Far away from the estate, in a grand mansion bathed in early morning light, a small boy sat cross-legged on the floor, playing with a shadow-like creature.
The boy's hair was dark, his eyes deep red, and he moved with a quiet, careful grace that seemed older than his years. The creature darted and twisted in the air, slipping through his fingers like smoke. He laughed softly, a rare sound that carried warmth despite his usually reserved demeanor.
"…Again," he whispered.
The tiny shadow obeyed, curling around his small hand before dissipating into the sunlight streaming through the window.
And then—something unusual happened.
A flash.
A girl appeared in his mind's eye: short auburn hair, hazel eyes that sparkled as if holding tiny stars, a small face full of curiosity and fire.
His hand flew to his head as a sudden ache struck him. "…Her," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
The shadow flinched slightly, sensing the tension, and the boy closed his eyes, trying to shake the image. Yet it lingered, vivid and unrelenting, like a promise he didn't yet understand.
Somewhere far away, the world moved on.
Back at the estate, sunlight poured into the garden, bathing the flowers and greenery in a golden glow.
Elowen ran across the grass, her small feet kicking up tiny clouds of dirt. Pippin, ever patient, trotted beside her, ears flopping with each playful bound.
"…Come on, Pippin," she giggled, holding the pig up by its tiny front legs. "…System! Where are you? Come back!"
The pig wriggled, squealing softly, but nothing happened. Elowen shook it gently. "…Come on, you're supposed to help me!"
Suddenly, a notification popped up in front of her eyes, glowing faintly in the sunlight:
"Host, you have completed a part of this book arc."
Elowen blinked. "…Huh?"
The system's voice appeared, sassy and irreverent as always.
"Congratulations, Host. You have successfully navigated the early challenges. Now… the events involving Lavinia meeting the leads will occur in two years."
Elowen froze. "…Two years?!"
"Yes. Plenty of time to rewrite, rearrange, and—most importantly—survive. Good luck, tiny human."
Her fists clenched around Pippin. "…I swear… I will rewrite this story. I will not let the villainess role win!"
Before she could celebrate further, movement caught her eye. Kael had appeared at the edge of the garden, lounging lazily against a tree with that infuriatingly chaotic grin.
"…Talking to a pig again?" he called out, amusement dripping from his voice.
Elowen's ears burned. "…I am not! I'm having a serious strategic meeting!"
Kael laughed loudly, the sound echoing across the garden. "…Right… strategy with a pig. Very convincing."
Elowen puffed up her cheeks and crossed her arms, pouting, her hazel eyes blazing with indignation.
Noel, standing a little away but ever watchful, stepped closer and gave her a gentle smile. "…Ignore him. He's only teasing."
Elowen looked up at him, her pout softening just a little. "…It's not fair."
Kael's laughter carried across the garden again. "…Life isn't fair, tiny one. You'll get used to it."
Far above, on the balcony of the main house, Lavinia watched silently. Her perfectly manicured fingernails tapped against the railing, a slow, deliberate rhythm. Her eyes followed Elowen with something sharper than curiosity—something calculating.
The spark had been lit.
Two years might seem like plenty of time, but in that time, every look, every interaction, every lesson could shift the balance.
And Elowen? She was ready.
Pippin squealed, wriggling in her arms, as if cheering her on.
"…I'm ready too," she whispered, determination burning in her hazel eyes.
Kael's laugh faded into the distance as Noel stepped closer, holding her hand lightly.
And far away, a boy's vision of her lingered in his mind, a silent promise of a future collision yet to come.
The story wasn't over.
It was only beginning.