Lilith’s head throbbed as she slowly regained consciousness. Her surroundings were unfamiliar, and an unsettling dizziness clouded her mind. A brief moment of confusion stretched into what felt like an eternity. She reached up to cradle her aching head, trying to gather her bearings, but the disorienting swirl of thoughts only intensified. Her vision slowly sharpened, but the unfamiliarity of her surroundings caused a strange panic to well up within her.

What was happening? Where was she?

The room around her was lavish, opulent in its design, with tall windows letting in the soft golden light of the afternoon. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, and the scent of lavender lingered in the air. But none of it made sense. This was not her home. This was not even a place she recognized.

In a haze, she staggered toward a large mirror on the far wall. Her hand trembled as she placed it on the glass, the cold surface shocking against her warm skin. As she stared at her reflection, her breath caught in her throat.

She was not herself.

The woman in the mirror was striking—her hair a stark white, flowing down her back like fine silk. Her eyes glowed a bright yellow, an intensity that seemed foreign yet strangely familiar. A piercing recollection surged through her, a sharp realization: this was Selena Valkrian.

The villainess.

Lilith’s heart pounded in her chest as her mind raced. Selena Valkrian, the cruel and manipulative daughter of Duke Ezekiel Valkrian and Duchess Dahlia Valkrian, a name she had once read about in a novel. The very same woman who would eventually play the role of the villain in the story. The woman whose fate was sealed in tragedy, whose story had been set in motion by her own actions. And now, inexplicably, Lilith was trapped in this body.

She stumbled back from the mirror, her mind reeling. How was this even possible? Had she been... reincarnated? Or was this a nightmare that she couldn’t wake up from?

Her train of thought was abruptly interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. The door to the room creaked open, and a maid stepped inside, her eyes wide with concern.

“Lady Selena, you’re awake,” the maid said, her voice trembling slightly. “You have received an invitation.”

An invitation? Lilith—now Selena—blinked in confusion. She hadn't expected anything. What could this be about?

The maid handed her a small, elegant envelope sealed with a wax emblem. Selena’s fingers, still trembling, tore it open to reveal a finely written letter:

"Lady Selena Valkrian,

You are cordially invited to a tea party hosted by Lady Countess Estrella.

It would be an honor to have your presence."

The words were formal, the invitation clear, yet something about it unsettled her. Why would Lady Estrella invite her? After everything she had read about Selena, this should be the last place where she would be welcomed. And yet, there it was—an invitation she could not ignore.

Lilith—now Selena—knew she had a choice to make. She could refuse, retreat into the comfort of her family’s high status, and let the world continue on its path. But that would not change her fate. She had read enough of this story to know that she couldn’t sit idly by. She needed to forge her own path, make alliances, and change the course of her destiny.

With a resigned sigh, she nodded. “Prepare me, please.”

Later that afternoon, Selena found herself entering the drawing room where the tea party was being held. The room was smaller than she had expected, but no less grand. A round table was set with delicate china, and a variety of pastries were arranged neatly on the table. Around the table sat several women, all impeccably dressed, their expressions a mix of curiosity and expectation.

Lady Estrella, the hostess, was a young woman with flowing auburn hair, her demeanor graceful and composed. Selena’s gaze swept over the other guests. Lady Mabel, who had striking, dark curls, sat poised but silent, while Lady Rachel, with her pale skin and dark brown eyes, glanced at Selena with an unreadable expression.

The conversation was light at first, all pleasantries and polite exchanges. But Selena’s sharp mind, ever calculating, quickly realized that these women were more than they appeared. She had read enough of the story to understand that each of them possessed an extraordinary talent—talents that could shape the empire if given the right opportunity.

After some time, Selena carefully steered the conversation toward their ambitions, watching their faces as they hesitated, unsure of whether to reveal their deepest desires. Mabel, who had always been the quiet one, spoke first.

“I’ve always wanted to become a philosopher,” she confessed, her voice soft but firm. “But my family believes that women should focus on marriage, not on scholarly pursuits.”

Rachel nodded solemnly. “I dream of becoming an expert doctor, to heal the sick and save lives. But... my family has other expectations for me.”

Lady Estrella, too, revealed her ambition. “I want to become a designer, to create beauty and art that transcends time. But... I am told I should only concern myself with finding a suitable match.”

Selena listened carefully, each admission confirming her suspicions. All of these women had talents that were suppressed by their families' narrow views. They were all trapped by the same societal expectations—expectations that dictated their value by their ability to marry well rather than their worth as individuals.

Without hesitation, Selena made her offer. “I will support you all. No matter what it takes, I will stand by you. You are not alone.”

The room fell silent. The ladies exchanged uneasy glances, as though they could hardly believe what they were hearing. They had heard the rumors about Selena—how cruel and heartless she was, how she manipulated others for her own gain. To hear such kindness from her was unexpected.

Mabel spoke first, her voice hesitant. “But... why? Why would you, someone of such high status, offer your support to us?”

Selena smiled, her eyes glowing with quiet determination. “Because I understand. I, too, have been trapped by the expectations placed on me. I will help you—because that is the only way to change our fates.”

There was a long pause, and then, one by one, the ladies nodded. They were hesitant but moved by her sincerity. “Then,” Lady Estrella said, “let us be friends. True friends, not bound by status or rank.”

The declaration hung in the air, and for the first time, Selena felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She wasn’t alone in this world. She had allies now.

The conversation shifted again, and soon, they were discussing their plans in earnest. Selena, when asked about her own ambitions, replied confidently, “I love business. I intend to open my own enterprise soon.”

The others exchanged curious glances, and then congratulated her. They admired her drive, her courage to stand alone.

As the tea party drew to a close, Selena felt a strange sense of peace. She had taken the first step toward her new life. She had made connections, offered support, and for the first time, she felt that she was in control of her own fate.

That evening, as she returned to the Valkrian estate, Selena found herself deep in thought. Her eyes, once dull with the weight of expectations, now burned with determination. She had changed the course of her future, but there was much more to do.

Lilith, trapped in Selena’s body, smiled as she processed everything. This was only the beginning.

The golden light of the hallway shimmered faintly as Selena made her way home from the modest tea party. Her mind still buzzed with thoughts, but she carried herself with a grace that seemed almost instinctive now. The soft tap of her shoes against the marble floors echoed slightly through the wide, empty halls.

As she turned a corner, she found herself facing two familiar figures — her parents, Duke Ezekiel Valkrian and Duchess Dahlia Valkrian. Without hesitation, Selena smiled warmly, her eyes gleaming with genuine affection, and offered them a polite, graceful bow.

"Good evening, Father. Mother," she said, her voice soft but clear, as though the words came as naturally as breathing.

Both the Duke and Duchess halted, staring at her with evident surprise. Never before had Selena greeted them so warmly — the girl they knew had been cold, prideful, distant. For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy and uncertain. But then, an almost imperceptible warmth flickered across their faces, a fragile but real sense of relief settling into their expressions.

Before any more words could be exchanged, the Duke cleared his throat and spoke, his deep voice steady but tinged with something almost unfamiliar — pride.

"Tomorrow," he said, "there will be a grand banquet held at the palace. The emperor himself will make an important announcement during the festivities. Make sure you are presentable, Selena."

She nodded obediently, her smile never faltering. "Of course, Father," she replied.

With a final glance, both parents continued down the hall, their conversation a low murmur as they walked away.

Selena stood still for a moment longer, collecting her swirling thoughts, before returning to her chambers. As she shut the heavy door behind her, she exhaled softly, leaning against the carved wood.

The ball... she mused, moving slowly toward the window where the last streaks of the sunset bathed the sky in crimson and gold.

"If I remember correctly, "Selena thought, her mind flickering back to the plot she had once read so carelessly in her old world, "it was during this exact banquet that the emperor announced my engagement to Raven Rukwick — the Grand Duke’s eldest son and heir."

A shiver ran down her spine, not from fear, but from the weight of knowing what fate awaited her if she strayed too far from her plans.

She pressed her forehead lightly against the cool glass pane, her thoughts tumbling onward.

"And it was at this banquet that Raven and the female lead first met, wasn't it? "she mused.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she tried to piece the memory together.

"The female lead... who was she again?"

After a moment of strained silence, it clicked.

"Ah, Lady Miya — the daughter of the Marquess. Miya, with her golden hair like fields of wheat, and clear blue eyes that shimmered like a summer sky. An ethereal beauty, soft and refined, just like the goddess of spring herself — that's how Raven saw her, anyway."

She remembered now how Raven had been immediately taken with Miya’s elegance, while Miya thought of him as a good person. As the story went, they drew closer with each passing encounter, only raven had feelings for Miya while Miya thought of him as a brother.

Selena’s expression hardened.

"And me?" she thought bitterly.

The original Selena had been accused of poisoning Miya — an accusation no one ever truly questioned, because who would listen to a villainess where there were already rumours and her reputation in a ruined state? Even as she had cried and pleaded her innocence, she had been dragged away, sentenced without a trial. Her fate had been sealed by the blade of Raven himself, who executed her coldly, without hesitation.

"And Miya... Miya had known Selena’s innocence all along.

Yet, she had let it happen."

Selena’s fists clenched at her sides.

"Why was she even considered a heroine in the first place?" she wondered, bitterness lacing her thoughts. "A true heroine would have fought for justice — not sat quietly while an innocent girl was destroyed. After all raven was the second male lead after all. The real male lead was the crown prince"

For a long moment, Selena stared out into the twilight, letting the anger simmer in the depths of her chest before finally taking a deep breath and pushing it down.

"No", she thought resolutely. "Not this time. I won't play into their hands. I won't be the villain in someone else's story."

Determined, she straightened her posture and turned away from the window. It was time for dinner.

Gathering herself, she headed to the dining hall, joining her family for the evening meal. She ate quietly, neither too quickly nor too slowly, keeping her expressions calm and composed. Every move she made now was deliberate — every word and gesture carefully chosen.

By the time she returned to her chambers later that night, fatigue weighed heavy on her, but so did a steely determination. She prepared for bed and slipped beneath the covers, the silken sheets cool against her skin.

As she lay staring up at the intricately carved ceiling, her mind replayed everything — the tea party, the surprise on her parents' faces, the upcoming banquet, the cruel fate that awaited if she faltered.

"Tomorrow... the game truly begins."

And with that final thought, Selena Valkrian — once Lilith, now something entirely new — drifted into sleep, ready to carve her own destiny.

The morning sun crept through the sheer curtains of Selena's chamber, casting golden rays across the embroidered sheets. She awoke slowly, blinking against the soft light. After a moment to gather herself, she rose, dressed, and enjoyed a quiet breakfast delivered to her room.

Once the plates were cleared and silence once again filled the space, Selena sat down at the vanity, her fingers idly trailing across the polished surface as she stared into her own reflection. Her mind, however, was far from idle.

"Think, Selena, think, "she told herself firmly.

"According to the plot" she remembered *so well, a week before the imperial wedding, both the bride and groom were required to sign their names on the royal marriage decree — a sacred contract that, once completed, was impossible to nullify."

A slow, cunning smile curved her lips.

"If I can befriend Miya and earn her trust before that decree is written..." she thought, a glimmer of triumph sparking in her eyes, "then at the critical moment, I’ll simply write Miya’s name instead of mine."

Her smirk deepened.

With that, Selena leaned back in her chair, her confidence swelling.

"Then, step by step, I can finally change my fate."

With her plan forming solidly in her mind, she set about preparing for the evening — the ball banquet hosted at the imperial palace, the grand event where her engagement would be announced.

When the hour arrived, her maid carefully helped her into an elegant black gown — sleek yet regal, adorned with subtle silver embroidery that shimmered like starlight. The fabric clung gracefully to her figure before flowing outward into a soft, cloudlike train behind her.

Selena caught sight of herself in the mirror and paused.

For a moment, even she could hardly believe what she saw.

This person, this poised and stunning young woman — was that truly her?

A soft laugh escaped her lips, half disbelief, half amusement. With one final check, she left her chambers, her steps steady and assured.

---

The palace ballroom was already alive with music and chatter when Selena arrived. Glittering chandeliers bathed the room in a warm, opulent glow. Nobles in their finest attire filled the space, their laughter and conversation weaving together into a symphony of courtly life.

Selena entered gracefully, her presence immediately drawing attention.

Unlike the cold, arrogant villainess they remembered, the Selena who now stood before them bowed her head politely, offering warm, respectful greetings to everyone she encountered.

"Good evening, Lady Astoria."

"Lord Pelton, you look well tonight."

She smiled — not too broadly, but with enough sincerity to be disarming.

Whispers followed her as she moved through the crowd, but for the first time, they were filled with admiration rather than disdain.

"She’s changed."

"How graceful she is now..."

"Truly a noble lady befitting the Valkrian name."

Among the crowd, she soon found familiar faces: Lady Countess Estrella, Lady Mabel, and Lady Rachel — the friends she had so carefully begun to gather around her. They welcomed her with bright smiles, and for a while, they chatted comfortably about the banquet, the emperor’s upcoming speech, and the latest court rumors.

But Selena’s sharp eyes were always scanning the room — searching.

And then she spotted her:

Lady Miya.

The girl stood alone near the grand staircase, her golden hair softly catching the light. Her posture was perfect, her smile demure — yet it was clear she was isolated, no one daring to approach her.

Selena’s opportunity had arrived.

"Excuse me," Selena said politely to her friends, who nodded understandingly.

She glided across the floor toward Miya, her heart steady, her expression composed. As she approached, Lady Miya noticed and immediately performed a flawless bow — an acknowledgment of Selena’s higher status.

But Selena gently reached out, her voice filled with easy warmth.

"Oh, Lady Miya, please — there’s no need for such formalities between us," she said with a kind smile. "Let’s think of each other as friends, shall we?"

Miya’s blue eyes widened slightly in surprise, and her hands fidgeted delicately at her sides.

"I saw you standing alone," Selena continued, her tone soft and genuine. "I felt it would be a shame for someone like you to be without companions tonight. If you would like, I’d be honored to have you join our circle of friends."

Miya’s eyes lowered shyly. "I don’t deserve such kindness..." she murmured, clearly overwhelmed.

Selena placed a gentle hand on her arm and shook her head.

"I consider you a friend already," Selena said warmly. "Please don’t worry about status or standing. In my eyes, character matters far more."

Miya blinked, and then — slowly — a bright, sincere smile blossomed across her face.

"Truly? Thank you... Thank you so much, Lady Selena," she said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.

Selena smiled wider, her heart pounding with quiet satisfaction.

Taking Miya’s hand lightly, Selena led her back to the group and introduced her to Lady Estrella, Lady Mabel, and Lady Rachel, all of whom welcomed Miya with open arms and cheerful conversation.

Across the ballroom, many pairs of eyes watched the scene with astonishment.

"Lady Selena... she’s changed so much."

"She’s truly kind now."

"Perhaps we’ve misunderstood her all along..."

The whispers grew, and Selena heard them.

She tucked them away in her heart as precious victories.

With a new friend beside her, the admiration of the court around her, and a clear plan already in motion, Selena Valkrian smiled gracefully — a queen in the making.

And tonight was only the beginning.