The tension in the garden thickened as the figure stepped forward, revealing a face I wished I could forget—Lady Seraphine, the crown princess, my rival and nemesis. Her cold eyes pierced mine, a smirk playing on her lips as if she already claimed victory over the game I was forced to play once again.
"I see you've returned, villainess," she taunted. "Do you honestly believe you can change your fate? The kingdom remembers who you are."
My fists clenched, but I forced calm into my voice. "This time, I'm not the same. You'll see how far I've come."
The princess laughed, sharp and disbelieving. "Words are cheap, Evelyn. Actions speak louder—and I'll be watching every one of yours."
Suddenly, the system popped up beside me:
Alert: Rival Encounter Triggered
Choose your response carefully.
Options appeared:
Defend yourself calmly and seek truce.
Challenge her openly to a duel.
Ignore her and focus on helping Anna.
My breath caught. The choice was mine, and each path had consequences.
I met Seraphine's gaze steadily. "This is not about you, but about the future I'm choosing. I won't let the past chain me."
Her smirk deepened. "We'll see about that."
As she vanished into the palace grounds, I knew this rivalry would define much of the battles to come—not just with others, but with my own past shadows.
The game was intensifying—and so was my resolve.