown of pastel silk that felt both alien and familiar against her skin.
All around her, the finest nobles of the realm stared, their gazes piercing, hostile. The weight of their scrutiny made her stomach churn, though her outward composure remained intact. For a moment, the scene felt like a lucid dream—a tableau too extravagant, too vivid to be real.
Then it hit her.
This wasn't her world anymore.
The thought struck like a thunderclap, jarring her senses. Memories—fragmented, fleeting—of her previous life clawed their way to the surface: neon cityscapes, hurried meetings, a life dominated by modern chaos. Yet, the person they were looking at wasn't Evelyn Monroe.
She was Seraphina Aveline.
The name rang like a bell in her mind, dredging up the plot of an old story she'd read long ago. Seraphina, the pitiable pawn in a web of royal intrigue, a noblewoman destined for tragedy. A side character, powerless and expendable.
And now, Evelyn was her.
"Lady Seraphina," a booming voice shattered her thoughts, dragging her attention to the far end of the table.
Lord Cedric Holloway stood, his broad frame commanding the room. His sharp brown eyes narrowed, brimming with accusation. "You've gone too far this time. Poisoning the prince's wine—do you deny it?"
Her heart stumbled. Poison? She wasn't ready for this—hadn't even pieced together how she'd ended up here—but her body moved with a composure that surprised even her.
"Poison?" Evelyn's lips curved into a smile, soft but razor-sharp. "Lord Holloway, such accusations are grave. Surely you wouldn't make them without proof?"
A ripple of murmurs coursed through the room. The Seraphina they knew was timid and spoiled, accustomed to hiding behind titles and privilege. But this Seraphina—Evelyn—spoke with a measured confidence, her voice steady and cutting.
"Proof?" Cedric barked, slamming his fist on the table. "The prince fell ill after drinking his wine. And you, Lady Seraphina, poured it with your own hand!"
Her gaze flicked to the man seated beside Cedric—Prince Adrien Valmont. His icy blue eyes met hers, calculating and unreadable. There was no anger in his expression, only a detached curiosity, as though he were studying a puzzle.
"And what does the accused have to say for herself?" Adrien's voice was calm, yet it carried an edge sharp enough to cut.
Evelyn felt the room close in, tension thick enough to choke on. She exhaled, forcing her thoughts into clarity. This world didn't reward hesitation.
"If I intended to poison His Highness," she said lightly, "do you think I would be so careless as to do it in plain sight, with witnesses aplenty? Such a plan would not only be heinous—it would be inexcusably stupid."
The logic struck a chord. Several nobles exchanged uneasy glances. Adrien's lips twitched, a hint of a smile ghosting across his face.
"Then, Lady Seraphina," he said, his tone deceptively casual, "have you an explanation for what happened?"
Evelyn rose from her seat, her gown flowing like water as she commanded the room's attention. Her gaze swept over the servants, lingering on a man near the edge of the hall. His hands trembled as he gripped a silver tray.
"The wine was poured before I arrived," she said, her voice carrying effortlessly. "Perhaps the culprit isn't seated among us, but standing among those who serve."
The servant's face paled, his trembling growing more pronounced. Evelyn moved toward him with deliberate grace, her steps light yet purposeful. She stopped just short of him, plucking the tray from his hands.
"Your hands shake, good sir," she said softly. "Not from the weight of duty, I think, but from the burden of guilt."
The room erupted into whispers, accusations ricocheting through the air. Adrien raised a hand, silencing the noise. With a flick of his wrist, guards descended, seizing the servant before he could protest.
As they dragged him away, Evelyn turned to the prince, meeting his gaze directly. There was no fear in her eyes, only the faintest glimmer of triumph.
"Well played, Lady Seraphina," Adrien murmured. His smile didn't reach his eyes. "But I wonder… What game are you playing?"
***
Hours Later
In the solitude of her chambers, Evelyn sat before a gilded mirror. Her amber eyes stared back at her, unnervingly bright, as though the woman in the reflection wasn't entirely her.
"What have I gotten myself into?" she whispered, her fingers brushing the intricate neckline of her gown.
The story was clear in her mind now. This wasn't just a different world; it was that world—a tale of scheming nobles, star-crossed lovers, and looming betrayal. A world where Seraphina Aveline was meant to die a pawn.
But Evelyn wasn't a pawn.
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, sitting up straighter.
The door opened, revealing Kael Rotherford. His emerald eyes were alight with concern, though his disheveled black hair and slightly rumpled green attire suggested he'd come in haste. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed, giving her a look that was equal parts worried and exasperated.
"Seraphina," he said gently, stepping inside. "Are you all right? I heard what happened at the banquet."
Evelyn tilted her head, offering him a small, tired smile. "Am I all right?" she echoed, her voice teasing. "Kael, I was accused of poisoning the crown prince. I think the better question is—are you all right? You look like you ran here."
Kael blinked, caught off guard, before a faint smile broke through his worry. "I might've… rushed. You don't exactly get accused of treason every day, you know."
"Ah, so you came to check if they'd already dragged me to the dungeons," she quipped lightly, folding her arms. "How thoughtful."
Kael's smile grew, but his tone sobered. "I came because I know you. You'd never do something like that, but the court doesn't care about innocence. One misstep, and they'd—" He stopped himself, exhaling sharply. "I just wanted to see you. To make sure you're… still here."
Her teasing expression softened at his words. "I'm still here," she said, her voice quieter now. "And in one piece, thanks to my wits and an unfortunate servant with very shaky hands."
He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "You handled it well, I heard. Too well, maybe. People are starting to notice how… different you've been."
"Different?" Evelyn raised a brow. "Careful, Kael. In court, different can get you killed." Evelyn sighed, a faint smirk tugging at her lips despite herself. "For the record, I did not poison the prince. And if I had, I'd like to think I'd be clever enough not to get caught."
"Good to know," Kael replied with mock seriousness, pulling a chair closer and sitting down. "Though if you did plan on poisoning someone, I'd appreciate a heads-up next time. You know, so I can clear my schedule."
She rolled her eyes, but there was a warmth in her tone as she said, "Don't you have better things to do than worry about me?"
"Not really," he admitted, leaning back and studying her. "You've been acting… different lately. Sharper. Bolder. I don't know whether to be impressed or terrified."
Evelyn chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're being dramatic."
"I'm serious." His expression softened, his voice quieter now. "You stood up in front of the whole court tonight. I know how cruel they can be—how quick they are to tear people apart. And yet, there you were. Calm. Commanding. I barely recognized you."
Her smile faltered, the weight of his words pressing on her. "I didn't have a choice," she said finally. "If I hadn't said something, I'd have been dragged off in chains."
Kael leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "But that's what I mean. You didn't just survive—you turned the whole situation around. That's not the Seraphina I've known all these years." A mischievous grin flickered across his face. "I mean, don't get me wrong. I like this version of you. She's kind of terrifying."
Evelyn snorted, the sound surprising even her. "Terrifying? That's not exactly a compliment. Kael, you're supposed to be my ally. Shouldn't you be saying something gallant, like 'You're brilliant' or 'You were dazzling tonight, Seraphina'?"
"Depends on the context," Kael said with a shrug. "Terrifying can be… alluring."
She raised an eyebrow. "Alluring?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly looking sheepish. "I said what I said."
For a moment, silence hung between them, thick with unspoken words. Then Evelyn's lips curved into a soft smile. "Thank you, Kael. For checking on me. Even if your timing could use some work."
"My timing is impeccable," he shot back, grinning. "It's my charm that's questionable."
Evelyn laughed, a genuine, light sound that eased the tension in her chest. "That might be the truest thing you've ever said."
"Hey," Kael said, feigning offense. "I'm nothing if not honest."
She leaned back, crossing her arms as she regarded him. "You should get some rest. You're not responsible for babysitting me, you know."
"Maybe not, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop. You're not as alone as you think, Seraphina." he said, standing and heading toward the door. But before leaving, he turned back, his gaze softer than before.
"Well," he said, awkwardly brushing imaginary lint off his sleeve. "Try not to get accused of murder again, will you? It's hell on my nerves."
Evelyn laughed, a warm sound that seemed to ease the tension in the room. "I'll do my best, Kael. For your nerves."
He shook his head, muttering something indecipherable under his breath, but the small smile lingered on his lips as he turned to leave. Just before he closed the door, he paused, looking back at her.
"Goodnight, Seraphina."
"Goodnight, Kael."
And as the door clicked shut behind him, Evelyn found herself smiling, her heart lighter than it had been in days.
Evlyn stared at the closed door for a moment, her heart inexplicably lighter. A small smile played on her lips as she whispered to herself, "Not as alone as I think, huh?"
***
Elsewhere
In his private study, Adrien Valmont stared into the fire, untouched wine in hand. His icy blue eyes reflected the dancing flames, but his mind lingered on the enigma that was Seraphina Aveline.
"A woman I dismissed as a fool," he murmured, a faint smile curving his lips. "And yet…"
Intrigue flickered to life in his chest, unfamiliar and unwelcome. He drained the wine, his smile sharpening as he made a silent vow.
"Seraphina Aveline," he whispered. "You'll be mine."