Eternal Eclipse | Fallacy X Encre |

1

Windows slammed shut with ominous finality, echoing the apprehension that gripped the hearts of Underville's inhabitants. Fear cloaked the town as shadows loomed large, haunted by a spate of gruesome murders and mysterious disappearances that had stricken the community. Whispers of witchcraft and vampirism circulated like wildfire, igniting panic among the citizens. Those unfortunate enough to be labeled as witches or vampires faced the most dreadful fates: staked, crucified, and burned in public spectacles meant to demonstrate the kingdom's contempt for such "demons."

Vampires, in particular, were viewed as soulless abominations, and the king's decree was unforgiving. Should any man or woman bear the "mark"—a term dreaded and whispered about—their lives would be extinguished without mercy. Encre, a man steeped in confusion, often pondered the meaning of this "mark" and the mysterious figure referred to simply as "his." The gruesome executions performed before the townsfolk were a stark reminder of the horrors that awaited those accused, reinforcing a societal rage against an enemy that may not even exist.

Encre found the mass scapegoating absurd. Innocent lives were extinguished in the name of fear and superstition. One case lingered in his thoughts: Charlos Monroe, a man who had faced a vampire's bite yet emerged a survivor, though not unscathed. He became immune to the dark allure of immortality, only to spiral into a debilitating illness. In his delirium, Charlos spoke feverishly of a mysterious entity he called the "king of the forest," claiming that true mortality should bow down to this being rather than the reigning monarch—the beloved yet misunderstood King Asgore of Underville.

Asgore was not the monster people painted him to be. He took the throne with a heart full of benevolence, prioritizing the protection and welfare of his subjects. 

- - - -

Encre.

He jolted awake in a cold sweat, his mind racing as he gazed up at the peeling ceiling of his modest bedroom. The grandfather clock ticked ominously, the sound resonating in his mind as if it were a countdown to his own demise. Anxiety gripped him as thoughts of being unjustly accused and facing a fiery death clouded his brain. Deep down, he found it maddening that those labeled as witches—a term that could encompass anything from misunderstood herbalists to innocent seekers of knowledge—were condemned without trial.

At just four years old, Encre had been thrust into a world where he navigated life alone after losing his parents in a valiant but ill-fated attempt to combat a rampaging horde of witches. King Asgore had taken him under his wing, offering a semblance of family amid the chaos. The king provided him with a job and a sanctuary, a gesture that made Encre respect Him deeply. 

With a heavy sigh, he slipped out of the warmth of his bed and ambled over to the small desk, which bore a cherished photograph of his parents. He understood their sacrifices—they had died fighting for a kingdom they loved, protecting him from the very evils that had taken them. Encre wrestled with his feelings toward Asgore; though the king's intentions were noble, the outcomes of his ruthless campaign against supposed supernatural threats left a bitter taste in Encre's mouth.

Now, at the age of twenty-five, Encre donned his typical attire—a simple tan shirt paired with a light golden vest that gleamed in the morning light. His cramped quarters were lined with tomes filled with mythical tales and intricate illustrations; remnants of his dedication to the craft of art that had earned him recognition in Underville. He meticulously made his bed, carefully fluffing his pillow and placing a delicate paper flower on top of the neatly arranged covers.

Time was fleeting, and Encre dreaded the thought of being late to the castle. King Asgore valued punctuality, and Encre had maintained an impeccable record throughout his service. Renowned as the most talented artist in town, his creations had solidified his place in the king's inner circle, providing him with the honor of being recognized for his talents.