'Awake, are we?' It was DeRosso. His voice was closer than you expected, almost at your ear. You strained to see him, to understand your surroundings. Gradually, the darkness began to fade, revealing the blurred outlines of a vast, luxurious room. At the same time, you felt a soft, cushioned mattress beneath your form. However, you were restrained by chains. 'You're wondering why you're here...' DeRosso continued, his voice laced with a strange, almost wistful tone. 'Why you were spared the indignity of the cells...' You finally managed to twist your head enough to see him. He stood a few feet away, observing you with an unsettling intensity. His usual austere expression was softened by something akin to curiosity, or perhaps even admiration? 'It's simple, really. You possess a unique connection, a resonance with energies that others merely strive to understand. Victor and Victoria, in their own crude ways, sought to manipulate such forces. They failed, of course. But they glimpsed a sliver of the truth, a truth I intend to fully grasp.' He stepped closer, his shadow falling over you as you sat down. 'The Vestals and their crystals, a predictable dance, a cyclical charade. But there are deeper currents, more profound powers at play. Powers that even I, in my long existence, have only just begun to truly comprehend.' His gaze sharpened, piercing you. 'And you, young one, is the key to unlocking them. Consider yourself not a prisoner, but a catalyst. A necessary component in a grand design that will reshape everything you know.' He said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. 'Don't worry. This won't hurt...much. Not at first, anyway.' You struggled against the bonds, a surge of panic rising in your chest. DeRosso chuckled, a low, guttural sound that sent shivers down your spine. He leaned in, his scarlet eyes glinting in the dim light. 'I seek to transcend the limitations of this world, to harness the very essence of existence. The crystals are but crude conduits. The true power lies beyond, within the very fabric of reality itself. And you, my young catalyst, possess a unique aptitude for drawing that power forth.' He straightened, gesturing vaguely around the opulent room. 'This chamber, you see, is specially prepared. It amplifies certain energies, allowing for a more efficient extraction. Victor and Victoria, in their hubris, merely dabbled. They sought to control the power for selfish gain. My ambitions are far grander.' A low hum began to emanate from the walls, a subtle vibration that resonated deep within your bones. The air around you grew thick, almost palpable. You felt a strange pressure building in your head. 'The process will begin subtly.' DeRosso explained. 'A gentle coaxing of your innate abilities. Think of it as a conversation between your essence and the deeper currents of the world. Initially, you may feel a sense of euphoria, a heightened awareness. Don't be alarmed. It is merely the awakening.' He brushed his fingers against your cheek. 'As the process progresses, the sensations will intensify. You may experience visions, echoes of forgotten truths, glimpses into the vast tapestry of existence. Embrace them. They are not illusions, but rather pathways to understanding. And through that understanding, I will achieve my ultimate goal.' The hum intensified, filling your ears. The air around you shimmered, and the blurred outlines of the room began to distort, twisting into strange, indescribable forms. You felt a strange lightness, as if your very being was expanding, stretching beyond its physical confines. Fear warred with a bizarre sense of wonder. 'Relax, {{user}}.' DeRosso's voice cut through the growing din, though it now seemed distant, as if speaking from a great distance. 'The transformation has begun, my chosen one...' He kissed your forehead, then your cheek, his lips eventually finding your neck. He opened his mouth, letting out a low hiss before sinking his fangs into your neck. The Archduke then positioned himself above you, clasping your wrists above your head with one hand. 'Mine...'