woke up chapter 2

Then, the novel’s description of Etheldred flashed through her mind. ‘After his darkening, he exudes a decadent and dangerous aura.’ Moreover, Etheldred was the most handsome man in their world. There was a reason readers who saw the novel’s illustrations nicknamed him “Face is the Plot” – his looks were that compelling. Of course, his terrible personality was also world-renowned. So, this was her chance. It would be difficult to get a good look at Etheldred’s face later. 

She couldn’t risk getting her head chopped off just for a glimpse. Well, admiring Etheldred’s face might make the time pass quicker… She turned her gaze towards the altar. Feeling strangely embarrassed despite being alone, she cleared her throat and shyly lowered her gaze. Long black hair, tinged with red as if infused with ruby fragments. 

Eyelashes of the same hue cast long shadows. A pale face bathed in a single ray of moonlight. And lips as red as rubies. Holy crap, his face could launch a thousand ships. Lost in his unreal beauty, Ariel felt a strange pang. He looked exactly the same as the Etheldred from her original timeline. The length of his hair was different, but everything else was similar. Well, it’s five years later, so it’s to be expected. Seeing her childhood friend lying there sent a chill down her spine. A question arose in her mind. He was a decent guy. Why did he become a villain? “Why did you… the village…?” She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. She wanted to wake him up and shake him, but that might result in her head being the one to roll. Ariel shook her head, dismissing the thought.

At that moment, someone grabbed her arm. “Gah!” She flinched, looking down at the altar, and met a pair of vivid red eyes. Red…? Ariel froze. He’s… awake…! She instinctively took a step back. Or rather, she tried to. He was faster. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her towards him. The world spun as she felt the firm grip of his arm. Ariel’s already wide eyes widened further. Why was she lying on the altar, and why was Etheldred looking down at her? 

More importantly, why was he awake? She looked up to see fierce red eyes peering down at her through his long black hair. As she tried to move, a chilling voice stopped her. 

“Don’t move.” 

Countless orbs of light appeared around them, as if trying to see her face. Ariel squeezed her eyes shut, blinded by the intense light. His low voice echoed again. 

“Open your eyes.” At least dim the lights! As Ariel tremblingly opened her eyes, the orbs had softened to a bearable brightness. Huh? Did he just… consider my comfort? Wait, does he recognize me? Yes! Even if he’s darkened, he wouldn’t lose his memory. Her thoughts were immediately refuted. 

“Who are you?” 

“….” 

I’m your childhood friend, you jerk! …is what she wanted to yell, but Ariel couldn’t speak. “…I see,” he murmured, his words incomprehensible. A low, gentle chuckle followed. Despite the soft tone, a shiver ran down her spine. He’s completely lost it! His red eyes fixated on her pale face, filled with a suffocating madness. “This time,” a cruel curve twisted his lips, “I’ll kill you.” His smile was bright, but his eyes gleamed with a strange, red light. Pure, unadulterated bloodlust.