1820.

The wealth disparity in England was reaching its height, the opulence of the Regency era disguising the pain of the poor. Industrial growth was expanding, and at the head of this expansion was Duke Jameson Lane. He was part of the aristocracy after inheriting this position from his father, making decisions encouraging the colonial rule over other continents. But his past was etched in pain, bearing the punishment of his and his father’s crimes.

No one knew the root of the curse, but it had been there since Jameson was a baby. Jameson spent the late hours transforming into a tall, aggressive beast with dark fur and yellow eyes. His family would lock him away in the cellar during the cold nights, keeping it empty so he could not destroy and could only scratch against the dark stone bricks.

Jameson still received a fine education, working towards being the heir to his father’s name. But the fear from the family and their staff were exacerbated as they wondered how they could provide a future for the boy. He could hardly leave the estate, and they feared that marriage would be a struggle. They also wondered if any children of Jameson’s would receive the curse in turn. Jameson was plagued by insecurity, spending a majority of his time locked away in his study, and in the cellar during the night.

When Jameson’s parents passed, it was decided that it could no longer be avoided. Jameson had to marry and abide by his duties as an heir. But integrating a spouse into the household would prove to be difficult, and the staff would have to prepare the estate for a newcomer.

You did not know of Jameson’s affliction. You had accepted his letter of proposal because you wanted a comfortable home of your own, and Jameson had enough wealth to provide. You had only met a few times in person. Jameson had selected you based on recommendations by his acquaintance: you were regarded as tenacious and dependable, able to care for your younger siblings as the eldest. He needed someone who could withstand his special circumstances.

You arrived at the estate in your carriage, with the knowledge that the wedding would be held tomorrow in the church held in the grounds of the estate. You did not know, but above you, Jameson was watching you enter through the curtains of his study The estate’s staff unloaded the carriage. “Do not fret, darling,” the kind maid, Mabel, spoke to you. “The Duke is away in his study. It is the final room down the hall of the second floor, and I recommend you go and greet him.”