1. Death or rebirth?

DECEMBER 25TH, JAPAN.

ISABELLA'S FIRST POINT OF VIEW:

The last thing I remember is the blinding lights of a truck heading toward me. A rush of cold air hits my face, and I instinctively recoil my heart racing. As my eyes flutter open, I'm greeted by the dim light filtering through the cracks of a wooden shed. Confused, I push myself up, glancing around at the unfamiliar surroundings. The scent of damp wood and something earthy fills the air. But as I turn my head, my breath catches in my throat. Xavier. I recognize that man from anywhere. His unkempt black hair falls just above his piercing green eyes, strong jawline and defined cheekbones accentuate his face, giving him an air of both danger and appeal. His presence is magnetic, drawing you in while also warning you to keep your distance. He is the main protagonist of a book I almost finished writing 'Damien's dark desire'. Did I just got reborn into my own book? I watched how he left a room without saying another word.

Soon the cold wind bites at my skin as I stumble out of the pack house, the laughter of the pack echoing in my ears. One moment, I was standing in the center of the room, the weight of their stares heavy on my shoulders, and the next, I was being thrown out like yesterday's trash. I stumble deeper into the forest, the trees looming like dark sentinels around me. In less than an hour since appearing in this world I was kicked out.

"Get out of here, villainess! You don't belong with us!" One of them jeers, and the others erupt into laughter.

I clench my fists, trying to swallow the humiliation. 

"I'm not a villainess! I'm just trying to survive!"I shouted.

But my pleas are drowned out by their taunts, their voices ringing like cruel bells. 

"Survive? You've only ever brought chaos, Isabella!"One of pack members said.

"Look at her, villainess, kicked out on Christmas!" Another laughs, and I feel a flush of anger mixed with despair.

"Shut up!" I yell, my voice breaking, but the laughter only intensifies. 

I turn and run into the forest, the chill of the air stinging my cheeks, mixing with the tears I refuse to let fall. The trees close in around me, and I feel the weight of their laughter fading, replaced by the haunting silence of the woods. I thought I was stronger than this, but now I'm just a discarded memory, lost in a world that feels colder than ever. I got reborn as Isabella, the villainess who was only created to be killed by the potagonist. I had no idea that she suffered that much. I will find a way to survive and return back home!

I stumble deeper into the forest, the trees looming like dark sentinels around me. My breath comes out in sharp bursts, and I feel the weight of my situation pressing down on me. I glance down at the few belongings I managed to grab from the pack house a tattered backpack filled with some clothes, a half-eaten granola bar, and a small, worn out journal. As I dig through the bag, hoping to find something more useful, a sudden shimmer of light catches my eye. Startled, I look up and freeze.

"Welcome, Isabella!" A cheerful voice echoes in my mind, startling me further.

It's a bright holographic interface hovering in the air before me, displaying various icons and options.

"You have awakened the System!" System says.

"What the hell is this?" I mutter, shaking my head in disbelief. I try to push the glowing screen away, but it remains stubbornly in place, pulsing with information.

"Your mission is to survive and navigate this world. Follow the objectives, and you will gain power!" It chirps, completely oblivious to my rising frustration."Find shelter before nightfall."

"Find shelter? I don't need a system to tell me that!" I snap, my voice laced with anger.

"Engaging survival protocol."System says.

I grit my teeth, trying to focus on my surroundings instead. I can't let this ridiculous system distract me.

"I'll show them! I don't need any of this!" I mutter under my breath, feeling the fire of determination sparking within me.

"Remember, survival is key!"System says.

"Yeah, yeah." I grumble, pushing through the underbrush. The last thing I need is more reminders of how low I've fallen.

After wandering through the dense forest, I finally spot a small cave tucked away behind a thicket of bushes. I step inside, and the cool, dark air wraps around me like a comforting blanket. As I examine the cave, I can't help but feel a strange sense of safety here, far removed from the laughter and disdain of the pack. I take a deep breath, allowing myself a moment of peace. But just as I begin to settle, the familiar shimmer of light reappears in front of me.

"Congratulations, Isabella! You have discovered shelter!" The system chimes brightly, as if it's celebrating a grand achievement.

"Great, now what?" I mutter, rolling my eyes.

"Reward: One bowl of hot soup."System says.

Before I can even process the statement, a steaming bowl materializes in front of me, the rich aroma filling the cave. My stomach growls at the sight. It's been days since I've had a proper meal, and the thought of nourishing myself makes my mouth water.

"Consume to restore health."System explains.

I can't help but feel a spark of gratitude.

"Okay, maybe you're not completely useless." I say under my breath as I scoop the soup into my hands and savor the warm, comforting flavors.

Each sip revitalizes me, the warmth spreading through my body, chasing away the chill that's settled in my bones. The day pass, and I start to feel a bit better. The soup has worked wonders, and I've even managed to gather a few more supplies from the forest. I'm not quite back to my old self, but I can at least think more clearly. However, as I sit in the cave, a sense of unease creeps over me. I can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched.

"Is anyone there?' I call out, my voice echoing off the walls.

Silence. Only the rustle of leaves outside and the soft drip of water from the cave's ceiling. But the feeling lingers, gnawing at my thoughts. I shake my head, trying to dismiss it.

"You're just being paranoid." I tell myself. But I can't ignore the prickling sensation at the back of my mind, the instinct telling me I'm not alone.

As night begins to fall, I find myself on edge, peering out into the darkening forest. Shadows dance in the flickering light of my small fire, and I grip my makeshift weapon a sturdy branch tighter.

"Just the forest." I whisper, though my heart pounds in my chest. I can't afford to let my guard down, not now. I may have found some peace, but the dangers of this world are far from over.

Exhaustion washes over me like a tide as I lean against the cool stone wall of the cave. The warmth of the fire flickers softly, casting gentle shadows that dance across the walls. I can feel my eyelids growing heavier, the fatigue finally taking its toll after days of running and hiding.

"Just a few minutes." I whisper to myself, closing my eyes. 

As I drift into sleep, I feel a comforting warmth envelop me, the darkness of the cave fading into a dreamless haze. But then, something stirs me from my slumber, a gentle touch. I feel a light stroke against my hair as if someone is brushing it back from my face. My heart races, jolting me awake, and I snap my eyes open.

"Who is here?"I whisper, trying to now show fear in my voice.

In the dim light of the cave, a shadow looms over me, tall and imposing. I squint, trying to make out the figure, and with that, the figure seems to back of slightly, soon disappearing in shadows.