Serena sensed she might become the shortest-lived protagonist in literary history.

While other supporting characters typically lasted at least a chapter or two, Serena faced a stark introduction within the pages of this particular novel. The first line declared her fate unequivocally: "Serena is dead." The narrative seemed intentionally stark.

At present, she lay serenely upon a luxuriously comfortable cloud bed, awaiting her demise. Draped around the bed were sheer veils adorned with iridescent crystal threads, delicate as cicada wings, their exquisite patterns seeming to float in the air. Overhead hung a row of small jade bells, occasionally chiming a melodious tune.

The opulence exuded understated elegance, a subtle luxury that spoke volumes without uttering a word.

Beyond the veils, a shimmering figure moved about. It was Ivana, the plump sister of Isidoro, the antagonist, and also Jenaro's mistress—a woman known for her arrogance, recklessness, and ruthless actions, responsible for the demise of Serena, the male lead's beloved.

It seemed Serena had inadvertently stirred up trouble beyond measure. Struck by lightning while traversing the streets, she found herself whisked away into the very novel she had been reading, only to assume the role of the ill-fated moonlight destined to perish at the story's onset.

Soon, Ivana would administer a fatal dose of poison disguised as wine.

Serena had no desire to experience death again.

Who could save her?

Certainly not Jenaro, the male lead. He had returned with a woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Serena, currently indulging in their pleasures within the palace chambers. Ivana's wrath had been stoked by this event, driving her to seek vengeance upon Serena.

As for the palace guards, their absence outside Serena's chamber suggested Ivana had dispatched them, ensuring no interference.

In the original narrative, Serena's death occurred silently, her demise only revealed after Corina, the female lead, exposed Ivana's treachery.

If Serena wished to survive, she must save herself.

"Are you finished yet? Dallying about won't change a thing. Just poison her directly; what can Jenaro do to me?" Ivana's impatience rang clear in her voice.

A hoarse voice responded respectfully, "Madam, please be patient. This matter is of utmost importance, and we must leave no room for error. I shall continue refining the poison to ensure that, should anyone examine the body in the future, no traces of foul play will be found. This way, it won't affect the relationship between you and your husband."

The old crone wore a wry smile on her face.

Her mistress was known for her reckless behavior, but even she dared not defy the consequences of Ivana's fury.

The crone held a ball of fire in her palm, causing the silver jug to sizzle.

Serena, witnessing this fantastical scene, felt an even stronger aversion to death.

Immortal cultivation! This was indeed fantastical immortal cultivation!

But whether she lived or died was not up to her.

Her current state was akin to that of a fish on the chopping block. A fish might still flop about, but Serena felt more like a monkey trapped within a hollow puppet. Her body, severely injured and poisoned, may have lost its soul long ago, yet it lingered on, sustained by sheer will.

Until this very day, Serena had awakened.

Yet, before she could rejoice, she witnessed the palace maids collapsing one by one. Then, Ivana stormed in with her entourage, intent on poisoning her.

The taste of impending death was indescribable.

Serena still wanted to struggle.

Her throat felt like solid wood, but after mustering all her strength, she managed to utter a few dry and incomprehensible words.

"If I die, Jeno will remember me for a lifetime. The best thing I never got."

Though faint, her words reached the ears of Ivana and her entourage.

Ivana swiftly tore open the veils, her gaze fixated on Serena.

Dressed like a golden peacock, Ivana had seemed manageable through the gossamer curtains, but now, Serena nearly shielded her eyes from the brightness.

Ivana sneered, "Awake? You actually woke up? Excellent! Since you're awake, I'll make your death a memorable one."

Before committing murder, a villain must deliver a monologue—that was customary.

Serena blinked sincerely, indicating her willingness to be a patient listener.

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Ivana scrutinized Serena for a moment, her full lips twisting with malice. "I married Jenaro for five years, five long years! I loved him so much, so deeply! We were so happy together, but everything changed when you appeared! If it weren't for you deliberately seducing him, my Jenaro wouldn't have turned unfaithful! That alone warrants your death!"

As Ivana reminisced, her exquisite features twisted with bitterness. Extending a golden fingernail, she prodded Serena's cheek.

"Is being attractive a virtue? Not content with stealing Jenaro's heart, you also coveted the position of the rightful wife, stepping on me, Ivana! You're delusional!"

Her lips

carried the heavy scent of cosmetics, puffing onto Serena's face in waves.

Considering Ivana's plight, Serena couldn't help but sympathize. Were she in Ivana's shoes, she'd likely chop off both the scoundrel and his mistress!

Ivana continued her cold laughter, "Let me tell you something—I arranged the assassin on our wedding day, not for Jenaro, but for you! I never expected you to be so devoted. Blocking a knife for Jenaro even before entering the door—quite impressive! How do you feel now, poisoned by my Yu poison? Is it better to die than to live? Well, I pity you. Let me end your suffering."

Perhaps out of anger or excitement, Ivana's eyes narrowed, her body trembling. Her golden radiance dazzled Serena, leaving her dizzy.

Serena breathed heavily, "It's useless. He'll find a replacement, but he'll never forget me."

Ivana squinted, her expression resembling that of a fox. "I know. Isn't he doting on that Corina woman who looks just like you? I want him to remember that you died while he was indulging in pleasures with that woman. I bet he won't sleep well in the future!"

Serena was stunned.

Who said Ivana was a brainless villain? Her logic seemed flawless!

In the book, after Serena's death, Jenaro did indeed avoid Corina for a while. Yet, despite Ivana's efforts, the plot gods had a trump card up their sleeve—the golden finger granted to the female lead.

"No," Serena weakly protested, "you haven't seen the root of the problem. To solve it, you need to address it at its core."

Ivana narrowed her eyes.

The crone behind her said, "Madam, the poison is ready. We can send her off now."

Serena felt her heart plummet.

The word "death" struck fear into anyone's heart, especially someone who had already experienced its terror once before.

Ivana took the poisoned wine and slowly peeled back her lips. "You can plead with me. I'll give you a chance to say one last thing. If your words please me, I'll spare you."

Her eyes were dark yet calm, a mocking smile playing at her lips.

Serena knew Ivana had no intention of sparing her. This last sentence was her final epitaph. She could either face death with dignity or beg hopelessly, resigned to a pitiful demise.

One sentence.

Serena took a deep breath and, without hesitation, uttered in a breathy voice, "I never loved Jenaro. Marrying him was coercion. As long as he knows where my heart truly lies, with someone else, he'll be furious, ashamed, and will abandon Corina. Even she won't be spared!"

In one breath, she spoke her piece.

Ivana was stunned for three seconds, her gaze flickering. Finally, she casually handed the silver jug to the crone behind her.

"Is that so?" Her gaze darkened.

"It is." Serena's gaze remained steadfast.

Ivana studied her for a moment longer, lips curling into a mocking smile. "Impossible. Jenaro is unparalleled in the world, possessing unmatched looks, strength, wealth, and status. Even the Emperor of Fredericia once joked that if his daughter had yet to marry, she wouldn't miss such an excellent match! Having seen Jenaro, how could you possibly fall for anyone else? You're lying to me. Bring the wine!"

Ivana reached out a hand, and the crone hurriedly handed over the silver jug.

"Anyone!" Serena struggled.

Ivana pinched Serena's wooden lips open, bringing her face close, her eyes filled with malice. "Fine, come up with a name for me. If I haven't heard of them, or if they're just any random person, don't blame me for not being polite."

Her other hand was already on the handle of the silver jug.

Serena said, "Anyone is better than him."

This time, not only Ivana but even the crone serving behind her couldn't help but suppress a laugh, shaking her head. "The master is universally recognized as the most handsome man in the world, taking over the throne at under thirty years of age, ruling a province, and having all the people bowing down to him. He's also a peerless expert at the Eighth Heaven of the Spiritual Illumination Realm. How could there possibly be anyone better than the master?! Speaking like this will only invite ridicule!"

"Anyone," Serena persisted.

The certainty in her eyes sent a foreboding shiver down Ivana's spine.

Before Ivana could reconsider, Serena's wooden lips curled into an almost imperceptible smile—

"Your, brother."

The gentle sigh echoed like thunder.

Ivana trembled violently, and the old woman behind her shuddered as well.

At the point where their fingers met, the silver jug filled with poison fell to the ground with a clang.

The pure white fur blanket on the floor was quickly stained with a large patch.

The words uttered were indeed chilling.

Ivana's brother.

Isidoro.

Ivana's plump body shook like a leaf in the wind, trembling softly.

The old woman behind her hurriedly prostrated herself on the ground, as if she had heard some terrible news that warranted immediate silence.

Serena's innocent smile seemed harmless. "Isn't that right?"

Ivana suddenly covered her red lips, her chest heaving violently. The pupils in her peach blossom eyes shrank until they were barely visible, and even her eye sockets trembled.

Serena added fuel to the fire: "I have feelings for Isidoro. Do you really think he's inferior to Jenaro?"

Ivana almost fainted.

The old woman scrambled to gather the poison-soaked blanket with her hands, muttering incessantly, "Young mistress, quickly, kill her. If this gets out, if it gets out..."

Perhaps Ivana had overreacted, but she gradually calmed down.

She took a few deep breaths, and her gaze at Serena was like staring down a ferocious beast: "You, have feelings for, that man?"

She dared not mention his name, nor even the words 'my brother'.

"Yes," Serena affirmed.

Ivana rolled her eyes, struggling to catch her breath.

That man, how should she describe him?

Most topics related to him were taboo. Among them, matters of family and marriage were absolute forbidden zones that made everyone shudder.

Even in private, no one dared to discuss them.

The three words 'Isidoro' seemed to be enveloped in a lingering scent of blood in the mind, lingering for days.

It was evident how heavy a shadow the archvillain had cast over the eighteen provinces of Cloud Realm.

Serena said, "My dear sister, if you have an antidote for the wooden poison, why not use it on me? I've been trapped here for so long, I'm starting to miss your brother."

Ivana wished she could just die on the spot.

She glared at Serena for what felt like an eternity, a hint of fierceness flashing in her eyes: "Fine, I'll send a message to the royal brother for you! If you dare to trick me, I'll set you on fire and burn you alive! Go, fetch my jade token!"

The last sentence was directed at the old woman behind her.

In this world, long-distance communication relied on jade tokens inscribed with pre-prepared symbols, usable only once.

When leaving Acesia, Ivana had tucked away the jade token still stained with blood at the bottom of her cosmetics case, untouched for five years.

Although Isidoro's status as the king's sister allowed Ivana to behave arrogantly and recklessly outside, in this world, she was the one most afraid of that man.

It was a deep-rooted fear that would accompany her throughout her life.

However, if there was anything that could temporarily alleviate fear, it was love and jealousy.

The jade token arrived quickly.

After five years, Ivana finally, trembling, broke the azure jade token, and facing the silent and dark end as if it were hell, she trembled and said, "Serena, she, has feelings for the royal brother."

With that said, she hurled the jade token at Serena's face as if warding off a plague.

The blood had already seeped into the jade, and a faint smell of blood lingered around Serena's nose.

The jade token emitted a faint blue light.

Serena had no other choice.

"Yes," she softly spoke into the jade token, "it's true. I love you, Isidoro."

After a long, long time.

From within the jade token, drifted a lazy and melodious voice, extremely pleasant, as if tinged with a hint of laughter.

"Alright."

The jade token shattered into fine dust.