Rebirth Of The Cursed Rose

The clacking of her keyboard filled the silent room as Sonya hunched over her desk, her fingers dancing across the keys, weaving the intricate storyline of her game. The dim glow of the screen illuminated her face, eyes filled with determination as she added the final touches to the lore of the world she had built so meticulously.

A voice rang through the office.

"Lina, let's go! Otherwise, we'll miss the concert," her friend called out.

"Just a minute! I'm almost done with the storyline," Lina replied, her fingers flying over the keyboard.

With a final tap, she shut her laptop, exhaling in satisfaction, many had left before her as it was weakened. Grabbing her coat, she hurried after her friend, stepping into the bustling streets. The cool evening air kissed her cheeks as they walked side by side, their laughter blending with the distant hum of traffic and the chatter of city life.

She walked through the city with her friend, chatting excitedly about how great the concert was going to be. Their voices blended with the lively hum of the evening streets, neon lights flickering around them.

As they stopped at a traffic signal, a young man strode past them, earphones plugged in, lost in his magical world.

Lina's gaze flickered toward the road—her heart lurched.

A car was speeding toward him, the driver drunk, music blaring so loudly that the bass rattled the vehicle. The man had no idea.

"Hey! Step aside!" Lina shouted, instincts taking over.

Before she could think twice, she lunged forward to push him out of harm's way.

A blinding impact.

Pain exploded through her body as the world tilted, the deafening screech of tires ringing in her ears. She hit the ground hard, vision swimming in and out of focus. The cold pavement pressed against her cheek, the sounds around her muffled—distant, almost unreal.

The last thing she heard before darkness swallowed her whole was her friend's panicked voice, screaming—

"Lina, wait! I'll call an ambulance!" he fingers tapping on her phone desperate.

Lina heard her friend's desperate cries, but the sound was already slipping away, fading into the growing void. Her body felt weightless, her vision swallowed by darkness.

Then—

A sharp knock shattered the silence.

"Your Highness, it's time to get up."

A woman's voice. Polite yet firm.

Lina's brow furrowed. Your Highness?

The words didn't make sense. She had been on the pavement just moments ago, her friend screaming for help. Her body had ached, her vision had blurred—she was sure she had been dying.

Then why was she… awake?

She forced her eyes open. The room around her was bathed in soft morning light, golden rays filtering through sheer silk curtains. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystal ornaments glimmering. Everything looked lavish—elegant in a way that felt entirely foreign.

Confused, she sat up, a strange heaviness settling in her chest. That was when she noticed—

Her hands.

Slender, delicate, untouched by scars or age.

Her breath caught.

These weren't her hands.

A cold wave of realization crashed over her as she turned them over, tracing the smoothness of her own skin. Her fingers trembled. I can feel this. This isn't a dream.

Heart pounding, she threw off the covers and stumbled to her feet. The soft fabric of her nightgown brushed against her legs as she moved—another unfamiliar sensation.

"I was in a car crash just a moment ago… What's going on?"

Her voice sounded different. Softer. Lighter.

She took a step forward, her feet moving on instinct, and then—

She saw it.

The mirror.

Her reflection.

A girl with golden curls cascading over her shoulders. Violet eyes wide with shock. Porcelain skin untouched by time.

She sucked in a sharp breath. This face…

It was a face she had designed.

A face that belonged to Sonya von Everheart, the imperial princess from Doom of the Rose—the game she had spent months developing.

Lina staggered back, her hands pressing against her chest as if to steady her racing heart. No. This isn't possible.

Before she could gather her thoughts, the door creaked open.

A maid entered, dressed in an elegant uniform, balancing a silver tray in her hands. She stepped forward, bowing slightly before speaking.

"Happy birthday, Your Highness."

Lina's breath hitched.

The words sounded distant, unreal.

She couldn't speak, couldn't react—only stared in stunned silence.

The maid's smile faltered. Concern flickered in her eyes.

"Is something wrong, Your Highness?" 

Lina hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice unsteady.

"Mira…"

The maid, who had just turned to arrange the curtains, paused and looked at her in surprise.

"Your Highness?"

Lina's blood ran cold. How did I know her name?

She wasn't supposed to know this woman. She had never seen her before, never met her, yet the name had slipped so naturally from her lips—as if it had always been there, lodged in her memory.

Her fingers clenched into fists. Is this really… the world I created?

Heart pounding, she needed confirmation. Something real. Something undeniable.

"Can you… pinch me?" she asked, her voice firmer this time.

Mira's eyes widened in horror.

"Y-Your Highness! I can't!"

Lina exhaled, trying to suppress her frustration. "Don't worry. Just do it."

The maid hesitated, shifting nervously before finally reaching out with trembling fingers. She lightly pinched the princess's forearm.

Pain.

Lina inhaled sharply. It was real.

This world… this body… it's all real.

She staggered back, pressing a hand to her temple.

She was no longer Lina. She was Sonya von Everheart.

The imperial princess.

The fated hero of Doom of the Rose.

And if the game's events followed as the author had written them—

Her family was destined to fall.

The empire would descend into chaos.

And she, Sonya, would barely escape with her life.

She swallowed hard. 

Lina took a deep breath, steadying herself before asking,

"What day is it today?"

Mira, still watching her with concern, answered immediately.

"It is the 15th of April, Year 986 of the Holy Calendar—your birthday, Your Highness."

Lina's breath hitched. The 15th of April…

Her mind raced, memories from her own story crashing down on her like a tidal wave.

On this very day, the grand ducal households would arrive at the palace.

A grand banquet would be held in her honor.

And amid the glittering chandeliers and flowing wine—

An assassination attempt would take place.

An attack meant to kill her.

In the game, she had barely escaped, bloodied and alone, while chaos tore through the palace. Her family, unaware of the deeper plot, would fall into the enemy's carefully laid trap.

She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

No. Not this time.

If she had truly become Sonya von Everheart, then she still had a chance.

She wouldn't let fate play out as before.

She would change everything.

Mira's voice broke through Sonya's thoughts.

"Is something wrong, Your Highness?"

Sonya blinked, masking her turmoil with a soft smile. "No, nothing at all. Prepare my dress."

As the maid hurried off to fulfill her request, Sonya's mind spun with possibilities. How do I keep myself safe? How do I prevent the massacre that's bound to happen?

She needed a plan—and fast.

A few hours later, she stood before the mirror, fully dressed. The elegant gown of deep sapphire blue, embroidered with silver thread, hugged her form. Jewels adorned her wrists, and her golden hair was styled to perfection. To anyone else, she looked like a flawless imperial princess.

But beneath the surface, her mind was sharp as a blade.

Today marks the beginning of the end. If I follow the original path, my family will be slaughtered, and I will become a fugitive. That cannot happen.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of her chambers.

The moment she entered the grand corridor, a warm voice greeted her.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart."

She turned to see a tall young man with silver hair and striking blue eyes—her older brother, Crown Prince Felix von Everheart. He smiled down at her, his usual gentle and doting expression making her chest tighten.

Felix... my dear brother, the one who cherishes me above all else.

In the original timeline, he had died protecting her during the coup. A sword through his heart, his blood staining the palace floors—his last words begging her to live.

She wouldn't let that happen.

"This is for you." Felix held out a velvet box and opened it, revealing a delicate necklace adorned with crimson and silver gemstones. The deep red stones shimmered under the light, glowing like embers in the darkness.

Sonya reached out and gently traced the jewels with her fingertips.

"What a pleasant surprise, Brother," she said, keeping her voice steady despite the lump forming in her throat.

Felix chuckled, taking the necklace and fastening it around her neck. "It suits you. Red has always been your color."

Before she could respond, another set of footsteps approached.

"Sonya, my dear."

She turned to see two figures walking toward her—the emperor and empress. Her father, Emperor Lionheart von Everheart, with his commanding presence and golden eyes that reflected his wisdom. And her mother, Empress Evelyn von Everheart, a woman of grace and strength, whose warm smile could put anyone at ease.

"Happy birthday, my love," her mother said, embracing her gently.

Her father gave her a nod, his usually stern gaze softening. "You've grown beautifully, Sonya."

She forced a smile, but inside, her heart twisted painfully.

They don't know. They don't know that soon, their lives will be in danger. That their kindness and love will be repaid with betrayal and blood.

She had to protect them.

No matter what it took.

As her father spoke, his voice calm yet firm, "The noble houses are arriving," Sonya straightened, steeling herself for what was to come.

She walked alongside her family, her heartbeat steady yet her mind racing.

The first to greet her was General Hans Ubeltt, a towering man with sharp eyes and a presence that demanded respect. He bowed deeply before her.

"Happy birthday, Your Highness. May the gods bless you with prosperity and wisdom."

Sonya smiled, but her mind was elsewhere.

Hans Ubeltt... one of my father's most loyal men. A war hero, a man of unwavering integrity. And yet… he was executed after the coup.

She could still recall the scene from the game's storyline—General Ubeltt standing at the palace gates, bloodied but unyielding, fighting to the bitter end to protect her and the royal family. His death had been the final nail in the empire's coffin.

But this time…

Before she could let the thought settle, the announcer's voice rang through the grand hall.

"Now entering—the Ten Great Ducal Households of the Empire!"

The grand doors swung open, and the nobility began their entrance.

Turning slightly, Sonya spoke in a hushed tone.

"General Ubeltt, may I ask you something?"

The seasoned warrior glanced at her in surprise before nodding. "Please feel free, Your Highness."

"Tell me about the Ten Ducal Houses."

Before he could answer, the announcer's voice resounded once more.

"First to arrive—the Grand Duchy of Dimitri!"

Sonya's gaze sharpened. And so it begins.

General Ubeltt's voice was steady as he explained, "House Dimitri is said to be the pinnacle of light magic. Their bloodline possesses divine blessings, making them some of the most powerful light mages in the empire."

Sonya listened intently, her fingers curling slightly. The Empire is built upon the strength of its Ten Great Duchies—four aligned with dark magic and six with light magic, including the Imperial Family itself.

"The Dimitri Duchy," the general continued, "also boasts one of the finest cavalry forces. Their war riders are unparalleled in battle, and their patriarch, Tristan von Dimitri, is a formidable leader."

House Dimitri… Sonya thought, recalling what little information the game had provided about them. They hadn't played a major role in the events leading to her downfall, but they were still one of the key pillars of the Empire.

General Ubeltt continued, "The second house—House Angar—is famed for their unmatched siege tactics and destructive fire magic. It's said that their heir is a prodigious grand mage. Their current matriarch, Lady Sera von Angar, is as sharp in diplomacy as she is on the battlefield."

Sonya nodded, absorbing every detail. House Angar… their role in the game was minimal, but a grand mage as an heir? That's a force to be reckoned with.

"The third house, House Yale, controls the Empire's naval forces. They command the largest fleet and hold dominion over maritime trade, making them one of the wealthiest duchies in the realm."

House Yale… vital for trade and military power at sea. If I am to survive, I need to ensure they remain loyal to the crown.

"The fourth house, House Vines," Ubeltt went on, "is led by Sword Saint Aria von Vines. They are the most skilled swordsmen in the Empire, producing some of the finest knights and duelists."

Sonya's breath hitched slightly. A Sword Saint… The Vines family must not be taken lightly.

"Next is one of the dark magic houses—House Greywolf," Ubeltt's tone grew grim. "Their leader, Greyhound Greywolf, is infamous for his brutal tactics and merciless executions. His forces specialize in psychological warfare, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies before the battle even begins."

Sonya clenched her jaw. House Greywolf… they thrived in the shadows, embracing cruelty as their strength. They were involved in the coup, they were responsible for the bloodshed that followed.

But then, the next name sent a chill down her spine.

"And now… one of the most influential houses—House Ravenclaw."

Sonya's heart pounded in her chest. Ravenclaw… the house that led the rebellion and seized the throne. The house that destroyed my family.

Ubeltt continued, unaware of the turmoil in her mind.

"Their previous patriarch was promoted to the Imperial Council, leaving the current head, his son, as one of the youngest dukes in history. Despite being only twenty-three, he is rumored to be a prodigy in all elemental magic and possesses the Eyes of Runes—a rare and formidable gift."

Sonya's fingers tightened into fists.

"The Ravenclaw Duchy is the largest of all the noble houses," Ubeltt said gravely. "They control twenty-three vassal families and hold dominion over the entire north, northeast, and northwest regions of the Empire."

Her stomach churned.

He is young, yet already commands such power…

This was the man who would orchestrate her family's downfall.

And he would be here today.

As the grand doors swung open, the Ravenclaw household made their entrance.

First came the minor noble families sworn to their banner, their attire regal yet subdued. Then, stepping through the towering doors last, was the man who commanded them all—the Duke of Ravenclaw himself.

Sonya's breath hitched.

He's here…

General Ubeltt leaned closer, his voice low. "Your Highness, that is him—the Patriarch of House Ravenclaw."

Her pulse thundered in her ears.

Standing at the forefront was Austin von Ravenclaw, the very man responsible for the downfall of her family. The architect of the rebellion. The one who would bring death to her loved ones.

His presence was commanding, yet effortlessly composed. Dark raven-black hair framed his sharp features, his violet eyes holding a quiet intensity. Draped over his shoulders was a navy blue overcoat lined with fur, its regal fabric a testament to his station. A sword hung at his side, the hilt polished and pristine, while the insignia of House Ravenclaw gleamed proudly on his chest.

The room felt smaller, the air heavier.

As he approached her throne, Sonya's heart pounded relentlessly against her ribs.

Then, with a fluid bow, he spoke, his voice deep and smooth.

"It is an honor, Your Highness. I am Austin von Ravenclaw, Patriarch of House Ravenclaw. I bid you my sincerest congratulations on your fifteenth birthday."

Her breath caught.

Every instinct in her screamed at her to run—to strike first—to change fate before it was too late.

But she couldn't. Not here. Not yet.

Maintaining her composure, she forced herself to remain still.

Austin gestured, and a servant stepped forward, carrying two ornate boxes.

"A small token from our house," he said.

The first box opened to reveal a delicate silver necklace, adorned with a deep-blue gemstone, its glow faintly pulsing with rune magic. The second held a ring, the intricate carvings along its band brimming with arcane energy.

General Ubeltt's voice cut through the tension.

"Your Highness, you should offer your greetings."

Sonya blinked, realizing she had frozen in place.

"H-huh? Oh… yes." She cleared her throat, desperately willing her voice to steady.

"It is a pleasure indeed, Duke Ravenclaw," she said, forcing a polite smile.

Austin held her gaze for a brief moment before giving a respectful nod. Then, without another word, he stepped aside, retreating into the assembly.

But Sonya could barely breathe.

A cold fear coiled around her chest, suffocating her like an unseen hand.

This man will destroy everything I love.

And yet—he didn't know or so she thought.

He didn't know that she remembered the future.

And he certainly didn't know that she wasn't the same Sonya von Everheart he would betray.

Not this time

Unbeknownst to Sonya, the man she despised the most… was just as lost as she was. A Few Days Earlier—Inside the Ravenclaw Estate

A sharp gasp echoed through the dimly lit chamber as Austin jolted upright in bed, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

His heart pounded violently against his ribs.

"What… What's going on?"

He clutched his head, feeling the unfamiliar weight of long, silky black hair falling over his shoulders. His body felt different—stronger, taller, leaner—and his hands…

His hands.

They were refined, pale, belonging to someone noble, not the hands he had known his whole life.

Panic surged through his chest.

The last thing he remembered—

"The accident… the girl…"

A blurry silhouette flashed in his mind—a girl rushing toward him, shouting.

Then—impact.

"I was in a car crash…"

A chill ran down his spine as his eyes darted around the grand room—luxurious velvet drapes, gilded chandeliers, and towering bookshelves. It was a room straight out of a fantasy novel.

And then, he saw his reflection.

A large ornate mirror stood at the far end of the chamber.

What he saw made his blood run cold.

Violet eyes. Jet-black hair. A sharp, aristocratic face that oozed power and ruthlessness.

He knew this face.

It was a face he had created.

His breathing turned erratic. His fingers dug into his skin as a horrifying realization dawned upon him.

"No… no, no, no, NO—!"

He stumbled back, his heart racing as if trying to escape from his chest.

"Why is this face here?! Why am I—"

Memories of this body's past began pouring into his mind like a crashing tide.

Austin von Ravenclaw, a character he wrote in his fantasy novel DOOM OF THE ROSE on which a game was being developed.

The man who led the rebellion.

The villain who orchestrated the downfall of the Everheart Imperial Family.

The very man the Imperial Princess, Sonya von Everheart, swore to destroy.

"No, this… This can't be happening."

His mind raced through the events of the novel—

He, Austin von Ravenclaw, would rebel against the empire, slaughtering the imperial family one by one.

And then—

The empire, thrown into chaos, would turn against him.

The once-loyal nobles would betray him.

And at the climax of the story—

Princess Sonya von Everheart, the last survivor of the imperial bloodline, his former fiance, would drive a sword through his heart, taking her revenge.

"And now… I am him?"

His breath came out ragged, his hands trembling.

"No. No, no, no. This is the worst possible scenario!"

If the Sonya of this world was anything like the one in the novel, she would stop at nothing to see him dead.

And he—

He had no intention of dying.

"I have to survive. No—I have to change everything."

A slow, shuddering breath left his lips.

If fate had truly thrown him into the role of the villain—

Then he would simply rewrite the story himself

Back in the Banquet Hall

Austin exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening around the goblet in his hand. His sharp violet eyes flickered toward her—Princess Sonya von Everheart.

"My former fiancée… the woman who will kill me."

Fate had a cruel sense of humor.

But he refused to let it dictate his end.

"I created this world. I know every twist, every secret, every betrayal. That means—"

A slow smirk curled at the corner of his lips.

"I have the power to change it."

Across the grand hall, Sonya sipped her wine, her golden eyes sharp and calculating as they met Austin's.

The man who destroyed her family.

The man she had sworn to kill.

But this time—

"This time, I won't let fate control me."

Her grip tightened around the delicate glass, resolve burning in her heart.

"I will rewrite this story. I will protect my family. I will live."

As the orchestra played and nobles exchanged pleasantries, neither of them spoke.

Yet, a silent battle of wills had already begun.

Both thought the same words—

"Just you wait, Austin."

"Just you wait, Sonya."

The Banquet Turns to Chaos

As the nobles indulged in fine wine and laughter, the emperor rose from his seat, his regal presence commanding silence.

"Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the fifteenth birthday of my beloved daughter, Sonya," he announced, his voice echoing through the grand hall.

A round of applause erupted, glasses clinking in celebration.

Among the crowd, General Hans Ubeltt leaned closer to Sonya, his tone laced with urgency.

"Your Highness, you must be extremely careful around Austin von Ravenclaw."

Sonya's eyes flickered toward him, feigning indifference. "And why is that?"

Hans' expression darkened. "He may seem young, but make no mistake—he is a manipulator. Decisive, cunning, and dangerously intelligent."

He paused, lowering his voice.

"His sister may be the official patriarch of the Ravenclaw household, but do not be fooled—Austin is the one who holds true power in that family."

Sonya's stomach twisted.

"And," Hans continued, his eyes sharp with warning, "you will meet him again soon. He has been appointed as the new magic instructor at the Imperial Academy."

Sonya felt her heart skip a beat.

Austin von Ravenclaw—the villain of this world—her enemy—would be her teacher?

But before she could process it, a sudden explosion shook the palace.

The grand chandeliers swayed violently, the lights flickering. Gasps and screams filled the banquet hall as nobles scrambled to their feet.

The emperor slammed his fist onto the table. "What… what is going on?!"

And then—masked figures emerged from the shadows.

Assassins.

Sonya's blood ran cold. Austin eyes gleamed they both thought.

"It's happening." 

The assassination attempt—the one meant to kill her.

Without hesitation, she reached for the dagger hidden beneath her gown.

One of the assassins lunged at her. Sonya didn't hesitate—she twisted, slicing his throat open.

A body fell.

But before she could take another breath, she sensed movement behind her.

A second assassin.

He was too close. Too fast.

She barely had time to react.

"Damn it—!"

The cold steel of the enemy's blade gleamed under the dim light—

But before it could touch her—

A sword flashed.

In an instant, the assassin was cut in half.

Sonya's breath caught. Blood splattered onto the marble floors.

She turned—her golden eyes widening.

A navy blue cloak with fur. A sharp, glinting sword.

And those violet eyes.

Austin von Ravenclaw stood before her, his blade dripping with blood.

His expression was unreadable as he turned to her.

"Your Highness, are you alright?"

Her throat felt dry. This… this wasn't how it was supposed to happen.

"Y-Yeah…" she muttered, gripping her dagger tighter.

But Austin didn't wait.

With swift movements, he lunged forward, cutting down another assassin with ease.

Sonya's mind raced.

"This… isn't part of the main story. This isn't supposed to happen." 

Austin's grip tightened around his sword as he cut down another assassin with ruthless precision. Blood splattered across the pristine marble floors, but his mind was elsewhere.

"This isn't going to happen."

He clenched his jaw, eyes burning with determination.

"I'm the writer of this world. I refuse to die like I did before."

If he could gain her trust—if he could get closer to her—then maybe, just maybe, he could change everything.

"If protecting her is the way to rewrite my own ending, then so be it."

He raised his sword again, striking down another assassin.

For the first time in this world, Austin von Ravenclaw was no longer the villain of the story.

Unbeknownst to him, someone was utterly stunned by his actions.

Sonya stood frozen, her dagger still gripped tightly in her trembling hands. She had been prepared to fight, to kill if necessary, just as she had planned. But she hadn't expected him—the man who was supposed to be her family's downfall—to stand in front of her, sword drawn, protecting her.

"This isn't right," she thought, her mind racing.

In the original story, Austin had orchestrated this attack. He was supposed to stand on the sidelines, watching with amusement as the assassins tried to end her life. He was never supposed to lift a finger to help her, let alone cut down his own allies.

Yet here he was, moving like a storm, his sword an extension of his will. Every strike was calculated, precise, and merciless. The navy blue cloak draped over his shoulders billowed as he moved, his violet eyes gleaming with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

"What is he thinking? Why is he doing this?"

For years, she had been preparing for the moment she would kill him—her family's murderer, the villain who had taken everything from her. But as she watched him stand between her and death, she felt something she had never associated with Austin von Ravenclaw before.

Doubt.

And that terrified her more than anything else.

She had been certain that Austin would let her die.

But now…

Why was he protecting her? 

Was this the turning point in the hearts of two unknown souls?

Austin's grip on his sword tightened as he cut through the last assassin, his breath steady despite the chaos around him. His mind was screaming at him—this isn't how it was supposed to go! But if fate had decided to throw him into this world, he refused to be a puppet to a story already written.

Sonya, still catching her breath, felt her heart hammering in her chest. Was it from the fight? The adrenaline? Or the fact that Austin von Ravenclaw had just saved her life?

She had spent years despising him. He was the villain, the one she was fated to defeat. The man who would lead the coup against her family, the one who would tear her world apart. But tonight… tonight he had stood in front of her, shielded her, killed for her.

Their eyes met.

For the first time, there was no malice between them. No hostility. Only questions, confusion, and a silent challenge neither of them had expected.

Austin looked at her and smirked. "You're not dead, are you, Your Highness?"

Sonya exhaled sharply, gripping her dagger. "Not thanks to you."

Neither of them realized it yet, but the wheels of fate had already begun to turn. The script they thought they knew so well was no longer set in stone.

And maybe, just maybe, two enemies had begun to walk a path neither had ever imagined

TO BE CONTINUED...