Bloodyking99

In a world in ruin, Eren Veylen stumbles upon a powerful and sinister book—the Grimoire of Infinite Malice. The book, which feeds on life, souls, and essence, offers unimaginable power in exchange for a pact. As Eren accepts its dark offer, he embarks on a path that will consume his humanity and transform him into something far more dangerous. The grimoire craves sustenance, and its power knows no bounds. Can Eren maintain control, or will he be lost to the evil that now resides within him?

Grimoire of Infinite Malice

The night air in the Royal Capital was thick with perfume, laughter, and unspoken tension.

Eren—Renard Edevane—stood before the grand entrance of House Ravendell's estate, the towering marble pillars illuminated by hundreds of floating magical lanterns.

The nobles of the kingdom—dressed in opulent silks, adorned with rare jewels, and veiled in deceit—moved like predators in a gilded cage.

And tonight, Eren had entered their domain.

His outfit was tailored to perfection—a black suit with intricate silver embroidery, a deep crimson cape lined with obsidian fur, and a half-mask covering the right side of his face.

It was designed to draw attention while keeping him untouchable.

The moment he stepped through the entrance, all eyes turned to him.

"Renard Edevane… The last of a ruined house?"

"They say he was exiled, but now he walks among us?"

"Either he's a fool… or a monster."

Tonight, he had only one goal—to uncover the true players in this deadly game.

A servant approached, bowing gracefully.

"Lord Edevane, the Duke is eager to meet you. This way, please."

Eren followed, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd.

He spotted political rivals disguised as allies, assassins dressed as courtiers, and spies pretending to be harmless noblewomen.

This wasn't a gathering. It was a battlefield.

Duke Ravendell sat at the head of the ballroom, his wine-red robes embroidered with golden serpents. His sharp gaze locked onto Eren as he approached.

"Renard Edevane," the Duke mused, swirling his wine. "I never thought I'd see another of your bloodline walking these halls."

Eren gave a practiced smirk. "The world has a way of surprising us, Your Grace."

The Duke studied him. Calculating. Weighing.

"Survival is an art, Lord Edevane. I wonder—what kind of artist are you?"

Eren met his gaze, his own eyes unreadable.

"One who paints in shadows, Your Grace."

The Duke chuckled. "How poetic. I do hope you enjoy the gala."

Eren inclined his head, then turned away.

As he moved through the ballroom, he felt it.

His instincts flared. Someone was watching him.

He turned—and met golden eyes from across the room.

She stood near the balcony, draped in an elegant midnight-blue gown. Her face was veiled, but her piercing golden eyes locked onto his like a hunter tracking prey.

A noble? A spy? Or something far more dangerous?

If she was hunting him… she had no idea that he was hunting her too.

With calculated ease, Eren took a glass of wine and made his way toward her.

The moment he approached, the woman turned to face him fully.

"Lord Edevane," she murmured, her voice smooth as silk. "Quite the entrance you made tonight."

He took a slow sip of his wine, his expression unreadable. "And you are?"

She chuckled. "A shadow in the night. Much like yourself."

His smirk deepened. A dangerous one, then.

"Then let's not waste time," he said. "Tell me—why are you watching me?"

The woman leaned in slightly, her golden eyes gleaming.

"Because, Lord Edevane… I like to study the most interesting pieces on the board before I decide whether to play with them… or break them."

Eren's grip on his glass tightened slightly.

A threat? A challenge? Or an invitation?

Whichever it was—he wasn't going to back down.

Eren's first night in the Royal Capital is off to a dangerous start! Who is this mysterious woman? And what role will she play in the deadly game of nobles?

Chapter 85: The Royal Gala – A Stage for Predators