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3. LORD BLACKWOOD (POV)

The shadows stretch across the horizon in Eldemere, a city where the sun always seems hidden behind a veil of clouds. Up there on the hilltop stands my castle, a historic and medieval structure that I've witnessed being born and growing through the centuries. This castle, is now the stage for my tireless quests and sacrifices, which have generated so many concubines that I've lost count, and none of them capable of satiating me.

As my footsteps echo through the carved stone corridor, I head towards the paintings. The latest work I acquired is from an ancient wizard, conveying in its paint markings a legend I've been trying to decipher for years. Perhaps today marks the beginning of a sacrifice I will make, based on this legend.

My face quickly turns in the direction where I hear distant footsteps. It must be Marv bringing news about the young woman they located for me in a distant city. With my hands behind my back, I walk slowly towards the window, still hearing the footsteps growing increasingly hurried in my direction.

"Master, I bring news," says the elder who has been with me for exactly 50 years, a loyal squire carrying generations of ancestors by my side.

"Get straight to the point, Marv."

His aged yet still sharp eyes meet mine. He knows my patience is thin, and my demands are high.

"It's about the young woman, they're already on their way with her, Master. They should arrive in a few minutes. Should I prepare everything?" A smile forms on my lips as I watch the rain falling outside.

"As soon as she arrives, have everything ready for the ceremony, and delegate maids to take care of everything she needs. I want her ready in the ceremony room when the clock strikes midnight." I see his reflection in the window, acknowledging my orders.

As he steps away, my attention returns to the window, where I see the arrival of the car. There must be the young woman who might be my salvation for my eternity.

"Marv, wait!" I quickly turn and, in a fraction of a second, I'm by his side.

"Yes, master?" He looks at me over his shoulder while unbuttoning my shirt.

"Why is she being carried when I made it clear I wanted her awake?" My voice sounds hoarse, displaying my discontent.

His breathing seems to quicken in response to my question, and he looks ahead again, avoiding any eye contact with me, as is customary with all my employees.

"Unfortunately, I have no answers to your question, Master. I was only informed of her arrival. Only Zion can answer that." He quickly exits my chambers, leaving me alone.

I close my eyes, focusing on summoning my shadows, which traverse wall by wall, searching for the location she's in. I'm surprised to feel her heart beating peacefully in the room next to mine. They placed her on the bed because, for some reason, she was unconscious. My desire to know the reason only grows. I can't see her face clearly through the shadows, but there's something about her that intrigues me. Could she be the one I've been searching for all this time?

I try to set aside these thoughts and focus in front of my closet, looking for the perfect attire for the sacrifice. I put on a white shirt, and high-end black trousers, as the presence of others is not necessary for the sacrifice, only she alone with me.

I keep my shadows in the room where she is, waiting until she wakes up and is ready for the act.

I check my reflection in the mirror, then pick up the box sitting on the wooden countertop.

With a smooth motion, I open the box, revealing a necklace with a red ruby. Each concubine who comes under my dominion receives a similar jewel. With it, I can track them beyond the shadows. However, this one, in particular, is intended for the woman who, legend has it, might be the one.

Knocking on the door interrupts my thoughts, and I quickly put the ruby necklace back in the box.

"Enter," I command in a raised voice.

Zion enters the room and closes the door behind him. He keeps a certain distance and avoids direct eye contact.

"Master, the young woman is already in her quarters," he reports.

I raise an eyebrow, keeping my gaze steady on Zion. "I know, Zion. And I want to know why she's in such a deep sleep."

His eyes widen in alarm, and his jaw tightens, as if he's about to confess something he knows very well I won't like. "I had to put her to sleep, master. Otherwise, she would have seen the way to Eldermere." His words make me realize that the young woman is more intriguing than I could have imagined.

I approach Zion in slow steps, analyzing his features. Zion is the head of my servants, someone I trust to take care of the most important details.

"Explain yourself, Zion," I command, keeping my tone calm but firm. I want to fully understand the situation before making any decisions.

He maintains his posture, listening to my order attentively. His hands clenched into fists, an instinctive human reaction to protect oneself even while speaking. "Master, I know you didn't want this kind of action. But I thought it was best to do it," he responds honestly, still displaying concern in his features.I gaze at him for a moment, pondering his words.

"You acted impulsively, as always, Zion," I say with a hint of reproach in my voice. "I hope I won't have any unpleasant surprises because of your actions. Now, ensure that she wakes up in time for the ceremony. We can't afford delays."

"Yes, Master," Zion replies, ready to leave the room. However, I interrupt him before he can go.

"Bring Beatrice here," I order. "She will be responsible for the young woman. I want to give instructions."

It's important that Beatrice, my governess, is aware of all the details and requirements regarding our new concubine.

His nod is brief, then he departs, soon returning with Beatrice and leaving us alone.

"You summoned me, Lord," she addresses me with respect, just like Marv. Beatrice is one of the oldest servants I have.

"Yes, I want you to be responsible for the young woman who will be my new concubine. Give her all the instructions you know, and warn her not to look at me directly." My tone sounds calm, although I'm on edge, realizing that she has awakened.

"Yes, Lord. Is there anything else you desire?" She bows before me, her manners have always made me admire her. In all these centuries, she is the only one who has been able to serve me so well, to the point of never disappointing me.

I approach her, my calm steps echoing on the wooden floor. "She is already awakening, take care of her and provide anything she may need."

Her steps are quick as she turns and leaves the room towards the young woman. Never in all this time have I felt so drawn to getting to know my next concubine, but for the sacrifice to proceed as necessary, I need to know whether I should kill her or not.

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