Author Becomes Character (Revised version)

Eli's voice boomed, echoing off the walls of the nearly empty room. "What do you expect from Anya? She's not a noble, and she doesn't have any connections to the royal family."

I could see Sir Denise flinch at his words, but he didn't back down. He looked at me with determination in his eyes. "I don't know," he said, his voice softening. "It might sound ridiculous, but ever since I was young, I've had this gut feeling... this instinct. My gut tells me that Lady Anya can solve the problem that's eating away at Frasha, little by little, every day."

Eli's eyes narrowed as he scoffed, clearly irritated. "That's just ridiculous! Isn't it more like you're trying to dump your responsibility on her?" His anger was evident in his tone, but Sir Denise didn't respond, his head hanging low as if to avoid the argument altogether.

I wasn't sure what to think, either. I had no idea how to help Sir Denise. This monster invasion wasn't part of my novel, and I couldn't even begin to understand what was causing it. It only added to my growing doubts about whether this world was truly the one I'd written.

Eli shot me an exasperated look, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. "You're too soft! He's obviously just trying to pass his responsibility to you!"

I rolled my eyes, trying not to let his words get to me. "I'm not soft, Eli. You're just too guarded." I gave him a light tap on the shoulder and walked past him, heading toward Sir Denise.

Eli wasn't convinced, though. "You're letting him manipulate you, Anya. Just because you're capable doesn't mean you have to carry the weight of everyone else's failures. This isn't your problem. Why should you take it on?"

I paused, hearing the frustration in his voice. I didn't blame him for feeling that way. He'd been through a lot, and I knew how much he hated being vulnerable. Still, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

Turning back to face him, I softened my tone. "Eli, look... I get where you're coming from. But if I have the ability to help, why wouldn't I? We can't just let this place fall apart because it's easier to walk away. If we don't do something, who will?"

Eli's jaw clenched, and he paced in frustration, clearly torn. "It's not that simple, Anya. You don't know the full picture. These aren't just some monsters—they're relentless, and the people here..." His voice faltered for a moment, and he stared out the window, his back turned to me. "The people here... they've already given up. And no matter how hard you try, you can't save them all."

I stepped closer, not giving up. "But I can try, right? Isn't that all we can do? You know me, Eli—this isn't about saving everyone. It's about making a difference. Even if it's just a little one."

Eli exhaled sharply and finally met my gaze. He seemed worn out, his defenses slowly crumbling. "I don't want to see you get hurt, Anya. I can't stand the thought of you carrying all of this on your shoulders."

I smiled gently, knowing this wasn't easy for him. "I don't have to do it alone. You're all with me, right? We're a team. But someone has to step up, Eli. And I'm willing to be that person."

For a long moment, he didn't say anything. His eyes softened, and I could see the internal struggle as he weighed his words carefully. Finally, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Fine," he muttered, his tone reluctantly conceding. "But you better be careful, Anya. I don't want to see you get caught up in something bigger than you can handle."

I smiled, relieved that he was at least on board, even if just a little. "Thanks, Eli. I promise, I'll be careful. But I have to try."

With a final nod, Eli stepped back, though his concern still lingered in his eyes. "Just don't do anything reckless," he said, more softly now. "We'll figure this out together."