The Laughing Demon

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The dark room smelled of aged wine, expensive perfume, and burning incense.

A chandelier of gold and crystal hung from the ceiling, casting a dim, wavering glow across the antique furniture.

Every piece in this chamber—each chair, each table—was carved from the finest wood, draped in silken covers, adorned with the most lavish embroidery.

And yet, none of it could calm the rage seething inside me.

Crack!

The delicate wine glass flew from my hand, smashing against the far wall.

Scarlet liquid splattered across the room, staining the floor like fresh blood.

My breath came in quick, shallow bursts as I stared at the broken shards, my fingers digging into the arms of my chair.

"Again… AGAIN?!" My voice cut through the silence, shaking with fury. "That damn brat refuses to die!"

I shot up from my seat, my golden rings clinking as I ran a manicured hand through my hair.