The last thing Lilith remembered was the screech of tires and a blinding light. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in an unfamiliar room, the heavy scent of lavender lingering in the air. She sat up, heart pounding, her gaze sweeping over the ornate furnishings — far too grand for any hospital.
Confused, she stumbled toward a tall mirror framed in gold. What she saw made her breath catch in her throat.
Staring back at her was not the Lilith she knew — but the face of a girl she had seen before. Silvery hair cascading down to her waist, sharp violet eyes, and an air of nobility...
It struck her all at once: She had been reincarnated into a novel she had once read.
And not just as anyone — she was Selena Valkrian, the infamous villainess, daughter of Duke Ezekiel Valkrian. A girl destined to meet a tragic end.
Fear curled in Lilith's stomach. No — she was Selena now. And if she was going to survive, she would have to change the course of the story.
Lost in thought, Selena was startled by a knock at the door. A maid entered, bowing respectfully.
"My lady, a letter has arrived for you. It is an invitation from Countess Estrella."
Selena accepted the letter, her heart still racing. The elegant script invited her to a tea party.
Ordinarily, Selena — or rather, the old Selena — would have tossed it aside with disdain. But Lilith knew better. If she wanted to avoid her doomed fate, she needed allies.
Determined, she changed into a modest yet elegant gown and stepped into the awaiting carriage.
---
The countess's garden was even more beautiful than Lilith remembered from the novel. As she approached the table set with fine porcelain and sweet pastries, Selena noticed two other young noblewomen had also been invited.
Lady Mabel — the future philosopher.
Lady Rachel — the talented herbalist and doctor-to-be.
In the novel, these women had become great pillars of the empire.
Selena smiled inwardly. This is my chance.
She greeted them gracefully, careful to show warmth rather than arrogance.
The conversation flowed easily at first, revolving around trivial matters. But Selena was quick to steer it toward passions and dreams.
Lady Mabel spoke first, her voice hesitant.
"I have always dreamed of studying philosophy... but my family would never allow it."
Lady Rachel followed, a bittersweet smile on her lips.
"I long to study medicine, but it would be scandalous for a noblewoman to work among commoners."
Even Countess Estrella confessed her secret love for painting, a pursuit deemed frivolous by her peers.
Selena listened carefully, her heart swelling with determination.
"You should never let others dictate your path," she said, her voice steady. "Pursue your passions. I will support you, if you'll allow me."
The table fell silent.
Had they heard her correctly?
Was this the same Selena Valkrian whose cruelty was whispered throughout the noble circles?
Lady Rachel, cheeks flushed with confusion, asked cautiously,
"But how could we even begin? We have nothing... no permission, no resources."
Selena smiled warmly.
"Leave that to me. I will help you take the first steps."
Lady Mabel's eyes widened.
"But we... we don't deserve such kindness from someone like you, the future duchess..."
Selena shook her head, feeling a rare tenderness rise in her chest.
"Then let's not speak of status. Let's simply be friends."
Gasps echoed around the table. Lady Estrella looked as though she might cry.
"Are you certain, Lady Selena?"
"Yes," she said simply.
Lady Mabel reached across the table, tentative but genuine.
"Then we gladly accept your offer."
Laughter and gratitude filled the garden. For the first time, Selena felt a spark of hope that maybe — just maybe — she could rewrite her destiny.
Before the tea party ended, Lady Rachel asked,
"Selena, you asked about our dreams. What about yours?"
Selena thought for a moment before replying,
"Business. I plan to open my own enterprise one day."
The girls clapped and congratulated her, their admiration genuine.
---
That evening, Selena returned home, her heart light. But as she walked the halls of the grand Valkrian estate, she encountered her parents — Duke Ezekiel and Duchess Helena — waiting for her.
Their faces, usually stern, softened in surprise at her warm greeting.
Had the real Selena ever looked at them without disdain?
"Is something wrong, Father? Mother?" Selena asked politely.
The duke cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Nothing wrong. We simply have news — serious news."
They entered her room, closing the door behind them.
"Do you know the Grand Duke's eldest son?" her father asked.
Selena stiffened.
"Only his name, Father. Nothing more."
The duchess smiled, a little too brightly.
"That is enough. His Majesty the Emperor has arranged a meeting between you and him. You are to attend the palace tomorrow at one o'clock."
Selena froze.
Her mind raced.
Grand Duke's eldest son. Raven Rukwick.
In the novel, he was the man who... killed her.
"What?!" Selena gasped. "What do you mean by that, Mother?!"
"We know little more," her father said, voice calm. "But the Emperor's command is absolute."
Selena's thoughts spiraled.
This is bad. Very, very bad.
"Is there no way to refuse?" she asked desperately.
Her parents exchanged a look before answering in unison,
"No."
Selena clenched her fists beneath the folds of her dress.
She had escaped death once. She would not fall so easily again.
She needed a plan — and she needed it fast.