Chapter 3 Two

• The moment Ylena was freed from work, she practically bolted from the building, her heart pounding with anticipation. All she wanted was to dive into her books—to escape into the pages where reality blurred and adventure awaited.
• But as she hurried down the street, past glowing shop windows and bustling cafés, her gaze snagged on the local bookstore.
• She bit her lip, hesitating. Her dwindling allowance nagged at her, but the pull of new stories was impossible to ignore.
• Just one book wouldn't hurt... right?
• She mentally tallied what little she had left, trying to be practical. But before logic could win, her feet had already carried her forward, as if drawn by an invisible force.
• The moment she stepped inside, the world outside faded. The scent of aged paper and fresh ink wrapped around her like a familiar embrace, soothing the weariness in her bones. Here, she wasn't the invisible coffee girl. She wasn't an afterthought.
• Here, she was a reader, an explorer, a dreamer—free to lose herself in endless possibilities.
• Ylena's eyes sparkled with excitement as she scanned the towering bookshelves. Adjusting her glasses, she focused intently on the spines that lined the shelves, each one a world waiting to be discovered. It didn't matter if they were bestsellers or hidden gems—every book held the promise of something magical.
• "Maybe just a quick look," she whispered to herself, already feeling the familiar thrill. She wandered into the fantasy section, letting her fingers trail along the spines as she moved down the row, savoring the quiet anticipation.
• "Ylena!"
• The voice pulled her from her reverie. Turning, she spotted Layla, one of the bookstore staff, smiling brightly. Layla had always been supportive of her love for reading, often slipping her recommendations that turned into new favorites.
• "You're here again!" Layla teased. "Find anything good?"
• "Just browsing," Ylena said, trying to suppress a grin. "You know me—can't resist a good book."
• Layla chuckled. "That's so you. Actually, come with me." She motioned for Ylena to follow her toward the cashier counter. "I believe this is your book."
• Layla pulled out a familiar cover, and Ylena's heart sank as she recognized it instantly—Bloodstained Crown.
• Ylena let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "I think you're mistaken."
• Layla only shrugged, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Am I? Because your name's in it. And unless I forgot you splurging on this premium edition, I'd say it's yours." She held up the book, tilting it so the light caught the gilded edges, making them shimmer enticingly.
• Ylena's breath hitched as she reached out, fingertips grazing the luxurious cover. "I... I didn't buy this," she murmured, a shiver of confusion running through her. "I was just thinking about it earlier—but the premium edition? No way."
• "Is that so?" Layla teased. "Well, take it anyway. Maybe it's a gift. I couldn't possibly resell it—not when your name is engraved on the cover."
• Ylena froze. "Engraved?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, with dawning horror, "Who would dare do that to such a good book?"
• Layla opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a group of high school students approached the counter, their voices buzzing with excitement. Ylena barely heard them—until one sentence made her heart slam against her ribs.
• "Yes! I finished it last night. I was crying my eyes out!" one girl laughed, her voice carrying through the bookstore.
• "Same! I just finished Bloodstained Crown this morning. Didn't even sleep. And the audacity of the author to kill my beloved Elanthia??" the other girl wailed dramatically, fanning herself.
• Ylena's breath hitched. Her heart pounded against her ribs as the words sank in.
• What?
• A chill crept up her spine. Her fingers tightened around the book in her hands.
• Before she could think, she spun on her heel and bolted for the exit, Layla's voice calling after her—muffled, distant, drowned out by the rush of blood in her ears.
• The cool evening air hit her like a shock, but she barely registered it. Her mind was spinning too fast.