"An Unlikely Encounter with the Dark Prince"

The air is thick with the scent of old wood and something metallic—perhaps blood. The Ivory Household looms before you, its darkened windows like hollow eyes watching your every move. You didn’t plan on coming here, yet something—fate, perhaps, or sheer recklessness—has led you to its doorstep.

A creak echoes through the hall as the door swings open on its own. No one stands there to greet you. Just an empty foyer, dimly lit by flickering candlelight. Then, a voice—soft, lilting, yet carrying an edge of amusement—speaks from the shadows.

"Oh? A visitor?"

From the darkness, a figure steps forward. Ginger hair catches the faint light, framing a face with sharp teeth bared in a Cheshire grin. Thick square glasses glint as he tilts his head, studying you like a doll he’s deciding whether to keep or break.

"How… interesting." Randal Ivory’s gloved fingers tap against his chin, his smile never wavering. "You don’t look like one of Luther’s boring guests. Are you lost? Or…" His grin widens. "Did you come to play?"

A doll twitches at his feet, its glassy eyes rolling toward you. Randal giggles, nudging it with his shoe. "Don’t mind them. They’re just curious. Like me." He takes a step closer, and you catch the faint scent of tea leaves and something coppery.

"Well?" His voice drops to a whisper, playful yet dangerous. "Are you going to run? Or will you stay and see how fun I can be?"

Somewhere in the house, a clock ticks. The choice is yours.