The scent of earth and rain filled my lungs as I stirred, my fingers brushing against soft moss and damp grass. My body felt heavy, my head pounding like a drum. Slowly, I opened my eyes, blinking at the sight of a dense forest stretching endlessly around me.
This wasn't my apartment.
I sat up, heart racing, the memory of falling asleep in my cramped Tokyo room still vivid. But now, I was surrounded by towering trees, their leaves filtering golden sunlight onto the forest floor. My clothes felt strange—soft and luxurious against my skin.
Looking down, I froze.
A gown of deep crimson hugged my frame, its intricate embroidery glittering faintly. It was regal, elegant, and utterly foreign. I reached up, my fingers brushing against strands of hair—silky, thick, and… silver?
Panicking, I stumbled to my feet, the weight of the gown making each step clumsy. Nearby, a crystal-clear pool shimmered in the sunlight. I hurried to it, falling to my knees at the edge.
The reflection staring back was both mesmerizing and terrifying.
Silver hair framed a delicate face, with violet eyes that gleamed like polished amethyst. My lips parted as I raised a hand, and the reflection mimicked me. This wasn't my face.
And yet, I recognized it.
"Celestine Aveline," I whispered, my voice trembling.
The name sent a chill down my spine. Celestine was the heroine of Ethereal Bonds: A Realm of Love and Deception, the otome game I had spent countless late nights playing. She was a noblewoman caught in a dangerous web of betrayal, magic, and romance.
And now… I was her.
Before I could process the absurdity of it all, a branch snapped behind me. My head whipped around, heart hammering. Emerging from the shadows was a man—a stranger, and yet, I knew him.
He was tall, his figure commanding despite the casual way he leaned against a tree. His dark hair fell in tousled waves, and his sharp golden eyes seemed to pierce straight through me. His attire was practical—a black coat trimmed with silver—but the sword at his side hinted at danger.
"Enjoying the view?" he drawled, his voice smooth and laced with amusement.
I scrambled to my feet, clutching at the folds of my dress. "Who… who are you?"
His smirk widened. "I'm hurt, Lady Celestine. You don't recognize me?"
Recognition hit me like a bolt of lightning. Kael Evander, the enigmatic mercenary who played a pivotal role in the game. He was as dangerous as he was charming, his loyalty shifting like the wind. He was one of Celestine's potential love interests—and one of the most unpredictable.
"What do you want?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.
He stepped closer, the sunlight catching the gold in his eyes. "What I want," he murmured, "is to keep you alive. But that depends on whether you're willing to listen."
I hesitated. His presence was unnerving, but the sound of distant horns shattered my doubts. Someone—or something—was closing in.
Kael extended a hand, his smirk fading into something more serious. "We don't have much time. Trust me, or don't. Either way, I'm your best chance."
My mind raced. The game painted him as both savior and potential betrayer. But the thundering of hooves grew louder, and I had no choice.
Swallowing my fear, I placed my hand in his.
"Good choice," he said, his grip firm and reassuring. "Now, run."
With Kael leading the way, I plunged into the unknown, the weight of Celestine's world pressing down on me. I didn't know what lay ahead—danger, magic, or perhaps something more—but I was determined to survive.
Because this wasn't just her story anymore.
It was mine.