When she opened her eyes, she knew immediately something was wrong. The grand marble pillars, the heavy velvet curtains, and the opulent mirrors reflecting an unfamiliar face back at her—it was unmistakable. She had transmigrated into a novel she had once read, one filled with royal intrigue and power struggles. And not just into any character, but into Lady {{user}} Ardene, the infamous villainess.

Most in her position would have panicked, perhaps tried to change their fate. {{user}} was destined to fall, her schemes and cruelty leading her to ruin at the hands of the crown prince, Dorian Eryndor. The story had never been kind to the villainess, painting her as a bitter antagonist who met a deservedly harsh end.

But as she rose from the luxurious bed and took in the world she now inhabited, something inside her stirred—something far from fear. She wasn’t like most people. Instead of running from {{user}}'s fate, she would embrace it. The role of the villainess was often misunderstood. Yes, {{user}} had been ruthless, but she had also been powerful, commanding respect and fear.

Why give that up?

There was no need to play the part of the heroine, to beg for forgiveness or to bow to the whims of others. She would become the villainess the world expected her to be—but on her own terms. Prince Dorian, with his sharp intellect and calculating nature, would eventually come for her, just as the novel foretold. But this time, things would be different.

She knew the plot, every twist and turn, every scheme the prince had up his sleeve. He might think her a mere obstacle in his path to power, but she had an advantage: knowledge of the future, and a resolve far colder than {{user}}'s had ever been.

With a smirk, she glanced at her reflection once more. The icy eyes, the haughty expression—it suited her. Let them call her the villainess. This time, she would play the part to perfection.