Lizz clutched the worn copy of "Crimson Empire," its cover creased and faded. She knew every word, every twist, every dramatic flourish. Her friends called her obsessed, but Lizz preferred "dedicated." "Crimson Empire" wasn't just a book; it was a world of valiant heroes, deliciously wicked villains, and true love conquering all – a world populated by beings of magic and myth.
Today, her focus was Elara, the second lead, and her tragic end at the hands of Demon lord Valerian, the most powerful demon lord. "If only," Lizz often thought, "If only Elara had a chance…"
Lost in thought, Lizz went to the roof. The wind whispered around her, but Lizz was oblivious, lost in "Crimson Empire." She could practically see Elara, her hand trembling as she reached for the hidden dagger, her heart pounding. Then, the inevitable happened. Valerian, with a flick of his wrist, unleashed dark magic, and Elara... Lizz sighed, closing the book. "It's just not fair," she murmured. She stood up, stretching. The sun was setting, painting the sky in vibrant hues. She took a deep breath. It was a beautiful view.
As she turned to leave, a gust of wind snatched the book. "No!" she cried, rushing to the edge. She peered down. Gone. Frustration and unease washed over her. She felt oddly disconnected. She leaned forward, a strange pull she couldn't resist. And then, her foot slipped.
Lizz screamed, falling. She felt a sickening lurch. The city lights blurred. She closed her eyes, bracing for impact.
But the impact never came.
Instead, she landed on something soft and yielding. She opened her eyes, blinking in confusion. Soft grass, towering trees, birdsong. Not her bedroom. Not even remotely familiar.
Panic began to set in. Where was she? She sat up, looking around wildly. And then she saw it. In the distance, a towering structure of black stone, its silhouette jagged against the setting sun. The obsidian tower from "Crimson Empire."
A cold dread gripped her. Impossible. But the tower was there, real and solid, and the landscape… it was exactly as described in the book. She stumbled to her feet, trembling. She knew this place. She was in "Crimson Empire."
And then, the chilling realization. She wasn't just in "Crimson Empire." She was Elara.
Elara, the second lead, also a dragon tamer in a world teeming with supernatural beings. Elves with their ethereal beauty and mastery of archery, Werewolves bound by the moon's cycle, Vampires with their seductive charm and thirst for blood, Witches wielding arcane powers, and Demons, creatures of darkness and chaos. And she, a ordinary Dragon Tamer, Elara, about to face them all.
Fear warred with a strange sense of excitement. This was it. Her chance to rewrite Elara's fate. She remembered Elara's timid nature, her constant deference to the heroine, Lyra. That wouldn't do. If she was going to survive, she needed to be different. More assertive. More cunning.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She needed information. She remembered the book's descriptions of the nearby village, Oakhaven. It was a haven for Dragon Tamers, protected by ancient wards against the other creatures because the dragon tamer can't summon a dragon or use their extreme power till they turn 18 and Elara was just 17, so she is now just like human. That was her first destination.
As she walked, the forest came alive around her. The rustling leaves seemed to whisper secrets, and the shadows danced with unseen forms. She imagined Elves watching from the trees, their keen eyes following her every move. She gripped a fallen branch, using it as a makeshift staff. She might be out of her depth, but she wouldn't go down without a fight.
After what seemed like hours, she saw the lights of Oakhaven flickering through the trees. The village was small, but it looked peaceful. As she approached the gate, she saw two guards, clad in simple leather armor. They looked Dragon Tamers, but Lizz knew better than to assume. In this world, anyone could be anything.
"Halt! Who goes there?" one of the guards called out.
Lizz hesitated, then forced herself to speak in a clear, confident voice. "I am Elara," she said. "I live in the village."
The guards exchanged a look. "Elara? We haven't seen you in days. Where have you been?"
"I… I was in the forest," Lizz stammered, cursing her lack of preparation. "I got lost."
The guards seemed suspicious, but they eventually let her through. As she entered Oakhaven, she felt a wave of relief. The village was indeed protected. She could feel the wards, a subtle hum of energy that seemed to push back the darkness. For the first time since she arrived, she felt safe.
But she knew it wouldn't last. Valerian was out there, and she was Elara, the second lead, destined for a tragic end. But this time, she was determined to change the story. This time, she would survive and to survive she has to first grow stronger not only with magic but also with swordmanship and strength. She decided to prepare herself well and change the faith of this weak character. I Lizz will do whatever it takes to change the fate of this poor character, Elara Macwell and make her strong enough to not to get her life ended in the hands of the villian, Demon lord Valerian and not to fall in trap and serve the female lead Lyra. To do so I have to start practicing now. First I will practice the basic magic that can be done by an underage dragon tamer. But I don't know how to really do magic. I should first go to the library and purchase a book about magic and then I would go home and practice magic. She then went home as she was there she saw that she was the only daughter of the Macwell family, a wealthy family among the Dragon Tamers. I now realised that Elara was actually rich, it was not mentioned in the novel. She then went to the library and purchased a book on magic. She is now determined to change her faith. Will she able to change her faith?
To be continued...