Tonight

Count Percival leaned back in his high-backed chair, swirling a glass of deep red wine in his hand. Across from him sat Jinnara, the representative of the Sanchez household and the son of its powerful head. Jinnara's charming smile and calm demeanor had already earned the Count's trust, or at least his temporary favor.

"Damn it all," Percival growled, slamming his glass onto the table. "The bidding's delayed again. Those damn fools haven't delivered the last batch of materials. I sent my men to check, but if I find out I've been double-crossed…" He paused, his expression darkening. "I'll make them pay in ways they'll never forget."

Jinnara leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. His silver-tongued responses were smooth as silk. "Count Percival, you have every right to be frustrated. These delays not only waste time but tarnish your reputation as well. But rest assured, I'm confident you'll handle this matter swiftly and decisively. After all, your leadership is unparalleled."

The Count grunted, his mood slightly appeased. "At least someone around here understands."

Just then, the door to the hall opened, and a young maid entered with a tray of refreshments. Lily, her name was, and her presence seemed to brighten the otherwise tense atmosphere. She moved gracefully, setting fresh drinks in front of the two men. Her eyes briefly met Percival's before darting away, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink.

Jinnara, ever observant, caught the silent exchange. A faint smirk played on his lips.

"Ah, what excellent service," Jinnara remarked, watching Lily as she retreated from the table. "Your staff are truly dedicated, Count."

Percival's gaze lingered on Lily a moment longer before he cleared his throat and muttered, "She does her job well, that's all."

Jinnara chuckled softly but said nothing more. Instead, he pushed back his chair and stood. "If you'll excuse me, Count, I need to relieve myself."

Percival waved him off distractedly, already pouring himself another glass of wine. "Go on, then."

Jinnara strode out of the hall, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. He didn't head toward the washroom, of course. Instead, he made his way through the winding halls of the estate until he reached a familiar door. Cassandra's room.

He knocked softly, and the door opened almost immediately. Lady Cassandra stood there, her face lighting up when she saw him. "Jinnara," she greeted warmly, stepping aside to let him in. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come today."

Jinnara smiled, his voice low and soothing. "How could I stay away when you're here waiting for me?"

Cassandra's cheeks flushed, and she quickly closed the door behind him. She had prepared everything—a small table set with delicate teacups and a steaming pot of tea.

"I made this myself," she said proudly, pouring the tea. "Tell me what you think of the flavors."

Jinnara took a seat, watching her with an amused expression as she busied herself arranging the table. "You've outdone yourself again, Cassandra. You truly make even the smallest moments beautiful."

Cassandra laughed softly, her eyes sparkling as she handed him a cup. They sipped the tea together, taking turns guessing the ingredients. The lighthearted game brought a rare joy to Cassandra's face, and Jinnara couldn't help but admire how radiant she looked when she smiled.

But as the conversation flowed, Jinnara's tone shifted subtly. "Lady Cassandra, I couldn't help but notice something earlier," he said, setting his cup down. "It's about Lily."

The smile vanished from Cassandra's face. Her expression soured, and she looked away. "Was it that obvious?" she asked bitterly.

Jinnara nodded, his voice gentle. "To someone observant, yes."

Cassandra stood abruptly and moved to stand in front of the mirror. She stared at her reflection, her fingers brushing against her face. "I'm getting older," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because of my infertility, Percival has fallen out of love with me. He barely looks at me anymore. But Lily… she's young, beautiful. How could I possibly compete with that?"

Her shoulders slumped, and a hopeless look filled her eyes. Jinnara rose from his seat and approached her silently. Standing behind her, he reached out and lightly brushed his fingers against her face, his touch so soft it sent a shiver down her spine.

"You're beautiful, Cassandra," he said, his voice a low murmur.

She met his gaze in the mirror, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came.

Then, leaning closer, Jinnara whispered in her ear, his voice like a devil's caress. "I could make you even more beautiful. More powerful than anyone else in this world. If you want youth I can grant it. Do you despise everything? Just wish for everything you despise to disappear."

Cassandra's breath hitched. She turned to face him, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and longing. His words intoxicated her, weaving promises she didn't fully understand but couldn't resist.

"How?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Jinnara's lips curved into a mysterious smile. He leaned in closer, his presence overwhelming. "Tonight," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "I will visit you. And you will see for yourself. I will show you something intreseting."

Before she could respond, she felt the air shift. She spun around, but Jinnara was gone. The room was empty, save for her. Her heart raced, and a strange thrill coursed through her veins. For a moment, she wondered if she had imagined the entire encounter. But the lingering heat of his whispered words told her otherwise.

She turned back to the mirror, staring at her reflection with a newfound intensity. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and desire.

"Am I losing my mind?" she muttered to herself, but a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at her lips. Perhaps she didn't care or perhaps she wished something like this would happen to her montone life.

After Jinnara returned, Percival leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose and started to complain about his problems to his newfound friend. "The Crown has been keeping a closer eye on the nobility these days," he began, his tone serious. "Their activities, their alliances… nothing escapes their notice anymore. It's become an endless game of intrigue and suspicion."

Jinnara showed no emtions, instead he kept listening and that's exactly what Percival wanted.

Percival shot him an impressed look, but before he could complain more, the heavy oak door burst open. A soldier, out of breath and wide-eyed, stormed into the room.

"My lord!" the soldier panted. "Urgent news! There's been an undead breakout near the northern border."

Percival stiffened, his sharp blue eyes narrowing. "How severe?"

"The dead are rising faster than our forces can handle. Reports from the villages say it's spreading rapidly and this undead breakout is different. The capital has sent reinforcements, and…" The soldier hesitated, glancing nervously at Percival.

"And what?" Percival demanded, his voice cold and sharp.

"Sir Roswald is leading the reinforcements. He'll arrive in the county within days."

The room fell into a tense silence. Percival's jaw tightened, his expression souring instantly. "Of course, they'd send him," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

Jinnara, now standing, adjusted his blazer with deliberate ease. His movements were smooth, almost too calm for the dire news. He walked around the desk and clapped a hand on Percival's shoulder.

"Looks like you'll have lot to deal with," Jinnara said with a grin, knowing full well he was the cause of this.

"About our business..."Percvial wanted to talk more with his new favourite person.

But Jinnara ignored him, smoothing out a wrinkle on his sleeve. "Well, it seems like my work here is done. Farewell, Percival. I hope, for your sake, this undead breakout doesn't reach the city."

As he reached the door, Jinnara turned back one last time, his sharp crimson eyes gleaming with amusement looking at Lily.

"What a feeling! I truly envy these living creatures,"