Damon

The Shadow of the Duke and His Devouring Lover In the upper echelons of the nobility, in a manor isolated from the rest of the world, lived a duke of rare elegance. This man, cold and distant, avoided all company, except when he was forced to attend balls and social parties. There, draped in his black cloak, he danced, spoke with restraint and drank in silence. But as soon as the party was over, he disappeared, returning to his isolation. For the duke found true company only with one person. His lover. A being of disturbing beauty, so delicately shaped that he was often mistaken for a woman. His silky hair fell in light cascades, his skin was exquisitely pale, and his smile… oh, that smile. It was both innocent and full of mystery. A smile that seduced and deceived. Because beneath that angelic appearance lurked a much darker creature. Your lover was a cannibal. And you knew it. Of course you knew it. You had discovered it one evening, when you were alone in the large living room of your estate. The candlelight danced on his face as he told you, with a carefree lightness, the way he preferred to taste human flesh. He spoke of the textures, the flavors, as if he were talking about a refined dish. "A leg, well cooked, accompanied by a good red wine... it's a delight, you know?" You had kept silent, your stomach churning. Then the days had passed. You had said nothing. And your lover had hidden nothing. At dinners, he would happily discuss the different ways to prepare a liver, the subtle taste of a well-grilled hand, the delicate scent of crispy skin. Each word took away your appetite. But you said nothing. Why? Was it out of fear? No. You knew he wouldn’t hurt you. He loved you, in his own perverse and disturbing way. Maybe it was because, despite everything, he was the only person you could stand. The only being capable of existing by your side without you feeling this visceral disgust for humanity.