At Victoria's residence...
Gas lamps were adorned with red-tinted glass, each embellished with delicate flower patterns, casting a gentle red glow. The intricate floral shadows danced upon the walls of the living room.
The air carried a fragrant bouquet of roses and delicious food, enhancing the inviting ambiance.
In the center, a long table was elegantly covered with a pure white cloth embroidered with roses and leaves. Four plates were meticulously arranged, each bearing a selection of culinary delights.
On each side of the table, there were three chairs, and one chair was placed at the top and bottom.
Two deep plates held homemade chicken soup, its aroma wafting temptingly. The other two held perfectly cooked steaks, their juices glistening on the porcelain.
Henry and Victoria were seated at the top and bottom chairs, facing each other.
In the corner of the room, stood a young female servant with average looks and blonde hair, waiting to offer further assistance.
Henry admired the atmosphere, his gaze shifting from plate to plate of delicious looking food, then landing on Victoria.
Victoria wore a slightly oversized white buttoned shirt under a black dress adorned with intricate patterns that extended up to her neckline. Her silvery-brown, curly hair cascaded just below her shoulders, lending a youthful charm to her 22 years. Her thin lips were inviting, and her soft amber eyes held a captivating allure.
With a touch of self-praise, she said,
"Do you like it?"
Henry met her gaze, his smile warm.
"I'll have to try it and see."
He picked up a silver fork and knife, cutting into the meat. Juices spilled onto the plate. A mouthful, combined with a bite of white bread, filled his senses.
"Mmm. This is delicious."
Victoria's smile radiated from both her mouth and her eyes.
"I'm glad you like it."
They continued to enjoy their meal. When the plates were empty, a servant cleared them away, aiming to wash them later so as not to disturb the atmosphere.
At Lucian's room...
"He's here." whispered Selena.
Panicking, since he didn't get to the full potential of his powers. He swiftly devised a cunning plan. He opened the wardrobe and gathered a handful of clothes, stuffing them under the blankets to create a makeshift decoy.
Next, he retrieved his revolver from beneath the pillow and positioned himself behind the door.
Faint footsteps echoed from the first floor, each step sending chills through the revolver's handle, as if it mirrored the intruder's murderous intent. Then, a muffled whisper reached his ears, unmistakably the intruder's voice.
"Is it safe to enter Lucian Wright's room."
After what felt like an eternity, the man inched closer, slowly opening the door. He approached Lucian, looming over him, preparing to strike.
Boom
A gunshot echoed through the room, the intruder clutching his wounded shoulder, a sizzle emanating from the wound. Lucian's aim faltered, as he had only seen revolvers in movies and never used any firearms.
The man, appearing to be in his thirties, tall with brown hair, clad in a black suit, and possessing glowing brown eyes, surged towards Lucian, knife in hand. His movements were swift, a blur.
Bam Bam Bam
Three more shots, leaving only two bullets remaining. The man skillfully evaded them, relentless in his advance.
Lucian, overcome by terror, dropped the revolver, executing a desperate roll towards left to evade. Yet, the man changed course, closing in on Lucian. He didn't have enough time to stand up, so he kept laying there.
A surge of sensation coursed through Lucian's hands; his nails grew at a remarkable pace, becoming both tougher, longer and sharper.
With a swift motion, the man swung his knife towards the grounded Lucian, who narrowly evaded by tilting his head to the left. The blade embedded itself partially into the floor, leaving the man dangerously close.
Using his newfound strength, Lucian raised his torso and swung both arms, forming an 'X'. His transformed nails sliced through the man's throat.
The intruder froze, suspended in his final posture, before collapsing lifelessly onto Lucian.
The room was drenched in crimson, walls painted red, a pool of blood forming on the floor, and Lucian's face stained scarlet.
Lucian sealed his mouth and eyes, hoping to keep the blood at bay, then pushed the lifeless body off him.
Tump
Only after the intense fight did the shock finally set in. Lying on the floor, his back slightly arched, elbows planted firmly, Lucian surveyed the room in disbelief. He couldn't fathom what had just happened.
His heart pounded, threatening to burst from his chest. He breathed heavily through his mouth, fearing the scent of blood would seep into his nostrils.
His once pristine suit and hands were now drenched in a deep crimson.
"I... I just took a man's life."
Seated beside the lifeless body, he extended his blood-stained hands, observing his now razor sharp, steel strong nails retracting. He murmured.
"I'm a murderer... No, a monster..."
Suddenly, a soft glow emanated from behind the door. Lucian snapped to attention, rising to investigate the source.
It was his revolver! He retrieved it for a closer inspection, noting the sigil glowing even brighter. It bore the shape of a circle with a line beneath, culminating in an inverted, centered triangle.
Why is this suddenly glowing? What is going to happen..
Then he felt a strange shift in the blood on his face, scaring him. Approaching the mirror by his bed, he watched in astonishment as the blood seemed to gather, dripping from his face to the suit, then from the fabric to the floor, as though drawn by an unseen force.
Glancing around, he witnessed every droplet moving towards the lifeless figure. A chilling thought gripped him.
F*ck, is he getting resurrected!
He pointed the revolver at the motionless body, ready to fire should it move. Moments passed, and all the blood returned to its vessel. Then, a vast, void-like darkness emerged from the ground beneath and around the body.
Expanding with each passing second, Lucian braced himself, two bullets remaining.
The shadow engulfed the corpse, swallowing it whole. In its place, an oddly shaped, brown soft substance materialized.
Lucian lowered the revolver, its once brilliant sigil now a faint glow.
Is this the power of this revolver? It swallows the person and spits something out.
And my nails, without that strange power, I'd likely be a corpse by now.
The room, once a canvas of crimson, now bore no trace. The body had vanished, leaving only three bullet marks and slightly shifted furniture as testament to the violent struggle.
Lucian approached and picked up the finger-sized gooey substance, feeling a faint, static-like spark. His eyes noticed an unusual black aura coming from it. He wondered about its purpose and why it emitted such a glow. Despite the reluctance to keep it, he chose to hold onto it, planning to conceal it once he restored the room to its former glory.
He decided to reach out to Selena first and vent about everything, unburdened by the fear of her anger. Trust had been established, knowing she protected him.
"Selena."
"Yes?" She answered.
"Was there any other way this could have been done without the need for me to kill that man and become a murderer?" He asked, reflecting on the regrettable action he had taken.
"No." she replied, her tone resolute.
He considered asking why she was so certain, but decided against it.
"Did I... When I performed the ritual, did I become a monster?" He inquired, his concern evident.
"No, Lucian. You've simply gained the powers to defend your life." she reassured.
"What is your goal? Why did you grant me these powers?" He probed.
"You'll find out soon enough." she cryptically replied.
He then proceeded to restore everything to its original position. The makeshift decoy, made from his clothes, found its place back in the wardrobe. He rearranged the furniture, contemplating the three bullet holes in the wall.
What should I do about this... Should I just leave it be? I can't easily hide it. I suppose I'll need to buy a hammer and nails tomorrow.
In case Henry asks, I'll simply mention that I've been considering hanging three paintings from the living room in my chamber.
Lucian then descended to the basement, bypassing the need to illuminate the space with gas lamps thanks to his newfound night vision. He accessed the concealed chamber and stowed away all his possessions: moonwater, the viscous brown substance, ritual knife, revolver..
He returned to his room, a part of him relieved that the body and blood had been consumed. Then, he went to sleep.