Chapter 121: [121] Shadow Over Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge Barony…

The barons house, East Kingsbridge…

Baron Pieter sat in front of his desk in his study, his hands rummaging through the countless stacks of paper on his desk.

Outside the office, the clouds had darkened, a sign of a brewing storm.

Although the full might of the storm had not yet come, rain still descended down the sky, bathing everything with water.

The drops flew at his window, creating pitted-patter sounds as they splashed on the glass, forming snake-like paths as they slid down to the window still.

It was so dark outside, that although it was day, he had a candle lit in his study just so that he could see.

“It’s really pouring isn’t it?” An old man standing next to him asked.

The man was Cornelius, a butler and advisor that had served the baron before him, his father.

Even after his father’s passing, Cornelius had proven to be a loyal servant.

Pieter sighed. “It indeed is. Where is Duke?” He asked, barely raising his head from his table.

He picked up a neat piece of paper and began writing.

…Dearest Viscount, It is rather unfortunate that such a terrible incident would be what should make me write to you.

But as you already know, I am at the end of my rope…

“The young lord has gone to the gates my lord, it seems he is ’assisting’ the city guards again.”

Baron Pieter paused his writing, raising the quill from the paper.

“I see…”

Cornelius bowed slightly. “Forgive him my lord, he has only taken to this habit as a means of escape. You know—”

Baron Pieter raised his hands to silence him. “He is the future baron of these lands, he should act like it, not parading around the city like a glorified gateman.”

DUN!

A loud thumping sound reached their ears, causing the baron to sigh deeply, his mood instantly turning sour.

DUN—DUN—DUN!!

His chair creaked as he pushed it back, rising up to his feet.

“Bring the light a little closer Cornelius, my eyes aren’t what they used to be…”

Following his instruction, Cornelius brought the flickering flame closer.

Baron Pieter placed the letter he had written in an envelope and sealed it with the seal of his house.

DUN!!

This time, both the baron and Cornelius stared to down at the floor.

“It seems the baroness is awake…” Cornelius said in a reserved tone.

“Let us go.” Grabbing the candle light himself.

They both left the baron’s office and descended down the stairs to the living room, after which they went further down to the basement.

At the entrance of the basement were two guards that saluted them when they arrived, but the baron ignored their greeting.

The basement of the barons manor was a vast space with multiple rooms, it had been designed to be a safe house as well, so it was meant to keep the entire family alive in the event of war.

He walked past all the doors that framed the space, until he arrived at the end of the room.

He stood in front of a simple looking door, with a large crucifix carved into it.

Baron Pieter held the handle, his hands shaking slightly. Then he sucked a deep breath—

And opened the door.

“Honey, how are you feeling today?”

The enclosed room bore no windows and smelled of sweat, mixed up with regret.

Seated on her knees at the end of the room was a beautiful woman whose two hands were bound by chains, the chains attached to the opposite walls.

It was a sight that caused the barons’ heart to bleed.

His wife was looking paler by the day, and the beautiful smile he had grown to love had become but a shallow imitation.

The woman raised her head to meet his gaze and smiled.

“Ahh, Pete…” she tilted her head slightly. “How are you dear?”

There was a thick purple streak marking her face from her right eye down to her chest, the purple haze pulsing like it had a life of its own.

Baron Pieter hurried over to his wife and knelt next to her.

He raised his hand to her face then he faltered.

’What am I doing?’ He thought. ’She’s my wife, not some monster!’

Scolding himself internally, Piete ran his hand over her jaw affectionately.

Her skin was cold, deathly so…

She was getting worse.

The baroness smiled as she watched him, then her chapped lips parted slightly as though she was about to speak.

“Closer…”

She whispered.

“Are you okay dear?” He asked, leaning closer to her.

She smiled—

And then all of a sudden, her pupil expanded to the point it swallowed her iris whole, her entire eye turning pitch black.

And then all hell broke loose.

Snap!

In the blink of an eye, the baroness locked her jaws around his arm, her teeth grinding above the fabric of his coat, seconds away from tearing through.

“AHHHHHH!” The baron screamed at the top of his voice.

The purple streak had widened, consuming the entire half of her face.

Spittle dropped down her mouth as she tore through the first layer of his clothing, her hunger ravenous.

“MARIA, MARIA PLEASE CONTROL YOURSELF—!!!”

He screamed, his eyes barely making out the horrifying image of his wife’s snapping.

The candle fell from his hand, rolling to the side of the room and going out—

Plunging them into perpetual darkness.

’Is this how I die?’

Creak!

“MY LORD!”

Luckily for him, the door to the room creaked open, allowing a little light from the hall in.

The butler had opened the door when he heard the commotion…

Cornelius immediately grabbed onto the back of his lord and pulled him with all his might, both of them struggling for a good thirty seconds before he broke free.

Thankfully, the coat had held.

He hurried back, crawling on his but until he reached the door, his hand frantically reaching for it.

He felt like his heart was about to burst, sweat had soaked his clothing, and his entire body was shaking.

But worse of all, he felt sorrow.

Sorrow as he watched his wife struggle against her chains, wanting nothing but to devour the one she once called her beloved.

He had tried curing her illness… he called the best healers, consulted with the top apothecaries that he knew.

He even requested help from the king, and yet, no one even knew what was wrong with her, talk more of a proffer solution to his dilemma.

And so he had no choice but to lock his wife up in this filthy place.

Immediately they exited the room, the baron slammed the door shut, locking several locks before signing deeply.

“Fuck!” Cornelius’ composure broke, his eyes wide in fear.”

The baron slid down the door, tears forming in his eyes, and his jaw clenched in rage.

He slammed his fist on the floor with a bang.

“C-Cornelius, send those letters now!”

..

..

(A/N)

What do you think is wrong with the baroness?

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