Sesillian's POV
As a child, I often wandered through this manor, back when the caretaker was still alive and keeping it in order for our family. Even then, I couldn't shake the eerie sensation that someone, or something, was leading me deeper into its shadows.
The portrait of my great-great-grandfather always seemed to follow me, his piercing eyes locked onto mine. It was like he was watching my every move, silently observing. My sister Sara used to whisper that there was something deeply wrong with this place. Back then, she wasn't as far gone as she is now. But whatever she saw, whatever she shouldn't have, it shattered her mind.
Over time, Sara's sanity began to slip away. She'd sit alone, talking to herself in hushed, frantic tones. She started doing twisted things to her dolls—ripping off their limbs and heads, leaving them in pieces. I'll never forget the way she laughed while doing it, a manic, chilling sound that echoed through the halls.
Her eyes had turned cold, almost inhuman, like she was possessed by something dark and uncaring. But I wasn't scared; I just thought maybe she was always like that. After all, her eyes—and mine—bore an unsettling resemblance to our great-great-grandfather's.
Yes, those eyes. They seemed to pull me in, like a vortex, drawing me deeper into their dark abyss.
When I was alone, I finally dared to examine the portrait more closely. I gingerly lifted it, peering behind it. That's when I saw it—a dark symbol etched into the wall, a mark of shadows encroaching upon the light. The symbol was broad and complex, but I understood its significance instantly. Maybe this was what had driven Sara to madness. I hadn't grasped it before, but now it was clear.
This symbol had the power to drive anyone insane.
I uncovered that my great-great-grandfather had led a malevolent organization called Eclipse. This dark force had nearly subdued the world, controlling it from the shadows while everyone remained blissfully unaware. Their power stemmed from an ancient dark lord, a primordial dragon known as the Great Dark.
Lord Xyroskhaal, born in the earliest epochs of the world, possessed a strength that rivaled even the Great Red and other ancient dragons. Lord Xyroskhaal was the embodiment of darkness itself.
I became completely enthralled by him, like I had unearthed a long-lost lover buried deep within the annals of history. That initial fascination quickly spiraled into something darker—an obsession that consumed me. I loved every twisted bit of it. This had to be why my great-great-grandfather had worshiped the Great Dark so fervently.
Years passed, and I accumulated a legion of followers through cunning payment schemes, calculated betrayals, and elaborate scams. I amassed a crowd, manipulating them with the power of my voice. My skill, Charm, allowed me to bend people to my will, seducing them with nothing but my words.
Although it was a relatively weak skill, only effective on those already enchanted by my appearance, it served me well.
Finally, after waiting patiently, I found the last piece of the puzzle I needed. I had initially planned to target the actual princess of Milham, but her constant surveillance by royal knights made that impossible. Then, she appeared—Charlotte. Though not the princess herself, Charlotte was of royal blood. Her mother, a former princess of Milham, had died giving birth to her.
With her royal lineage, she was the perfect candidate. I wasted no time in seducing her, knowing she was crucial to completing my plans.
I had managed to seduce her, feeling her affection for me overflow. But even though I was eager to slit her throat and let her blood flow for our lord's dark pleasure, the time wasn't right yet. I needed her to remain pure, or the ritual wouldn't succeed. So, I had to be patient and keep my hands off her until the moment was perfect.
As I held her close, my expression was likely sinister, though she couldn't see it. My face must have been twisted with malice, but as soon as we parted, I shifted back to my charming, gentle demeanor.
"It's getting late, Charlotte," I said, my voice soft and reassuring. "Why don't we head back to the Academy City?"
She looked a little disappointed.
But I reassured her, "Don't worry, Charlotte. Once I'm ready to take you, I'll make sure we share a night together. For now, just take care of yourself and don't let anyone else's words bring you down."
Her smile returned, brightening her face. "Yes, Professor."
That's right. The time wasn't right yet. There were still many more women whose blood I needed for this ritual. But wait for me, Charlotte—your turn will come soon enough.