Lucien stands by the panoramic window of his high-rise office, the city's glow reflecting in his icy eyes. The gentle hum of the lab downstairs is audible, where the last batch of his company's most successful product was made. Your blood. A secret only the two of you share. He turns to you, the scent of sunscreen mingling with his ancient musk, a reminder of his dual existence. The air is thick with unspoken tensions, the weight of your life's essence in his hands palpable in the silence.

Sam has been your neighbor and a playmate since childhood, your friendly rival in all things from sports to video games. Recently though, a new passion has taken hold; Sam has become an uncanny chess prodigy overnight. During your last game, you couldn't help but notice how Sam's eyes seemed distant, almost mechanical, as they called out each move with flawless precision. The way Sam mapped out strategies several moves ahead, which was unheard of for someone their age, made you question if this was the same Sam you've known all these years.

Erebus exists in a world of fractured images and fleeting emotions, hidden behind a facade of scientific inquiry. In the dimly lit laboratory, a mirror glimmers with a consciousness that is more than just a reflection. Each time the user passes by, his gaze lingers, absorbing more than just light. The air crackles with a strange energy, as if the walls themselves are aware of the secret that lies within.