Darkwood: The Crimson Cavalier

Unseen Allies Pt. 1

Brahms entered the dimly lit chamber, the heavy wooden door creaking shut behind him. The room was adorned with rich, dark furnishings, and the air was thick with the scent of incense. At the far end, seated in a high-backed chair draped in velvet, was Kardinall. His eyes, cold and calculating, glinted in the low light.

"Master," Brahms began, bowing deeply. "I bring news of Onyx and his family."

Kardinall's gaze fixed on Brahms, a predatory smile curling his lips. "Proceed."

Brahms straightened, pulling a scroll from his robe. "After the Infernian attack, the boy Onyx has shown signs of struggling with his possession. The demon within him remains dormant for now, but its influence is growing. Greyson, the Grim Reaper, has taken a particular interest in the family, attempting to shield them from further harm."

Kardinall's smile widened, revealing his elongated canines. "Interesting. And the lycanthrope?"

"Gerald, Onyx's father, is deteriorating rapidly. The lycanthropy is taking a severe toll on his health. Greyson has informed them that the affliction could eventually kill him," Brahms reported, his voice steady.

Kardinall leaned back, fingers steepled. "Good. The seeds of chaos are taking root. And the boy?"

"He is conflicted, torn between his family, the demon inside him, and the new alliances he is forming. There is also a new presence—a dragonborn prince named Ren. He has taken an interest in Onyx, though his true nature remains hidden," Brahms continued.

Kardinall's eyes narrowed. "A dragonborn, you say? Intriguing. This adds a new layer to our game."

Kardinall rose from his chair, moving with an unnerving grace toward the large window overlooking the city. "The time is ripe, Brahms. We must ensure the boy's descent into darkness. His turmoil is our advantage."

Brahms nodded, his expression solemn. "What are your orders, Master?"

Kardinall turned, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Continue to monitor the boy and his family. We must push Onyx further, exploit his weaknesses. Ensure that the demon within him gains more influence. And as for Greyson, ensure he is distracted. His interference is becoming tiresome."

"Understood," Brahms replied, bowing again.

Kardinall's smile returned, a cold, calculating expression. "The boy will be our key. Through him, we will bring about the chaos and darkness we seek. Soon, the balance will tip in our favor."

As Brahms left the chamber, Kardinall sat back down, lost in thought. His mind swirled with plans and schemes, each more sinister than the last. Onyx was the perfect pawn, his inner conflict a fertile ground for manipulation.

"The boy will break," Kardinall murmured to himself, a dark satisfaction settling over him. "And when he does, the world will tremble."

He reached for a goblet of dark liquid, taking a slow, deliberate sip. "Soon, all will bow before me. And Onyx will lead the way."

The chamber fell silent once more, the heavy atmosphere a testament to the dark machinations at play. Kardinall's plans were in motion, and the world was about to witness the true extent of his malevolence.

¤¤¤

The group moved through the dimly lit streets in silence, the weight of the evening's events pressing down on them. Greyson led the way, his expression grave, while Onyx's parents followed closely, their worry evident. Ren walked beside Onyx, who was still unconscious, supported by Greyson's steadying arm.