Within a room in Gresham Palace, the scent of lavender and rosewater hung heavy in the air as Crown Prince Da Bai emerged from his bath. The opulent marble of his chamber seemed to shimmer in the soft light filtering through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished floor. A young woman, barely more than a girl, stood poised at the edge of the bath, a towel held out in trembling hands. Her eyes, wide and innocent, met his, their gaze lingering for a moment that felt like an eternity.
"My Prince," she whispered, her voice barely audible, a tremor running through her words.
Da Bai, a man in his late forties, with a face etched with years of indulgence and a body that still held a hint of youthful vigor, smiled. It was a smile that held a touch of cruelty, a knowing glint in his eyes that made the young servant's heart skip a beat. His gaze, like a predator assessing its prey, lingered on her, taking in the slight tremble of her hands, the flush of her cheeks, and the way her lips parted slightly in a silent plea.
"Thank you, Elara," he said, his voice a silken caress, a whisper that seemed to slither around her, sending shivers down her spine. "You are a sight for sore eyes."
Elara, her cheeks flushing crimson, quickly averted her gaze and stepped back, allowing him to take the towel. He wrapped it around his waist, the gesture almost casual, yet it held a subtle power that made Elara feel like a mere plaything in his hands. He was a predator, and she, a delicate bird caught in his web.
"You may leave now, Elara," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine.
Elara bowed her head, her body trembling slightly, and retreated from the chamber, leaving Da Bai alone with his thoughts. He stood for a moment, gazing out the window at the sprawling gardens below. The sun was just beginning to set, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns and the shimmering fountains. A sense of contentment washed over him. He was the crown prince, the heir to the throne of Gresham, a position he had coveted for years. His ambition had finally been realized, and now, he was enjoying the fruits of his labor.
But beneath the surface of his contentment, a darkness lurked. A hunger that gnawed at his soul, a craving that could never be satiated. He was a creature of both light and shadow, a prince by day, a monster by night.
He turned away from the window, his gaze falling upon the lavish spread laid out on a table in the center of the room. A feast fit for a king, with platters piled high with roasted meats, succulent fruits, and rich pastries. The aroma of the food was intoxicating, a symphony of flavors that danced in the air.
"Elara!" he called out, his voice a sharp command that echoed through the chamber.
The young servant, still trembling from her encounter with the prince, hurried back into the room, her eyes downcast.
"Yes, Your Highness?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Bring me more food," he said, his voice a low growl. "I am famished."
Elara bowed her head and scurried out of the room, her footsteps echoing in the silence. Da Bai watched her go, a flicker of something dark and sinister crossing his eyes. He turned back to the table, his gaze lingering on the feast before him.
Moments later, Elara returned, carrying another platter piled high with food. She placed it on the table, her hands trembling slightly, and then quickly retreated, her eyes never meeting his.
As soon as the door closed behind her, a transformation began to take place. Da Bai's skin, once smooth and pale, began to crack and peel, revealing a layer of grotesque, scaly flesh beneath. His eyes, once a piercing blue, turned a sickly yellow, filled with a primal hunger. His mouth stretched into a grotesque grin, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. His body, once lean and muscular, began to swell and contort, taking on a monstrous form.
In a matter of seconds, the crown prince was gone, replaced by a creature of pure nightmare. A grotesque monster with several scars all over, each one a testament to his dark past. His body was a patchwork of flesh and bone, twisted and contorted by a power that defied nature.
He reached out a hand, his claws glinting in the dim light. With a single bite, he tore into the food, devouring it with a ferocity that belied his monstrous form. The feast, which had been meant for a prince, was consumed in a matter of seconds. The creature, sated for the moment, slumped back in his chair, a satisfied sigh escaping his monstrous lips.
...
Elara stood outside the crown prince's chamber, her fingers fumbling through her uniform in search of something, seeking a distraction from the prickling unease that had settled in her stomach. The scent of incense, usually calming, now seemed heavy and oppressive, clinging to the air like a shroud. The memory of his gaze, both captivating and terrifying, lingered a phantom touch that sent shivers down her spine. She had seen him transform once before, his body contorting into a grotesque monster that seemed to devour all in its path.
Fear, cold and sharp, gripped her heart. She didn't want to become the next vanished servant, another name whispered in hushed tones, another empty chamber. With trembling hands, she brought out a piece of paper and a pen she quickly scribbled a letter, her pen scratching across the parchment like a desperate plea. She sealed it with a wax stamp.
The destination of the letter was to a certain someone she trusted and knew was not under the influence of the crown prince... Zhou Zhou.