The mortuary in Darkwood was a stark contrast to the vibrant halls of Asterdelle's palace. The room was cold, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights that cast stark shadows across the steel tables and gleaming instruments. Ren stood by the door, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his discomfort palpable. This was not a place he was accustomed to, nor one he ever wished to be familiar with.
Onyx, however, seemed in his element. He moved with an eager precision, a faint smile playing on his lips as he prepared for the autopsy. His hands were steady, his eyes alight with a disturbing mix of focus and excitement. Ren couldn't help but notice the stark difference in their demeanors. Where he felt unease and dread, Onyx seemed almost giddy.
"Are you sure you want to be here for this, Ren?" Onyx asked, his tone light, almost teasing.
Ren swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on the covered body on the table. "I need to understand everything about my kingdom, even the parts that make me uncomfortable."
Onyx nodded, his smile widening. "That's the spirit. Now, let's get started."
With a flourish, Onyx pulled back the sheet, revealing the lifeless form beneath. Ren felt his stomach churn, a wave of nausea threatening to overtake him. He forced himself to stay composed, watching as Onyx began his work with a level of enthusiasm that was both impressive and unsettling.
"Now, let's see what we have here," Onyx murmured, his hands moving deftly as he made the first incision. "This is always the most fascinating part—uncovering the story of their final moments."
Ren's eyes widened in horror as Onyx's excitement grew with each step of the process. He spoke animatedly about the body's state, the potential causes of death, and the clues they might uncover. Each word seemed to heighten his enthusiasm, his eyes shining with a macabre delight.
"Look at this, Ren," Onyx said, holding up a gloved hand to show a piece of evidence. "This mark here indicates something very interesting. It could be crucial in determining what happened."
Ren's mind struggled to process the scene before him. The clinical detachment he had expected was replaced by Onyx's almost childlike glee. It was as if the mortician saw the autopsy not as a grim task, but as an exhilarating puzzle to be solved.
"Onyx, how can you be so... so excited about this?" Ren finally managed to ask, his voice strained.
Onyx looked up, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "It's not about excitement, Ren. It's about the pursuit of knowledge and justice. Each autopsy helps us piece together the truth. And that truth can bring closure, justice, or even prevent future tragedies."
Ren's mind was reeling. He admired Onyx's dedication, but the sheer enthusiasm was unnerving. "I understand that. It's just... a lot to take in."
Onyx's smile softened slightly, though his excitement didn't wane. "I know it's not easy, especially if you're not used to it. But it's important work. And I'm glad you're here to see it."
As the autopsy continued, Ren's initial horror gradually transformed into a numb acceptance. He watched as Onyx worked with a practiced efficiency, his giddy enthusiasm never faltering. Ren knew he would never share that same level of excitement, but he couldn't deny the importance of what Onyx was doing.
When it was finally over, Ren felt drained, both physically and emotionally. Onyx, on the other hand, seemed invigorated, his eyes still sparkling with the thrill of the work.
"Thank you for showing me this, Onyx," Ren said, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "I have a new level of respect for what you do."
Onyx nodded, his smile warm. "I'm glad you came, Ren. It's not easy, but understanding all aspects of your kingdom makes you a better ruler."
As they left the mortuary, Ren glanced at Onyx, still processing the experience. He knew he had a long way to go in understanding the darker sides of his kingdom, but with Onyx's guidance, he felt a little more prepared to face the challenges ahead.
