To be the Villainess

O45.

Chapter 45

══ ◈ ══

arthemice

I LET OUT a pained groan as I crashed onto the cold marble floor, landing hard on my backside. A sharp sting shot up my spine, but I quickly shook it off, my eyes darting around to take in my unfamiliar surroundings. Where the hell am I? Panic clawed at my chest as I pressed a trembling hand to my throbbing head. The room spun in dizzying circles, the remnants of poison still coursing through my veins, sapping my strength with every agonizing heartbeat. Damn it! The poison hasn’t left my system yet!

A wave of dread washed over me. Sebastian! My heart skipped a beat as I remembered him. Is he still poisoned too?! What if he’s dying right now while I’m stuck here? The thought sent me spiraling into panic. I needed to get back to him—but how?

My frantic thoughts were interrupted when the door to what seemed like a balcony creaked open. I scrambled to my feet, only to freeze as a striking figure stepped into the room. She was a stunning woman with mesmerizing emerald eyes that sparkled even in the dim light, her chestnut-brown hair cascading down her shoulders like silk. Her gaze was sharp, almost piercing, as she narrowed her eyes at me.

“Who are you?” I croaked, my voice barely a whisper, hoarse and strained from the lingering effects of the poison.

She raised a perfectly arched brow, crossing her arms as she studied me from head to toe with a calculating look. “I should be the one asking you that,”she replied coolly, her voice dripping with authority. “You’re in my quarters,” she added, eyes flicking over my disheveled appearance. “Are you one of the guests from the banquet?”

I shook my head, my movements frantic and desperate. The thought of Sebastian dying alone somewhere sent a chill down my spine. “No, no, no.” I need to get back there—now! My heart pounded in my chest as I realized I couldn’t summon Seraphim, my magic still weakened.

Without another word, I shoved past her, my legs unsteady but fueled by sheer panic. I wanted to apologize properly, to explain that I didn’t mean to intrude, but I didn’t have the luxury of time. Sebastian could be on the brink of death!

I bolted down the corridor, my bare feet slapping against the polished floors. Damn it, this place is massive! It was like navigating a labyrinth, every hallway as grand and imposing as the next, resembling the Imperial Palace back in our kingdom. How am I supposed to find the exit in this maze?!

Behind me, I heard the rapid clatter of footsteps—guards, no doubt alerted to my presence. I veered to the right, hoping to lose them in the twists and turns of this unfamiliar palace, but my luck ran out. I skidded around a corner, only to crash into a squad of knights, their gleaming armor reflecting the dim light of the sconces.

Before I could react, they drew their swords with a deadly swiftness, the cold steel pressed threateningly against my throat. My breath hitched, eyes wide with terror. How pathetic... I cursed myself silently.

I swallowed hard, my mind racing for a way out as the knights’ stern faces loomed over me. The poison in my veins made my limbs heavy, my vision hazy, but I couldn’t afford to give up—not when Sebastian’s life was on the line.

“Stop!” A sharp voice cut through the tense air. I turned to see the same girl I had encountered earlier. Her presence commanded immediate attention, and as she approached with a deliberate, confident stride, the knights lowered their weapons.

“She is harmless, let her go,”she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument. The knights hesitated for only a moment before stepping back, obeying her command without question. Wait... My mind raced. Could she hold a high position here in the palace?!