Cannon Fodder To Villainess

Volume 1🏮1. Born to be Cannon Fodder

Amber gazed at Cray squirming on the ground, a twisted grin spreading across her face as she planted her foot firmly on her chest. "In every single life, you're destined to be my demise! Even if I have nothing to do with you, you will still pursue me. Why should I remain still? This is the last shred of mercy you'll get from me," Amber declared, brandishing her colossal scissors with a flourish.

Cray's eyes widened in horror. "What will you do? What will you do to me?"

 With a wild glint in her eye, Amber bent low, scissors poised ominously over Cray's throat, and Cray let out a blood-curdling scream that echoed through the air.

Two months earlier...

Amber jolted awake, her scream echoing in the stillness of the room. 

 Heart racing, she shot up in bed, gasping for breath as her hands frantically searched her body for injuries. The hit and run still lingered in her mind. Earlier that evening, she had been reveling in her medical school graduation, the celebration taking a wild turn as she indulged in drinks. The alcohol hit her hard, a stark reminder of her inexperience with it. Realizing she was in no condition to drive, she opted to walk the short distance home instead.

The memory of that stunning night flooded her mind, with stars sparkling overhead and the cool breeze making her feel invincible. It was a moment suspended in time, until the shocking sight of a sleek black convertible barreling through the red light jolted her back to reality as she stepped onto the street. Before she could fully comprehend the danger, the impact struck, sending her soaring through the air.

She initially felt no pain, only a profound numbness and weakness enveloping her. The only part of her that seemed to respond were her violet eyes, which remained alert. As her life seeped out onto the pavement, she heard the car that had caused her devastation speed away into the distance. Her medical training kicked in, detailing the injuries she sustained while her blood painted the road. Her dark brown hair, white dress, and black graduation robe sprawled around her in a hauntingly beautiful chaos. 

There was no one around, no one to come to her aid. A deep sense of solitude washed over her as she realized she was facing death alone, filled with a torrent of regrets. Every achievement had been a bid for her family's approval and affection, leaving her own desires unfulfilled. She had never even experienced her first kiss. Friends had drifted away, leaving her feeling too serious, too driven, and ultimately too dull. She had graduated with honors, yet the moment felt hollow. If only she could relive her life, to find someone who truly cared. As her eyes fluttered shut in acceptance, she glimpsed a soft, rose-tinted light.

Amber's heart raced in her chest as she clutched the bedcovers tightly in her hands. Her gaze darted around the dusty bedroom, which resembled a forgotten c-drama film set. Gradually, her heartbeat steadied, and she relaxed her grip on the bedding. 

She settled onto a large wooden bed positioned against the wall, where tattered gray curtains hung. Curiosity got the better of her, and as she peeked outside, a cloud of dust erupted from the curtains, causing her to cough. In her haste to get out of bed, she tripped over the curtain, sending her crashing face-first onto the floor.

She let out a small, pitiful squeak and rubbed her tiny nose as she got to her feet. Confused, she patted her face and hurried over to an antique vanity across the room. Peering into the brushed metal mirror, she was met with the sight of her own large purple eyes wide with disbelief. Her complexion was as pale as the moon, and her long, straight silver hair cascaded down to her feet. Amber had an adorable little nose and beautifully shaped lips, but her beauty was overshadowed by a dreadful red rash that marred half of her face. 

Just then, a squeak drew her attention. She turned to see a short, curvy blonde girl in a simple long gray wrap dress and basic sandals. The girl barged in with such force that it seemed she might break the door, strutting in as if she owned the place.

"I brought your breakfast, Lady Arabella," she sneered, shoving a silver tray loaded with food in front of her. Then, without a second thought, she tipped the tray, sending everything crashing to the filthy floor." Seriously? Why didn't you just take the tray? You're such a klutz." Amber's maid smirked. "Do try to be less of a disgrace to stop bringing dishonor to your family. Enjoy your morning, but don't even think about bothering me for the rest of the day. I've got a date with your fiancé, and he's promised to spoil me." With that, she tossed the tray across the room and strutted out, not even glancing back at Amber.

Amber gazed in disbelief at the nearly shattered sliding door, her expression a mix of shock and confusion. It wasn't just the behavior of her impolite maid that left her reeling; it was the mention of Lady Arabella that triggered a cascade of realizations, particularly the memory of the furious rash that marred her face. As bewildering as it was, she had somehow found herself in the shoes of a minor character from a novel she had once read. Her thoughts raced, attempting to convince her that this was merely a figment of her imagination. Yet, deep down, she recognized the undeniable truth: this was no dream.  The vividness of her surroundings—the vibrant colors, the musty air, the dust particles dancing in a sunbeam, the distant chirping of birds, and the soft murmur of voices from an unseen room—made it clear that this reality was as tangible as anything she had ever known. She had to accept that this was her new existence, and she needed to embrace it. 

 She had awakened as Lady Arabella Amber Frost, the firstborn of Baron and Baroness Frost. A minor character destined for an early demise in the story 'Duchess Dash', she had never held much significance in the plot, serving primarily as a plot device for the main character. The only reason Amber remembered her was due to the shared name—Arabella's middle name was Amber. In the tale, Lady Arabella was the eldest daughter of a struggling Baron residing on the fringes of the kingdom.

In 'Duchess Dash,' Baron Montgomery Frost was seldom seen at home, consumed by his vices of gambling and infidelity. His wife, Celine Frost, struggled with alcoholism, neglecting their two children while yearning for the affection of her indifferent husband. Their youngest child, Ethan Frost, met a tragic fate when he was discovered drowned in a well at just six years old. It was evident that foul play was involved, as he could not have accessed the deep well alone, yet no investigation ever took place. 

The story's protagonist, Cray Silver, was the youngest daughter of a renowned medical family within the empire. She embarked on her medical training at a young age and quickly gained recognition as a prodigy. Her talents caught the attention of Duke Dreyfus, the Emperor's Nephew, leading to an arranged marriage after he captured a dragon for the First Prince. Their union seemed destined for happiness. 

Tragically, Arabella, a close ally of Cray, faced execution by beheading for crimes she did not commit, all to protect Cray. Cray had promised to rescue Arabella and heal her facial scars, but in her haste to escape the Duke's unwanted advances, she forgot her vow. 

Arabella was ultimately captured, tortured, and condemned to death by the Ice Emperor. Amber gasped, her hands covering her mouth as her knees buckled beneath her. She had found herself transported into the pages of a book she once read, now living as a mere cannon fodder side character.