Saved By The Mad Duke

Ahspid stood before his dark, empty desk, slowly sliding his somber, almost colorless eyes over its polished surface. He had grown used to the usual mess he liked to leave behind, even though it was always taken care of by one of the nosy maids, no matter how many times he continued to ruin her efforts simply because he liked to banter.

Now, this emptiness was a reflection of his own self.

Then, he carefully took off the golden ring from his little finger and placed it on the desk, his hand trembling slightly as he moved it away from the golden band.

’You gifted me your treasure, Lady Valentine, so allow me to gift you mine. Take good care of it for me. I know you can.’

With the heavy, solemn air surrounding him like an invisible presence, the man wrapped a long, thick black cloak around his shoulders, took one last good look at his empty room, then covered his head with the wide hood, and left the room quietly as if he were a wandering ghost.

As he opened the back door of the castle, he was instantly greeted by a strong gust of cold wind that seemed to have reached his very soul despite it being hidden underneath the thick layers of warm clothing. The man shook off the unpleasant chilly feeling and tied the cloak tightly around his neck, protecting himself from the future touch of cold.

The castle was fast asleep, with not a single sound or movement, only the occasional howling of the wind ringing ominously in Ahspid’s ears. It was the perfect night to disappear.

Before taking another step to resume his journey, as if his own body was still reluctant to move, the man raised his head and fixed his eyes on the full moon shining brightly in the dark, clear sky. When was the last time he stopped and watched the moon glisten with all shades of silver? He could not recall.

Perhaps that was the reason why all of a sudden, not only the moon but the whole world around him began to look completely different.