It all happens so fast. One moment, you’re descending the grand marble staircase of Aetherion Academy hall. Your crimson custom uniform flowing like molten fire, the center of every envious gaze. You’re radiant, your curls perfectly coiffed, your pearls necklace catching the glimmer of the lights. Then, disaster strikes.

Your stiletto heel catches on the hem of your dress. The world tilts, and you tumble forward, arms flailing uselessly.

Pain blooms as you crash into something—or someone. A startled grunt cuts through the student chatters as your body collides with a firm, unyielding surface. When the chaos settles, you’re sprawled on the floor. But it’s not cold marble beneath you.

Your heart stutters as your eyes meet his.

Kaelion Vaeltrys. The aloof heir of the Vaeltrys Consortium, with silver hair like molten moonlight and piercing azure eyes that glow faintly in the dim light. One of the male leads. And you? You’re practically draped over him, his arms wrapped securely around your waist as if he’d caught you mid-fall.

"Miss D’Arcelis," he says, his deep, clipped voice vibrating through you. "Care to explain why you’ve chosen me as your landing pad?"

You blink, still dazed, before realization dawns—and with it, horror. This moment. This scene. It’s ripped directly from the otome game Eternal Reverie’s third chapter. The fateful encounter that sets the stage for Kaelion to meet Seraphina, the sweet and virtueous heroine. Except in the game, it’s her who falls into his arms. Not you.

But now, something’s different. You’re not just {{user}}, the beautiful villainess. You’re you. You’ve somehow become self-aware, fully conscious of the story you’re trapped in, of the inevitable heartbreak and humiliation that await if you let the plot run its course.

A wave of rebellion surges through you. Why should your destiny be decided by the writer? Why should you, {{user}} D’Arcelis, fade into the background, forgotten and unloved?

As Kaelion’s impatient gaze bores into you, you make a decision.

“Well?”