The forest path smelled faintly of wet earth and nervous horses. Niana Valeris squirmed in her saddle, tugging at the reins like they might explain how she ended up here. Okay, Niana. Supporting character. Observe. Don't die. Don't trip over your own legs.
Kael rode ahead, black hair catching sunlight, sword casually resting across his saddle. Elegant, composed, infuriatingly perfect. Typical "Prince Charming" vibes. Niana groaned internally. Of course he looks amazing while I'm about to die.
The squire beside her, Elric, looked ready to faint. Bright eyes, pale face, hands gripping a sword far too big. Original script says you die first… not on my watch, buddy.
Lucien was a shadow behind her, posture perfect, blue eyes scanning the treeline. Calm. Controlled. Terrifyingly calm. Niana clenched her hands around the reins. He's probably calculating exactly how I'm about to fail. Thanks, Lucien.
---
A rustle.
Too loud.
Kael's horse pricked its ears. The squad froze.
From the underbrush, a hulking black wolf-monster lunged, teeth glinting, claws scraping dirt. Not just angry—it was dramatic. Like it knew it was a first-scene boss in a story.
Elric yelped and flailed. "M-monsters!!"
Niana screamed internally: Not you! You're supposed to be the first casualty!
Chaos erupted.
The squire stumbled. Horses neighed. Niana's horse bolted sideways. She nearly fell off. Why didn't anyone teach me to ride a horse in a story world?!
Lucien's hand shot out, steadying her horse with one perfect touch. "Mistress. Calm yourself."
"CALM MYSELF? THERE'S A GIANT FANG-FACE HURLING AT US!" she whispered-shouted.
Kael moved with liquid precision, sword slicing through air. The monster staggered but didn't retreat. Niana's brain raced: Observe, survive, improvise.
---
She noticed its attack pattern. Her mind ran through every scene she'd ever written. Left paw… head dips… jump…
"Jump left! NOW!" Niana shouted.
Elric froze. Niana's horse bolted. The squire stumbled but managed to duck, narrowly avoiding a claw. He scrambled to his feet, panting, face pale as a ghost.
"Th-thank… you… Duchess Niana," he stammered, bowing slightly. "You… saved me."
Niana blinked. He… thanked me? Wait, did I just… save a life? She waved awkwardly. "Uh… you're welcome… try not to die next time?"
Kael's eyes flicked toward her. Oh no. He noticed.
The monster lunged again. Niana's horse reared. She flailed. "Duck, Elric! I mean it! Seriously, duck!"
Elric ducked… accidentally colliding with another squire. The monster growled, confused, giving Kael the perfect opening.
Kael's sword moved like lightning. The creature finally retreated, snarling into the forest.
---
Kael approached Niana. His black hair framed a face that was calm but sharp, piercing eyes assessing.
"You…" he said softly, just loud enough for her to hear. "You knew its moves before it attacked."
Niana froze. Crap. Story knowledge cheat… busted.
"I… I just… observed?" she stammered, waving vaguely.
Kael's eyebrow quirked. "You are not a fighter, yet you saved a squire. Interesting."
Lucien's jaw tightened behind her, hands gripping the reins. Silent judgment. Niana's stomach flipped. Why do I feel like I just got called out in front of a prince… and a deadly butler-assassin?
She muttered under her breath: Observe. Survive. Don't die. And maybe… try not to look like a total idiot while the hero notices me.
---
By the time they returned to the manor, Niana's brain was fried. Every step had been a mix of panic, improvisation, and chaotic genius. She had saved the first "death" in her story—and survived to tell the tale.
Elric came forward timidly. "Mistress… I… I don't know how to thank you properly. You… you truly saved me."
Niana waved again awkwardly, cheeks warm. "Uh… don't mention it… I guess. Maybe… try not to die again?"
Kael's eyes caught hers from a distance. A faint smirk—curious, subtle. The story had shifted. The supporting character was no longer just a background player.
The variable had just turned the first page.