Lila had always been content in the shadows. Movies were her escape, her sanctuary—a place where daring heroines faced impossible odds and emerged triumphant. She devoured every film she could, memorizing lines, studying mannerisms, and imagining what it would feel like to live in their world. But she had never expected her obsession to become reality.
It started as a typical evening. Lila scrolled through forums, reading fan theories and debates, when a tiny notification appeared on her phone: "Step inside the story. Become who you've always admired." Her brow furrowed. She tapped it. A sleek, almost hypnotic interface appeared, offering a single option: Choose a character. Live their life. No returns guaranteed.
Her pulse quickened. Could this be some experimental app? Augmented reality? A marketing gimmick for a new film? She hesitated only a moment before typing the name that had captivated her imagination for years: Liora Cade.
The screen glowed brilliantly. A surge of energy coursed through her, and before she could blink, the world around her dissolved. Her apartment, the dim light, the familiar hum of her laptop—all gone.