The room was wide, yet swallowed by shadows. The air inside was cool and still, heavy with the faint scent of aged wood and candle wax. A massive king-size bed sat in one corner, its dark sheets barely distinguishable in the gloom. Across from it stood a low couch facing the window, paired with a small table where a lone candle flickered weakly, casting more shadow than light.
Luminous stones were mounted on the walls, their soft glow trapped and muted beneath thick black fabrics. It was as if the occupant preferred darkness over light.
Prince Morloch sat on the couch, posture relaxed but presence sharp, his long fingers resting over the open pages of a book. He leaned slightly toward the candle, eyes scanning the lines with unhurried focus.
A faint noise broke the silence, a soft scree
