Chapter 18: Whispers of the Shadow Part 3: Desperate Cry

Victoria's heart raced as she looked into the cold, calculating eyes of Sebastian. Fear coiled in her stomach as she asked him the question that had been haunting her.

"What are you?" Her voice trembled despite her efforts to sound brave and composed. 

Sebastian's cruel smile widened as he leaned closer to her. "You do not need to know," he said softly, his words dripping with malice. His gaze shifted upwards, and Victoria felt a chill run down her spine.

"Sleep." With one word, the entire room was consumed by an eerie stillness. One by one, each person fell into a deep slumber, their bodies collapsing onto the floor or their heads hitting the table as they succumbed to Sebastian's command. 

As Victoria watched in horror, she realized that only Prince Alexander and herself remained conscious in the room. She exchanged a terrified glance before turning back to face Sebastian, who now wore a self-satisfied smirk on his face.