Chapter 40: A Villainess Walks Straight Into the Lion’s Den

Chapter 40: A Villainess Walks Straight Into the Lion's Den

Step One: Don't Panic (Too Late)

Seraphina stepped out of the royal carriage, her heart hammering in her chest.

Before her stood the grand palace of the Evernight Kingdom.

Tall, elegant towers. Gleaming marble floors. A literal waterfall inside the entrance hall.

And worst of all?

Hundreds of vampire nobles staring at her.

Whispering. Judging.

Gossiping.

"Isn't that Lady Seraphina?"

"The villainess?!"

"Why is she with Prince Alexander?"

Seraphina smiled stiffly.

Okay. Okay. Stay calm.

You've survived worse.

(…Actually, no. She had not.)

—

Step Two: Avoid Getting Stabbed

A noblewoman stepped forward, dressed in deep crimson.

Her sharp eyes scanned Seraphina like she was an insect.

"Prince Alexander," she said smoothly. "You've brought home… an interesting guest."

Seraphina's survival instincts screamed.

This woman was dangerous.

Alexander smiled. "Ah, Duchess Evelyne. I trust you've heard of Lady Seraphina."

Duchess Evelyne's smile did not reach her eyes.

"Of course," she purred. "The infamous villainess."

Seraphina grinned nervously.

"Haha, yes, that's me. The infamous villainess. Very infamous. So infamous, in fact, that I should probably—"

She took one step backward.

The prince placed a firm hand on her back.

"Seraphina will be staying at the palace," he announced.

Gasps. Shock. Scandal.

Seraphina's soul left her body.

—

Step Three: Regret Everything

"You're letting her stay?" the duchess said, voice sharp as a blade.

Alexander simply smiled.

Seraphina, meanwhile, was having a mental breakdown.

THIS WAS NOT HER PLAN.

SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO ESCAPE.

Now she was in even deeper trouble.

Duchess Evelyne's eyes glittered.

"How interesting."

Seraphina gulped.

—

Step Four: Accept That Death Is Near

As the prince guided her inside, Seraphina felt the weight of every noble's gaze.

Judging. Plotting. Waiting for her to mess up.

She forced a bright smile.

"Well. This is going to be a disaster."

The prince chuckled.

"Don't worry, my lady. I'll protect you."

Seraphina internally screamed.

That was the problem.

She didn't need more protection—she needed an EXIT.

—

To Be Continued…

Next Chapter: A Villainess vs. The Royal Court—Survival Is Not Guaranteed!