Shadow of eternity and necklace of death

Alice adjusted her simple dress, preparing herself to leave and meet Sebastian. Suddenly, the sharp sound of cawing reached her ears, drawing her attention outside. She stepped out of her small home and spotted Midnight perched on the tree branch, staring at her.

"Oh, you mischievous little thing~," Alice said with a playful tone, thinking to tease him, but before she could even raise her hand, he flapped his wings and soared out of reach.

"You're late. The Lord doesn't wait for the likes of you," Midnight snapped, his voice filled with irritation as he flew ahead, leading the way.

Alice's lips curled into a smile, her excitement bubbling under the surface. She quickly followed him, her steps eager despite the strain. Her heart raced not just from the pace but from the anticipation of seeing the dark-haired Sebastian again.

They soon reached a clearing deep in the forest. Alice was panting heavily, struggling to catch her breath after chasing the swift Midnight. "You… you were way too fast!" she complained between gasps, wiping sweat from her brow.

Looking up, her eyes widened at the sight before her a grand black carriage adorned with intricate golden patterns, gleaming faintly under the pale moonlight. The sheer elegance of it made her forget her fatigue for a moment.

"Get in," Midnight commanded curtly, circling the carriage. His sharp tone made it clear he was restraining himself from snapping further.

"I will… but you're really scary sometimes," Alice replied, narrowing her eyes at him before puffing out her cheeks. She gave a small huff, her expression both frustrated and endearing, then rolled her eyes before stepping closer to the carriage.

Placing a hand on the intricately carved door, Alice hesitated briefly, admiring the craftsmanship. Finally, she climbed inside, her heart pounding with both apprehension and excitement.

While in the castle, The floors were adorned with polished white marble veined with natural gold streaks, while luxurious rugs in deep purple and gold patterns stretched down the hallways. The furniture, crafted from mahogany wood, was intricately carved and polished to perfection.

Golden candelabras holding tall candles lined the walls, casting a soft, flickering glow. The walls were covered in intricate, floral-patterned wallpaper, but the true centerpiece was the series of massive paintings in gilded frames that dominated the corridors. Each depicted a different scene of Sebastian van Mortem's life: one showed him standing victoriously as he looked so handsome, One particularly striking painting showed him sitting alone on his throne, the weight of immortality evident in his piercing gaze.

In the grand hall, prepared specifically for Alice's arrival, the decor reflected an understated elegance. Tables that were typically plain had been adorned with fresh arrangements of purple and white flowers. Heavy velvet curtains in a deep purple hue, complementing Sebastian's fondness for serene tones, cascaded down the tall windows overlooking the forest.

Every detail seemed designed to welcome her not with ostentatious fanfare, but with a meticulous attention to detail that radiated respect and an earnest hope she might notice its beauty.

And the dimly lit room, illuminated only by the soft glow of candles, Sebastian van Mortem stood before a large mirror, silently examining his features. His long black hair cascaded freely down his back, flowing like the dark of night. The hair, a striking contrast to his stern, imposing appearance, added an air of mystery to his presence.

He wore an exquisite outfit, consisting of a long black coat adorned with intricate golden embroidery along the cuffs and edges. The coat was fitted at the chest, highlighting his refined build, before flaring out slightly at the bottom, adding to the elegance of his appearance. Beneath the coat, his pristine white shirt gleamed, with pearl buttons that harmonized with the fabric's color, while a black jabot was tightly tied around his neck, adding a final touch of sophistication.

His black trousers were slim at the waist, tapering down to his legs, His polished black boots reflected the light, their shine adding an extra layer of refinement to the atmosphere surrounding him.

As he stood before the mirror, Sebastian lingered for a moment, his gaze unblinking as he prepared to leave the room. It felt as though time itself had paused. His eyes, as dark and profound as the night, seemed full of life despite the stillness that enveloped him.

After leaving the room, Sebastian walked with confidence down the hallway. The polished floor echoed with the sound of his footsteps, while the walls around him were adorned with antique paintings that reflected his history. With a soft glow and adding an air of mystery to the surroundings.

As he walked, his arms rested at his sides, and every movement exuded a sense of calm, as if his mind was elsewhere. His gaze remained fixed ahead, aware of every corner of the space without paying attention to the ornate details on the walls. His thoughts were consumed by something else a forthcoming meeting that filled him with anticipation but still, he moved with composure, as if everything around him moved according to his will. Sebastian walked at a steady pace, unhurried.

The carriage slowly got closer to the castle, its wheels creaking as they met the gravel path. The horses, strong and steady, pulled the ornate vehicle up the steep incline, their hooves striking the ground with a rhythmic, steady beat. The lanterns on either side of the carriage cast a warm, flickering glow that contrasted with the cold night air, sending brief flashes of light across the path as the vehicle ascended the hill.

The moonlight illuminated the scene, casting long, eerie shadows that seemed to stretch across the landscape. The horses' breath rose in white clouds, vanishing into the night as they pushed forward with determination. The sound of the wheels turning over the gravel was almost hypnotic, blending with the gentle rustle of the wind through the trees.

The carriage finally came to a halt at the crest of the hill, its wheels grinding to a soft stop on the gravel. The horses snorted and stamped their hooves, their breath visible in the cool night air. The lanterns flickered one last time before settling into stillness, casting a gentle glow over the scene.

As the carriage door swung open, a rush of excitement seemed to fill the air. Alice stepped out swiftly, her movements full of energy and enthusiasm. She didn't hesitate for a moment, her eyes sparkling with a mix of anticipation and eagerness. She paused for just an instant to adjust her dress, which billowed slightly in the wind, before stepping firmly onto the ground. Her expression was one of determination, as if every moment of the journey had led to this very moment, and now, standing in the moonlight, she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As Alice stepped out of the carriage, her excitement was almost tangible, her heart racing in anticipation of the moment to come. Her golden eyes sparkled with a mix of nervousness and eager enthusiasm as she turned toward the castle, the thought of meeting Sebastian making her pulse quicken. A soft blush colored her cheeks, adding a delicate warmth to her fair skin, betraying her shyness despite the excitement coursing through her.

Her short brown hair fluttered in the cool breeze, a few stray locks dancing around her face, but the side-swept bangs remained perfectly in place, framing her features with effortless grace. The gentle wind tousled her hair, causing it to lift slightly, but her composed expression, though filled with a hint of bashfulness, never wavered.

The night in Castle was as quiet as a held breath, with only the faint rustle of alice footsteps disturbing the silence. The flickering candlelight danced along the walls, casting long shadows that seemed alive with secrets. Every corner of the castle carried an air of solemnity, as if the very stones had long since surrendered to the weight of eternity.

Sebastian Van Morten stood at the entrance of the shiny hall, The gleam of the candlelight caught on the gold threads of his attire, accentuating the sharp lines of his face, his cold, piercing gaze set unwaveringly upon the doorway. There was no trace of hesitation in his stance—he was a being of power, an immortal who had walked countless nights in solitude.

When alice stepped into view, the faintest flicker of light seemed to accompany her. She moved with grace, her presence bringing an unusual warmth to the shadowed halls. Her gaze, steady and unafraid, met his as she crossed the threshold, her delicate features softened by a quiet smile.

"Sebastian," she greeted him, her voice calm but touched with something unspoken, as though she had come to understand the layers of silence that surrounded him.

"Alice" he replied, his tone low, resonant, and deliberate, like a bell tolling in the distance. "Once more, you grace this castle with your presence." His words were formal, but there was an intensity in the way his eyes lingered on her, as though he was searching for something that only she could provide.

He extended his arm, as a noble host, guiding her toward a big hall where a fire crackled softly in the hearth. The room, though modest compared to the grandeur of the main hall, was steeped in elegance velvet drapes framing tall windows. A table was set before the fire, laden with wine and a small arrangement of fruit.

Alice sat across from him, the firelight catching the soft contours of her face. She leaned forward slightly, her voice breaking the silence. "Do you ever grow weary of the quiet, Sebastian? Of these nights that stretch endlessly?"

He studied her for a moment, his gaze unyielding but not harsh. There was no hesitation in his reply. "The quiet is a refuge for those who understand its weight. But even solitude…" he paused, his tone dipping into something almost imperceptible, "is not without its cracks."

Alice tilted her head, her smile faint but knowing. She didn't press him further. There was no need; the space between his words carried enough meaning.

The conversation ebbed and flowed, their voices low but filled with unspoken truths. Despite the calm exterior of their exchange, there was an undeniable gravity in the way Sebastian held himself, his every movement deliberate, his every word measured. He was not a man to be swayed by fleeting emotions, and yet, something about Alys seemed to move him in a way that the centuries never had.

"Thank you so much for your kind invitation! I've brought you something very special!"

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued, though his voice remained calm and measured. "Oh? And how could I possibly resist something special?"

Alice clasped her hands together, stepping closer as she tried to maintain her composure. "It's a beautiful fruit basket! I decorated it myself, just for you. It's filled with the finest fruits from the forest!"

Sebastian's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he tilted his head slightly, a faint smile playing at his lips. "And where might this masterpiece be?"

Alice froze mid-smile. Her eyes widened, her expression shifting from pride to horror as realization dawned upon her.

"The basket!" she gasped, her voice echoing through the hall.

"Yes, the basket?" Sebastian repeated with a calm amusement, his arms crossing as he waited.

Alice began to wave her hands erratically, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "Oh no, I think… I think I left it in the carriage… the one that… belongs to you?"

Sebastian nodded slowly, his smile growing ever so slightly. "Indeed. How could you forget?"

Alice let out a nervous laugh, her attempts to recover growing more desperate. "I was a little nervous at the time and forgot about it, ehe~"

Sebastian brought a hand to his chin, pretending to contemplate her words deeply. "Hmmmm"

Alice gasped in mortification, flailing her arms in protest. "No! Not in the Deliberate way, at least! I mean…"

Sebastian leaned in slightly, his smile turning into a subtle smirk. "Alice, don't fret. Perhaps I even enjoy such spontaneous touches of absurdity."

Alice let out a relieved sigh, but as she turned to face sebastian again"Next time, I'm tying the basket to my wrist!"

Sebastian's sharp ears caught her words, and his smirk deepened. "A brilliant idea. Smart girl"

Alice flushed a deep shade of red..While she adjusted her short hair, which seemed to be a little frizzy from her nervousness. Her hair was so short that it only covered a small part of her neck and ears, which made her look younger and more innocent.

"You look like a silly bunny~"