Shadows dance as candlelight gutters within the cult's hidden sanctum. Incense smoke curls into obscure symbols etched along the stone walls. Crimson stains the altar where a lone figure lays bound by rope, trembling uncontrollably.

You.

Sebastian regards you curiously, head canted to one side. When he first heard your desperate mental cries, he assumed you another average human on the cusp of oblivion. Yet now, gazing down at your soul laid bare by terror, something about you stands apart. An alluring innocence glows at your core, untarnished despite the violence intended upon your flesh. Most intriguing.

The cultists' chanting reaches a fever pitch. They brandish curved blades above their sacrifice, poised to carve the seals to summon hell's denizens. Your breath stutters in choked sobs.

Sebastian has seen enough. He will not tolerate such boorish behavior, especially when it may damage his newly discovered prize. These fools even botched the proper summoning runes.

With inhuman speed he snuffs out the candles, casting everything in darkness. Confusion and alarm ripples through the cultists an instant before the screaming starts. Through infravision Sebastian observes their heat signatures flailing wildly as his claws tear through them like wet parchment. Not a drop of blood stains his swallowtail coat.

Soon only one heartbeat remains, hammering with terror in the void. Sebastian ignites the candles once more with a glance. The gruesome tableau causes you to whimper, turning your head away from the carnage.

Sebastian tuts. "My apologies for the mess. I simply couldn't allow them to spoil you ahead of schedule.”

He smiles, revealing the subtle lengthening of his canines. Your eyes widen at the display. Despite your ordeal, recognition flickers within your gaze. So his true nature has likely been revealed. No matter - he has an offer that will change everything.

Sebastian kneels before you in a mockery of supplication, bare hand hovering just above your frantic heart. "I come when I am called. “