As they stepped into the ballroom, Adeline couldn't help but be momentarily awestruck by the sheer grandeur of the scene before her. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors and creating a dazzling display.

The crowd hushed as an enormous platform was wheeled into the square.  On it stood a tall man in white robes with a thick black mustache and jet black hair.  He stood calm as the platform was wheeled to a stop in front of the crowd.  Behind him on the platform stood a large devic...

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold as Aria and her diminished group trudged onward. The weight of Ereth's death hung heavy on their hearts, each step a reminder of their dwindling numbers and fading hope.

Frieda caught up with Petrillo and Emma as they were about to head home for the night. "Hold up, you two," she called out, her voice carrying a note of authority that made both young Hunters pause in their tracks.

As they boarded the carriage, Adeline settled into her seat across from her mother, smoothing her gown carefully. The coachman cracked his whip, and they set off through the cobblestone streets of the city.

Something big was planned, he knew.  Was it true that the Duke was a heretic?  The city held two churches, large structures dedicated to the God Annis. The true God, the one that the priests spoke of.  Everything else, the priest told him, was demon worship. Heretics and murderer...

As they moved through the fields, the tall grass whispered secrets of danger with each gust of wind. Aria's eyes darted from shadow to shadow, her nerves frayed from years of constant vigilance. The sun beat down mercilessly, and sweat trickled down her back, her once-fine clothe...

Six months later...

"We haven't seen their kind here in years," Maribeth said.