Scarlet Curse

Into The Empire

The towering gates of the Thylonos Empire stood before Carmilla, carved with intricate designs that shimmered under the sunlight. Guards in dark uniforms flanked the entrance, their eyes scanning the crowd of travelers. Carmilla hesitated for a moment, the grandeur of the empire overwhelming her.

She adjusted the strap of her satchel, taking a deep breath as she joined the line to enter. The guards barely glanced at her as she passed through, their disinterest allowing her to blend into the bustling streets beyond.

The empire was alive with activity. Merchants shouted to advertise their wares, children darted through the crowd with laughter, and the air was filled with the mingling scents of baked bread and roasted meat. Carmilla’s eyes widened as she took it all in—the stone buildings with their towering spires, the colorful banners fluttering in the breeze, and the sheer energy of the place.

She paused at the edge of the marketplace, her stomach growling at the sight of freshly baked pastries. A kind-looking vendor caught her eye and waved her over.

“First time in Thylonos?” the woman asked with a warm smile.

“Yes,” Carmilla admitted, pulling out a coin. “How much for one of those?”

The woman handed her a pastry and shook her head. “First one’s on me. Welcome to the empire.”

Carmilla hesitated but accepted the treat with a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

As she bit into the flaky pastry, a sense of hope filled her. Perhaps this was the fresh start she needed.

---

After wandering the streets for hours, Carmilla found a modest inn tucked away on a quieter road. The innkeeper, a plump woman with a cheerful demeanor, greeted her warmly.

“Looking for a room, dear?”

“Yes, just for a few days,” Carmilla replied.

The woman nodded. “You’re in luck. We’ve got a cozy one upstairs. Dinner’s included if you’re hungry later.”

Carmilla paid for her stay and climbed the narrow stairs to her room. It was simple but clean, with a comfortable bed and a small window overlooking the bustling street below. She set her satchel down and took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to relax.

That night, unable to sleep, Carmilla decided to explore the empire under the cover of darkness. The streets were quieter now, the crowds thinning as the villagers retreated to their homes. The cool night air was refreshing, and the soft glow of lanterns lit her path.

As she wandered, she marveled at the beauty of Thylonos at night. The towering buildings cast long shadows, and the sound of distant laughter echoed through the alleys. But as she turned down a quieter street, the atmosphere shifted.

The sound of footsteps behind her made her pause. She glanced over her shoulder to see four men emerging from the shadows. Their faces were rough, their smirks unsettling.

“Well, well,” one of them drawled. “What’s a pretty thing like you doing out here all alone?”

Carmilla’s heart pounded. She took a step back, her hand instinctively reaching for the knife in her boot. “I don’t want any trouble,” she said, her voice steady despite her fear.

Another man chuckled. “Trouble? Oh, we’re just being friendly.”

They moved closer, their intentions clear. Carmilla’s grip on her knife tightened as she slowly backed away. Then, without warning, she turned and ran.

“Get her!” one of the men shouted.

Carmilla’s boots pounded against the cobblestones as she weaved through the narrow alleys, her breath coming in sharp gasps. The men’s shouts grew louder behind her, but she didn’t dare look back.

She rounded a corner and collided with something—or someone—solid. The impact sent her stumbling, and strong hands caught her before she could fall.

“Whoa there,” a deep voice said, steady and calm.

Carmilla looked up, her wide eyes meeting those of a tall, imposing man. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his sharp features held an air of authority. But it was his eyes—intense and piercing—that held her attention.

“I—I’m sorry,” she stammered, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to—”

“Help me!” she managed to say, panic lacing her words.

The men chasing her rounded the corner, skidding to a halt when they saw who she had bumped into. Their expressions shifted from predatory to fearful.

“Y-Your Highness,” one of them stammered, bowing his head.

Carmilla’s breath hitched. Your Highness?

The man—Prince Magnus—glanced at the group, his expression hardening. “Is there a reason you’re chasing her?”

“N-no, Your Highness,” another man stuttered. “We were just… mistaken, that’s all.”

Magnus stepped forward, his presence commanding. “Leave. Now.”

The men scrambled to obey, disappearing back into the shadows without another word.

Carmilla stared at Magnus, her heart still racing. “You… you’re the prince?”

He turned to her, his expression softening slightly. “Yes, and you’re clearly not from around here. What are you doing wandering the streets at night?”

“I couldn’t sleep,” she admitted, still catching her breath. “I didn’t think—”

“That it would be dangerous?” Magnus finished, his tone firm but not unkind. “The streets of Thylonos are not as safe as they seem, especially for someone like you.”

Carmilla frowned. “Someone like me?”

His eyes lingered on her for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. “A newcomer. Vulnerable. Easy prey.”

“I didn’t mean to cause trouble,” she said softly.

Magnus sighed, his posture relaxing. “It’s not your fault. Come—I’ll walk you back to where you’re staying. It’s not safe for you to be out here alone.”

Carmilla hesitated but nodded. “Thank you… Your Highness.”

“Just Magnus is fine,” he said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

As they walked through the quiet streets, Carmilla couldn’t shake the feeling that this encounter was more than just chance. The prince’s presence was magnetic, and his calm strength made her feel oddly safe.

When they reached the inn, Magnus stopped at the door. “Stay inside at night. Thylonos has its dangers, and I won’t always be there to intervene.”

Carmilla nodded. “Thank you, Magnus. I mean it.”

He gave her a small nod before turning to leave, his figure disappearing into the shadows.

As she climbed the stairs to her room, Carmilla couldn’t help but wonder: Who exactly was Magnus Silvius? And why did he feel so… familiar?

Little did she know, this wasn’t an accidental meeting. Prince Magnus roamed the streets due to the outstanding scent of vanilla musk and cherry blossoms infiltrating his nose. Only to find out it was her.