The sound of the cars crashing into each other was deafening. The broken glass shards were everywhere and I could barely feel a thing. My eyelids were getting heavier and my breath was raspier. There was blood everywhere.The faint sound of voices surrounded me. People murmuring but none helped me like I was a lost cause.Maybe I was.I… want to live. I muttered those words with desperation. I wanted to live. I had so much to live for. I was only 24 years old. My novel just got published and my hard work had only started to pay off. I just started living my life. So why?Why am I dying already?I reached out the book from my bag. I was on my way home but I decided to stop by the local bookstore to buy my book. I heard it was trending so I wanted to check it out, then, before I knew it, I got caught in a car crash.I’m dying. I was really dying. Fate was too cruel, it's so unfair.Then it was nothing. The darkness surrounded me and I was certain I drew my last breath. But just then, so
Wait, I have to sort things out! If I know who I am and I know how the story will go, I can save myself and live out my remaining years! I can't just give up. I am not that type of girl! Right. I just have to stay alive. It’s not an impossible task, right? I mean, I literally wrote this book! I wrote this fictional world that I live in. So what if I reincarnated into a side character who’s meant to die on the first five chapters at her 18th birthday? I can do this. Right? Suddenly, a familiar figure bumps into me causing me to fall on the ground. I protested, “Hey! How could you just bump into someone—“ But as I looked up, I saw him. The signature platinum blonde hair, perfect blue eyes, and very princely stance. It was the male protagonist— My thoughts were cut off as one of his knights drew his sword and pointed it at my neck. I felt a sharp sting as the blade is slowly piercing through my skin. The knight with brown hair looked at me, disgusted, and said, “How dare you come ne
I quickly headed to my room and dressed appropriately for the ball. I wore a delicate turquoise dress with see through puff sleeves that suited my red hair perfectly. My hair is tied up by Charlotte in braids.“Lovely.” Charlotte smiled and said, “I can’t believe you’re turning 18 soon.”Right, that would also mean I’m nearing death so I was not as excited as I should be. I shook my head and reminded myself that I could change my fate. I have to. No matter what, I will take back my fate and continue to live. Be it as the cursed princess, I will still continue to live.I glanced at my graceful appearance at the mirror with my unsightly red hair and green eyes, then averted my gaze at Charlotte, as much as I try to be hopeful, if all fails, this might as well be the last time I get to smile and laugh with Charlotte, so I said, “Charlotte, you have been my only friend and that, I am forever thankful.”“I am more grateful, my lady, if it wasn’t for you, I would have been beheaded a long t
I felt the pain all at once. Erin’s pain and my own. I could feel my head spinning and my heart throbbing painfully. Why is it that fate was always cruel to me? I tried to be strong. I tried so hard! So why do I always have to keep suffering?Even in my original life as the author of this whole world, I felt the world against me and just when things were starting to look up for me, I died so suddenly. Now, even in this world, I reincarnated to still be in pain!I stood up and pushed them all away. I grabbed the sword from one of the knights and pointed it at them. I finally broke down and cried out, “Why? Why should I just die so helplessly? Why can’t I live? What’s so wrong with wanting to live?”“You’re a cursed child.” Eunice snickered, “As long as you live, we are bound to misfortune when the blood moon comes. You are destined to die, sister. Accept it.”The blood from my mouth drips to the ground and I saw my red hair cut so horribly. Tears fell down my cheeks but I scoffed, “Wel
Each morning since that chaotic night, I woke up with one thought in my mind: I was still stuck in this world. I came to the conclusion that all of this wasn't a dream and that this was, indeed, my life now. Everything was as is. I still had the same green eyes and red hair. I still have these memories of the book and the plot and my death in my original life but they are slowly fading away each day. I tried to write them down but almost too magically, it just disappears the next day. Plus, now, there was only three more days until my birthday and well, my death. I have to search of other ways to make Cadmus and Luna meet before then. Time, for me, was literally running out. Just as I got ready and was about to leave, I opened the door and saw Cadmus standing outside as if he was about to knock. Cadmus looked regal as his blue eyes stares directly into mine. There is a pause then he cleared his throat before saying, "Good morning Lady Erin, unsightly as ever," he cleared his thro
So with that, I immediately left the palace and headed downtown with my plain dress and shoal to blend in among the people and hide my standout red hair. I searched everywhere for Luna's flower shop and after a while, I saw it. I saw her gently tending her flowers. Her delicate cream dress fits her perfectly. That pastel pink hair and aqua blue eyes definitely stands out in a good way. In a way that mine doesn't. Our eyes met and she smiled at me, "Are you searching for flowers, my Lady?" I cleared my throat. I was completely flustered, "I, uh, was wondering if you could recommend me some?" "Sure! I'd love to." Luna smiled as she asked, "For what occassion are the flowers for?" "Just... a love interest perhaps." "Is it a one-sided love?" I flinched as I heard that. I immediately denied, "No, I, uh, I... It's not for me." "Oh, I see." "Just..." I looked around the flower shop and one stood out the most for me because for some reason, it reminded me of him. It reminded me of Cad
"Why? What is it? Lady Erin?" Tristan reached out his hand to me but I still felt scared. That vision definitely meant something. It felt all too real. He continued, "Lady Erin?"But I was frozen on the ground. I wanted to just vanish. The thought of dying in their hands sickened me. Those cold stares. I couldn't believe it. How could someone as gentle as Tristan stare at me like that? It was... impossible but then again, was it really?I heard Cadmus' voice among the crowd. It was faint and soft, almost hesitant. There was a hint of worry in those eyes. He muttered, "Erin?" He found his way back to us along with the flower I gave him.That was the second time he uttered my name. Such sorrow and gentleness with hint of deep regret. He really does remind me of a hyacinth indeed.Then again, Erin Lockheart died in the novel, perhaps, she was still meant to die and I still haven't changed anything yet? With my unclear mind, I ran away from Tristan. I took advantage of my small and petite
Erin Lockheart's POV For a while, I felt so lost that I thought I had to choose between this life but abandoning everything else or staying but eventually dying that I forgot that it was within my power to change my fate. Having only two options was an illusion, it's not always choosing one and losing the other. I'm a writer so I believe I could write my own fate. Be it a miracle or heaven, I got a second chance at life and I wouldn't waste it on running away. I don't plan on dying either so I will see this through. I wouldn't lie. I wanted to run away. It seems like the easy way out. There would be no complications and I could start a new life instead. Somewhere far away from my death but I realized I've grown fond of them. I've spent time with the people around me and they weren't just important to me because I have Erin's memories, if anything, Erin's memories were all happy memories, it was odd until I realized that most of those memories weren't real. The character, Erin, fak
Legends have it that the cursed princess, Erin Lockheart-Griffin, stayed in Greymane for the rest of her life. Her powers lied dormant after Kai Griffin's death. Throughout her long life of 80 years, she never remarried nor had children, dedicating herself to preserving Kai's memory and tending to the graves of Luna and Cadmus.Rumors whispered of Erin's occasional journeys to Luna and Cadmus' resting places, where she paid homage and sought solace. Some spoke of her using her latent fire magic to hunt down evil werewolves, serving as a silent protector and vigilante in the shadows. However, records of these deeds mysteriously burned, leaving behind only fragmented tales and speculation.The legacy of the Lockheart family endured through Erin's sister and Zenn Griffin. Under their rule, the realm enjoyed a millennium of peace, and over time, the once-feared race of werewolves faded into obscurity, eventually vanishing from existence.In the present day, the kingdoms of Lunaria and Rae
Erin Lockheart's POVAfter barely three years living in Greymane, Kai died. It was sudden and the townspeople, including the imperial doctors that Zenn sent us, could not possibly identify the cause of his death. Kai died on the front porch of our house, as if he knew his time was coming.He had cooked me breakfast, with coffee on the table and left tulips on the bedside with a note that said, "I love you, Erin, you found me in this world, so now I shall find you in every world I go to."He looked so peaceful, leaving me. He was smiling, even in his death. The once-comforting silence now weighed heavily on my heart, devoid of the familiar sounds that had filled our home with warmth and love. It is too quiet now. I could no longer hear his footsteps softly treading across the floor in the early morning hours as he tried to surprise me with flowers or breakfast.I could no longer hear his laughter or the gentle cadence of his voice saying my name with affection.I could no longer hear
Erin Lockheart's POVA few months have passed and now, spring. Right after Zenn's coronation and the formalization of his rule, Kai and I began packing our bags in preparation for our departure. Our destination was Greymane, Kai's mother's hometown—a quaint, mountainous village with a population of just fifty.Kai had been devotedly caring for the place since his mother's passing, and he had long harbored a dream of retiring there and now, he won't be alone there.Zenn bid us farewell with a warm smile. "I will visit sometime soon.""Maybe not too soon," Kai teased, a smirk playing on his lips. "I won't miss your constant presence, always dragging me away from Erin."Zenn chuckled in response. "Erin, I think you'll love it there. Especially during this time of the year.""I'm sure I will," I replied, returning his smile. "Take care of my sister for me. Won't you?"Zenn proudly displayed his wedding band and chuckled. "With my life."I bid farewell to my family. Despite lingering tensi
Kai Griffin's POVUpon the Lockhearts' arrival, I sat upon my throne with Erin at my side. Their eyes deliberately avoided Erin's except for her father's, whose gaze bore straight into mine, pointedly ignoring Erin's presence. Erin's father was as cold as rumors painted him to be—a man of aristocratic cruelty, even among the high-born Lockhearts, some native to Lunaria and others descended from foreign royal bloodlines to try and claim throne for Lunaria Kingdom."They know little of Lunaria," I muttered under my breath.Straightening in my seat, I addressed them coolly, "Welcome to Raewavell. I am eager to hear your petitions to claim rulership over the Kingdom of Lunaria. The people of Lunaria are here as witnesses—they will be the ones you lead.""I hail from House Moonstone, esteemed as the firstborn son and the foremost warrior of our kingdom. The lineage of Moonstone intertwines deeply with the history of Lunaria, spanning generations of steadfast loyalty and valor in our realm'
Kai Griffin's POV"What was so important that you needed me in the council anyway?" I asked Zenn, my impatience evident in my tone."Sit down, Kai," he said, gesturing to the plush chair opposite him. "There's something you need to hear."I complied, settling into the chair with a mixture of curiosity and a touch of unease. Zenn didn't summon me without reason, and his cryptic messages often heralded significant developments—either within our kingdom or beyond its fortified walls."There have been sightings." one of my council members started, "of Lhan and the others trying to claim Lunaria. As you are well aware, Cadmus is dead, there is no one next in line and Lunaria stands there, empty and theirs for the taking.""Lunaria is Erin's hometown. I can't carelessly pick a ruler for Lunaria." "But the small folk there have gone restless. It's been a month that no one's running Lunaria. The people there are clueless." They urged, "You have to choose which lord will sit on Cadmus' throne
Kai Griffin's POVAfter hours of dueling with Zenn and Luna's army, carefully avoiding causing them permanent harm, I was exhausted, and nearing my limit. But to my surprise, all of them suddenly stopped and collapsed unconscious. I burdened their pain so when they woke up, they wouldn't be under intense pain.I carried Zenn on my back as I rushed to Erin.I saw Cadmus' garden in flames, and instinctively, I knew that's where Erin would be. I was horrified by the scene before me as I arrived there, as flames engulfed the once serene garden, casting an eerie glow over the devastation. There were hundreds of burned bodies surrounding the garden.I felt a lump in my throat as I searched for Erin. I begged every god I knew that every dead body I saw wasn't hers. Don't let it be Erin.Relief surged through my body as I saw Erin coughing weakly, struggling to move. I hurried to her side and gently lifted her up. "Are you okay?" I asked urgently.Erin managed a warm smile despite her conditi
Erin Lockheart's POVI chuckled bitterly at the irony of it all. Luna's eyes widened in horror as she glanced back, only to meet Cadmus's gaze filled with profound disappointment and seething hatred. Only then was Luna able to realize the death that surrounded her and how, for the longest time, she turned a blind eye to all her wrongdoings because she wanted Cadmus to see her.To actually see her.Cadmus's expression hardened as he stared at Luna, his voice thick with disappointment. "You wanted me to see you, Luna," he said, each word laced with bitterness. "Well, here you are. You lost and you killed everyone."Luna recoiled as the weight of her actions crashed down upon her. The garden lay in ruins, the air heavy with the acrid scent of smoke and the lingering echoes of their battle. The bodies of those she had manipulated and controlled lay scattered around them, silent witnesses to her descent into darkness."I did this for us," Luna whispered hoarsely, her voice trembling with a
Erin Lockheart's POVLuna stood before Cadmus, positioning herself to shield him from the horrific truth a little while longer. Using her blood magic, she manipulated the people of Lunaria—innocent villagers and Cadmus' own men.Forcing them to enter the garden that I had set ablaze, they screamed in agony as they stepped into the flames.I could smell them burning. It was horrible but Luna didn't mind how many lives she had to sacrifice to strike against me. Enraged, I hurled fireballs toward Luna with all my might. However, she callously used the people—servants and soldiers alike—as human shields, deflecting my attacks with their bodies.I can't carelessly attack her because that would only mean killing more innocent people."Stop it!" I screamed, "Look what you've become! Luna, you're killing everyone!""No, Erin, look at what you made me!" Luna screamed back, "This is who I became because of you! You stole everything from me! So if you're right and all Cadmus cares about is this
Kai Griffin's POV"Damn it, these tunnels are a maze even when sober," I muttered to myself, frustration seeping through. Zenn and I had split up to locate Erin swiftly, but every turn seemed to lead to another dead end. I hope Zenn's having better luck than meAfter getting lost numerous times, I finally stumbled upon Cadmus' quarters. Finding him asleep, I seized the opportunity and pointed my sword at him, demanding, "Where's Erin?"Cadmus stirred awake, unsurprised by my sudden intrusion. He calmly responded, "I knew you'd come to rescue Erin sooner or later.""Where is she?" I pressed."Safe in her room," he assured me, "How did you manage to walk past my guards unharmed? Did you kill them all yet?"I scoffed, "I used the tunnels. Getting Erin out of here is my main priority as much as I want to end you here and now."Suddenly, a familiar voice threatened, "She won't be safe for long if you kill Cadmus." I looked around and saw Luna. She looked sick but I know better than anyone