Chapter 182: Madness!

Duke Lucius's Estate

Duke Lucius sat at his large mahogany desk, trying to focus on the parchment laden with important correspondences and documents spread out before him. The dim flicker from the solitary candle on his desk was casting long, ominous shadows that danced on the ancient books lining the walls of his study.

Suddenly, a low murmur broke the encompassing silence. Lucius snapped his attention towards the source, a frown of annoyance creasing his weathered face. His study was a sanctuary, a place of solitude where he could escape from the bustling realities of the estate. He was certain he'd been alone.