Vaelis sat by the window of her dorm, the book resting on her desk like an unanswered question. She traced her fingers over the cover, lost in thought.

This wasn’t just any book—it was Eclipsed by Summer, the same novel she had read in her past life.

But the real mystery? Who had sent it?

Her fingertips lingered on the pages as memories stirred. That moment before she woke up in this world—her death.

She had felt it.

Not just death, but something beyond. A strange, weightless existence. A place between worlds. It was there, in that three-dimensional void, that everything became clear.

She was just a character.

A name, a role, written to be discarded.

And now… something was changing. The book in her hands, the shifting events—it was as if the story itself was slipping from the author’s grip.

But who was pulling the strings now?

—

A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Are you ready?"

Vaelis turned to see Anna, her dorm neighbor, standing at the door with a warm smile. Their friendship had formed naturally—after their first meeting, they kept running into each other, exchanging small conversations that gradually turned into something more.

Anna never pushed. She never asked for anything. She was simply there, offering warmth without expectation.

Vaelis wasn’t used to that.

"We’re learning a new technique today," Anna said, adjusting her bag strap. "I heard it’s going to be challenging!"

Vaelis nodded and stood up.

As they walked to class, Anna hesitated before speaking. "I was watching you play the other day. You have a unique way of expressing emotions through music. I’d love to learn from you."

Vaelis glanced at her. "I’m still learning myself."

"Still," Anna grinned. "Maybe we can help each other."

For the first time in a long while, Vaelis felt the edges of her guarded heart soften.

—

Class was as demanding as ever. Today, they were introduced to contemporary fusion, a blend of classical and modern elements. The professor singled out Vaelis to demonstrate, and as she played, the room fell silent. She had a way of weaving emotions into sound, something that couldn’t be taught.

"You have a natural gift," the professor said, studying her intently. "I’d like to recommend you for an upcoming elite performance. It’s an opportunity to showcase your talent in front of influential figures."

A murmur spread through the class. Some students exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and envy flickering in their eyes.

Vaelis merely inclined her head. "I’ll think about it."

She didn’t miss the way some students whispered among themselves. The attention she was getting—it wasn’t in the original novel.

She was supposed to remain unnoticed, just another side character.

Yet the plot was shifting.

—

Later that evening, she stepped outside for fresh air. The campus was quiet, the cold breeze carrying the scent of blooming jasmine.

"You’ve been drawing attention," a voice said from behind.

She turned to see Rowan, leaning against a nearby pillar, arms crossed. His gaze held something unreadable.

"So?"

"Just wondering how long it’ll take before someone decides to ‘fix’ that." His tone was casual, but there was an edge to it.

Vaelis met his eyes. "Let them try."

A slow smirk formed on his lips. "I’d like to see that."

As he walked away, she was left with a lingering thought—was this another shift in the novel’s trajectory?

Or was it just the beginning of something far greater?

—

From the shadows, someone watched her.

A quiet chuckle escaped their lips.

"She’s changing the story."