The drawing room glittered with chandeliers and murmurs of aristocratic gossip. I slipped inside, heart pounding beneath the constricting corset, eyes scanning every face.
The Countess, a silver-haired woman with hawk-like eyes, sat beside Lady Seraphina—the heroine herself, radiant and smiling like a sunbeam.
"Lady Evelyne, so glad you could join us," the Countess said, voice smooth as silk but sharp enough to cut.
I bowed, keeping my tone light. "Your invitation honors me."
Seraphina's smile didn't falter, but I caught a flicker of something behind her eyes—curiosity, maybe caution.
The holographic timer blinked again in my mind's eye, reminding me: 29 days left.
As the tea was poured, a new message flashed before me:
"Timeline Instability Alert: Significant deviation detected. Probability of paradox increased."
I clenched my fists. The system was watching—measured, judging every choice.
But how could I play the villain and survive? Or could I rewrite my role entirely?
I decided then: I needed allies.
"Lady Seraphina," I began carefully, "perhaps we could find common ground rather than rivalry?"
Her eyes widened, surprise melting into something softer. "I... I never thought you'd say that."
Around us, whispers softened. The timeline was shifting—one thread pulling away from its destined path, weaving something new.
For the first time, I felt a spark of hope.