Klaus suddenly burst out, "Why is the origin of vampires clear, while that of werewolves remains shrouded in mystery?" His voice echoed through the room, breaking the silence. Setting down his book, he turned to Thorne, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Thorne, instead of answering, merely offered a rough grin.
Klaus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This book claims the first werewolf was a formidable warrior cursed by a spiteful witch. There should be more to the story, don't you think?"
"And what could this warrior have possibly done to provoke her into such a drastic retaliation?" Klaus continued, his brow furrowed in thought.
As Thorne drew in a breath to respond, Margaret and Keira entered, their presence momentarily silencing the room.
"The legend suggests that the curse was not just punishment but also an embodiment of the witch's fascination with his strength," Margaret explained, her voice soft and serene. "She took delight in watching a once powerful warrior reduced to a creature of instinct, a savage beast."
A hush fell over the room as Klaus digested her words. The obscured origins of vampires and werewolves, tangled in webs of magic and curses, inspired both awe and a relentless curiosity within him.
"Following the initial curse, other warriors suffered the same fate, leading to the formation of werewolf packs scattered across the world." Keira chimed in.
A look of revelation flashed across Klaus's face. His gaze flitted between the book in his hands and the women before he nodded, sinking back into his ponderings.
His study was shattered by a thunderous clatter. Startled, Klaus swivelled towards the noise. A stack of ancient, weather-beaten books had toppled onto the desk near him, their fall resonating through the room.
His gaze was riveted to the books, and his excitement was palpable. His fingers itched to leaf through the timeworn pages to unearth the secrets they concealed. The sight of the battered covers and the scent of aged parchment stoked a fervour within him—a relentless hunger for understanding and exploration.
"These are the books I need you to decipher," Margaret announced, pulling Klaus from his reverie.
With a swift motion, Klaus reached out, tracing his fingers along the spines of the books. Each one promised untold secrets waiting to be discovered. Carefully, he selected the topmost volume, lifting it with a reverence reserved for treasured artefacts.
The book was heavy, as if it bore the weight of centuries of wisdom. As Klaus read the title, anticipation bubbled within him. He gently cracked open the book, revealing yellowed pages filled with handwritten text, and smiled.
"If you need anything, let me know." Margaret said this with a gentle smile on her face.
Engrossed in the pages of the book he held, Klaus remained oblivious to Margaret's presence. Sensing the gravity of his demeanour, Margaret discreetly motioned for Keira and Thorne to join her outside the room.
Once the door closed behind them, Klaus finally tore his attention away from the book. His lips parted slightly in surprise, only to quickly resume their position as he buried himself once more in the words adorning the desk.
"Ex Nihilo Veritas, Luminaque Aeterna, Vincula Mundi, Solvamini!" Let the truth emerge from nothingness, eternal light shine forth, and the bonds of the world be unshackled.
As Klaua read a passage in the book, a smile soon formed on his face. Taking hold of the pen on the desk, he grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down the context of an ancient magical incantation.
"Ex Nihilo Veritas" invokes the concept of truth emerging from nothingness, representing the search for the ultimate knowledge and understanding that transcends the limitations of the world.
It symbolises the pursuit of hidden wisdom and the unveiling of hidden truth.
"Luminaque Aeterna" calls upon the eternal light, representing the divine illumination that dispels darkness and ignorance. It signifies the quest for enlightenment, both spiritual and intellectual, and the awakening of inner brilliance.
The spell harnesses the radiant forces of the universe, beckoning the guiding light to reveal the mysteries and guide the seeker's path.
"Vincula Mundi, Solvamini" emphasises the liberation of the world's bonds. It signifies breaking free from the chains of limitations, restrictions, and obstacles that bind and hinder progress.
This portion of the spell seeks to dissolve the barriers that confine the spirit, whether they are physical, mental, or spiritual in nature. It calls for the release of stagnant energies, the breaking of oppressive cycles, and the opening of pathways to new possibilities.
Klaus's eyes widened with a newfound understanding as he unravelled the cryptic meaning of the spell.
A grin born of excitement stretched across his face, transforming it into a portrait of pure delight. Each word and incantation etched itself into his mind, expanding his knowledge with every line he devoured.
In one of the rooms, Seated in the chair behind the antique desk, Margaret exuded an air of serene satisfaction. A smile, tinged with a touch of smugness, played upon her lips as she revelled in the knowledge that the solution to all her troubles lay within her grasp.
Before her were Keira and Thorne. And while Keira wore a look of visible relief, the expression on Thorne's face betrayed a deep sense of concern.
His forehead was a roadmap of worry, and his face was lined with the markings of distress. Sensing the brooding gloom that filled the room, Margaret decided to address it.
"What's on your mind, Thorne?" She inquired, her posture straightening.
Thorne swallowed hard, taken aback by Margaret's abrupt shift in demeanour. He inhaled deeply, then voiced his concern. "Lady Margaret, I know this opportunity will open a new door, but don't you think we are making a mistake?" he said, striving to maintain a respectful tone.
Keira's eyes fluttered at Thorne's words. She opened her mouth to speak, but a swift gesture from Margaret silenced her. Margaret wanted to hear Thorne out.
"Go on, Thorne, what makes you think that we are making a mistake, or rather, what makes you think that I am making a mistake?" Margaret probed.
"Klaus identity and his intention are concerning, as is the fact that we are letting him in on ancient magic, spells, and secrets that even the king himself isn't aware of. It is very concerning." Thorne confessed, his gaze locked on Margaret.
"He might not really remember anything about himself now, but he will eventually, and when that happens, we might not be able to bear the consequences of it." Thorne continued. "Before any unforeseen event occurs, I suggest we get rid of this anomaly."
Thorne's face hardened, his resolve evident in every word he uttered.
The air turned thick with tension as the room fell silent. Margaret's gaze locked onto Thorne, and Thorne defiantly met her stare. After an uncomfortable pause, the silence was shattered by Margaret's laugh.
The sound took Thorne by surprise. But before he could react, Margaret spoke. "An unforeseen event? You sound so certain, Thorne. You've brought this up repeatedly, and I'm beginning to suspect you're withholding something."
"No, Lady Margaret," Thorne protested, bowing his head. "But Klaus's actions since our first encounter have been peculiar, and his status as an anomaly cannot be ignored."
"I'm afraid if we continue to keep him by our side, nothing good will come from it. His ability to decipher ancient magic might be astounding, but I don't think the risk is worth it at the same time." Thorne added.
Keira, positioned beside Thorne, heaved a deep breath. She cast a fervent gaze upon him before shaking her head in a mixture of disbelief and disappointment.
Thorne had never been subtle about his disdain for Klaus, but as he revealed his skills, his contempt seemed to escalate beyond measure.
In the midst of the tension, Margaret, the epitome of composure, slowly rose from her seat. The room grew still as all eyes turned towards her, anticipating her next move.
With regal grace, she locked her gaze on Thorne, her eyes piercing into his very core. Her voice, devoid of any discernible warmth or coldness, resonated with an air of authority as she addressed him.
"I have been privy to your thoughts," she declared, her words hanging in the air with an unwavering command. "And you are hereby dismissed." Her voice held an indifferent tone.
The room remained silent, the weight of Margaret's words settling upon them like a heavy fog. Thorne, though visibly taken aback, managed to maintain a semblance of composure. He nodded curtly, a mixture of defiance and resignation flickering in his eyes, before turning on his heel and exiting the room without uttering a single word.
Keira's attention shifted abruptly from the closed door to Margaret, her eyes widening in concern. Before she could even form her words, a sudden thud resonated from the upper floor, causing her brows to furrow in worry.
The unmistakable sound of Klaus's pained voice reached her ears, sending a shiver down her spine.
Stumbling over her own words, Keira managed to stutter, "Thorne... he—" Her sentence was left hanging, interrupted by the swift and decisive action of Margaret. Without a moment's hesitation, Margaret sprang into motion, her purposeful strides carrying her out of the room and up the stairs with an urgency that left no room for doubt.
Keira's instincts kicked in, and she wasted no time in following suit.