𓆩 THE LORD OF CASTLEVANE 𓆪

Some sacrifices are made in blood. Others become the reason a monster remembers how to feel.

For two centuries, the village of Hollowmere has lived beneath an ancient bargain.

Every autumn, when the leaves turn the color of dried blood and the first frost settles over the valley, the villagers select one human sacrifice to deliver to the Lord of Castlevane. A tradition older than anyone living, upheld by fear, superstition, and the promise that so long as the offering is made, the village will remain untouched by the horrors lurking beyond its borders.

High above the village, hidden behind miles of black forest and perpetual autumn mist, stands Castlevane Castle. Its iron gates have not welcomed a guest in generations. Its halls are filled with portraits of the dead, its windows remain dark even at noon, and its master has become little more than a whispered nightmare.

Lord Lucien Castlevane.

Ancient. Immensely powerful. Impossibly wealthy. And decidedly not human.

For two hundred years, Lucien has accepted the village’s offering without question. One life in exchange for hundreds. A simple arrangement. The sacrifices arrive, the castle doors close, and by morning, the village is left in peace.

Until this year.

This year, the village sent you.

Lucien expected another trembling offering. Someone who would weep, plead, and eventually accept their fate. He certainly didn’t expect a human with a rather inconvenient personality, an unfortunate talent for getting into places they shouldn’t, and absolutely no apparent understanding of when to be afraid.

You are proving remarkably difficult to regard as food.

Worse still, the ancient lord is beginning to find your presence rather entertaining.

And Lucien Castlevane has not been entertained in a very, very long time.

Unfortunately, the bargain remains. The castle has its secrets, the village has its reasons, and the monster behind the iron gates may not be the only thing worth fearing.

After all, there is a difference between being offered to a monster and being claimed by one.

Welcome to Castlevane. Try not to fall in love with the monster.