Tea had barely settled in my stomach when I realized the real game was just beginning.
Lady Seraphina, once my sworn enemy in the story, was now a potential ally. Her guarded smile told me she was weighing my sincerity—and I had to make every word count.
"I believe we don't have to be enemies," I said quietly, leaning in so only she could hear. "There's more at stake than our rivalry."
Her violet eyes searched mine, flickering with uncertainty. "You surprise me, Evelyne. But... I'm willing to listen."
The Countess watched us like a hawk, her fingers tightening around her teacup. I knew she held her own agendas.
Suddenly, the hologram flared red.
"Timeline Instability Warning: Multiple deviations detected."
I swallowed hard. The world around me seemed to shimmer, like heatwaves on a summer road.
"Looks like we're already bending fate," I muttered.
Seraphina's voice softened. "If we work together, maybe we can fix what's broken."
Allies or enemies—the line was thinner than I'd imagined.
But with every choice, the timeline quivered. I had to tread carefully, or risk everything unraveling.