Chapter 1 : A new beginning

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.

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