The room into which I had stumbled possessed a curious chill, though a fire burned brightly in the grate. Its warmth did not reach the corners, nor could it dispel the strange heaviness that seemed to press upon the air. I heard low sighs—mournful, languid—and my eyes, adjusting to the dim glow, discerned a scene most extraordinary.
Before me, seated like a monarch upon his throne, was the silhouette of a man. He reclined in composure, a goblet of wine poised in his hand, as he watched two figures entangled in indecent union before him. The coldness I had felt—it emanated from him, I was certain of it.
Only his back was visible, yet his presence filled the chamber. My breath faltered; the remnants of fear from the earlier encounter still lingered in my veins. My gaze, against my will, dr
