The full moon rose high over the skies of Tales—a presence so bright and radiant that not even a cloud dared to veil it. The market square bustled beneath its glow, lanterns flickering as sellers chattered, unwilling to pack up until their final stock was sold. A city that appeared so innocent, so humane…
Down in the House of Zarek, a mansion vast in size yet heavy with unease, the kitchen hummed with hushed whispers. A group of maids clustered near the pantry, voices trembling as they leaned closer.
"I saw them take Master to the east wing," one maid whispered. "He looked pale and weak. He was groaning, almost as if he had lost his sanity."
Another swallowed hard. "Have any of you seen the lady in white? I think… I think tonight may be her last."
"Don't let Madam Louise hear you spreading such rumors," a voice warned.
"And what if she does?" another blurted out. "How long can they fool us? We all know the truth. We all know."
Suddenly, one of the maids scurried into the kitchen.
"Madam Louise—Madam Louise," she whispered urgently.
Panic erupted. The maids scattered, grabbing whatever lay within reach—brooms, dusters, plates, mops—anything to disguise their guilt.
A woman in her fifties stepped into the kitchen. Strands of gray streaked through her hair, each one a testament to years of authority and experience. Her thin lips pressed together, and her sharp eyes carried a fierceness that silenced the room.
"Why are you all gathered here so late?" she demanded. "You should be in your chambers."
"Forgive us, Madam," one maid stammered. "We hadn't finished cleaning the dishes and the cauldron."
"And you?" Madam Louise turned sharply to another. "Is dusting now an excuse for gossip?"
The maid dropped her duster. Her gaze fell to the floor as she gave a shallow curtsy and hurried out.
"Drop whatever you're doing and return to your chambers," Madam Louise ordered.
The east wing of the House of Zarek lay in silence—long, shadowed, and forbidden. No soul dared step foot there at night. Even during the day, workers entered only when permitted.
"Somebody help me!" a woman's voice screamed. "Please—don't hurt me!"
The cry echoed through every corridor of the east wing.
Then—silence.