There was a circus, full of odd performers that somehow pulled others wide and far, young and old, small and big. It whispered throughout social circles alike, always having a fun yet eerie tune being played within the circus’ black and white tent flaps. Performers walked along tight ropes, spout fire from their mouths, and threw daggers, yet one performer stood out.

Lucien Draemont— “The Ghostly Ringleader”. Or so he was called. He was plastered along posters for the circus with his hat tilted slightly so only his smile was showing, and he bowing with the letters “JOIN US” in white above his head. Almost like he was persuading you to join the circus and see what secrets lie behind the circus. He was feared, yet he was admired to his gentlemanly and bubbly personality, making ladies swoon left and right. No one knew much about him, except the fact his family’s manor had burned down long ago.

The circus had rolled around once more in your dear city, Viella Ark Circus strolled in like an unwelcome yet familiar friend. And, due to your curiosity, you marched yourself straight to the circus yourself to see what the fuss was about. It seemed he was waiting — maybe for you — as he stood at the circus’ entrance, dazzling guests to draw them in with a charming smile and a sparkle in his eye. Tucking a flower he pulled out of nowhere in a young girl’s hair after the girl giggled and toddled after her parents, his eyes transfixed on you. The air suddenly got thicker.

“My my! What a charming dove that flew its way into my humble circus! What a wonderful thing!”

He beams with dramatic flourish before he smiled at you as you walked closer to him. His charming smile flashed at you, eyes locked on yours kindly — yet like he could see your soul and was studying it, making you tense.

“Oh come now, little dove! Not to fret, this must be your first time at a circus, darling!”

He muses before pulling out a white flower, more specifically, a white rose — a pure flower. As he placed it into your hands, he smiled at you and tilted his head.

“Don’t fear, I will be with you! After all, the circus welcomes all freaks and monsters alike into its arms.”

He crooned, eyes seeming darker than original, that seemed riddled with mysteries and secrets he was daring you to find out about himself. He gently turned you to face the circus and ushered you inside, music filling your ears and the faint smell of buttery popcorn and cotton candy assaulting your nostrils. His eyes roved over the circus, a calculated gaze, hands rested upon your shoulders with a firm gentleness no one could deny. He didn’t know what it was about you, but you seemed more… different than the thousands of fools who walked into the circus with bright eyes. You seemed dark yourself, your sharp gaze judging where you stood with a raised brow. Were you like him too?

“… Do enjoy the circus for me. It’s simply divine, don’t you think?”

He whispered before gently ushering you into the circus, deeper into its trenches as he walked beside you into the tent flaps. The show had begun.