Soon, as the day wanes, the night gently descends upon the land, casting a thick veil of darkness upon the surroundings. The stars twinkle from above, with comets traversing the expanse of the night sky. The breeze blows towards the mansion, caressing its mighty facade. On the estate's facade, windows dot the walls, offering a glimpse into the dining room.

     Inside the dining room, the table brims with a feast, surrounded by Jean and his family. Clear vegetable broth, roasted lamb with gravy, mashed potatoes, and poached salmon lie quietly on the table, tempting the senses. On the sides, caramel custard and assorted fruits, including grapes, mango slices, bananas, and apples, rest, awaiting their turn. Bottles of red and white wines and a jar of water fill the remaining space, eagerly quenching the thirst of those who dine.

     As Jean sits on the corner of the table, staring at his empty plate, he contemplates how to help his adoptive father recover. His eyes then roam, scanning the faces of the people surrounding him. Beside him, Oliver sits, delicately savouring a humble morsel of lamb as he takes a slow, measured bite from his fork.

"Dad...?" Jean called out to Oliver with glistening eyes.

"Hm?" Oliver responded, glancing at Jean as he chewed slowly.

"Never mind..." Jean sighed, lowering his gaze.

Oliver peered intently at Jean's visage. "I know you want to address something to me... we can talk about it if you will..." Oliver whispered.

"No, no... it's alright. Just... Dad... don't think about those things..." said Jean.

"What things?" Oliver inquired.

"Those 'things' you said earlier... those 'things' you believe in..." Jean replied with a deep sigh. "I know this all will soon come to pass."

Oliver absorbed Jean's words as he stared at him. "Hopefully... in God's will..." he said. Upon swallowing a tender morsel, Oliver grabbed a glass of red wine and pushed his chair, dismissing himself. "Now, everyone. I thank you for your company. I shall now head to my bedroom for the night," he announced. Glancing at Josephine and Gregory, he requested, "My dears, kindly summon some maids for me and trail behind with the others once you conclude dinner." He then inhaled deeply and channelled his energy. "...Please excuse me..." he said weakly.

     Oliver rises from his seat and turns to leave the dining room. However, in a sudden, unfortunate event, a sharp, harrowing pain strikes Oliver, slamming against his body like a rolling boulder. The anguish spreads across his being, dragging him to the ground. With his knees collapsing, Oliver drops to the floor as he groans, his eyes wincing.

     Losing control of his body, Oliver's grip falters, and the glass of wine slips from his grasp. The glass plummets and crashes to the floor, shattering into numerous pieces. The piercing sound of glass breaking resonates, reaching every nook and cranny of the room.

"Ugh!"

     Shocked, the entire family gasps in surprise. They hurriedly rise from their chairs, vying to catch Oliver before his head touches the floor. The sound of chairs scraping against the floor fills the room, seamlessly melding with everyone's sharp breaths.

"Father!" Victoria gasped.

"Dad!" Jean shrieked in surprise.

     With urgency propelling him, Jean springs from his seat, swiftly closing the distance to Oliver. Just as Oliver's head threatens to meet the cold floor, Jean intercepts, catching his falling body and tenderly cradling him in a protective embrace. Oliver flinches instinctively, clutching onto Jean with a desperate grip.

     Suddenly, Jean's eyes flashed with a vision. It was as if he were viewing the world through a different lens, feeling as if he were transported to a different place where darkness surrounded him. He squinted, his gaze attempting to pierce through the darkness. As his vision adjusted, he noticed something peculiar before him.

     Before Jean stood a menacing earthen throne, its surface adorned with sharp spikes and elaborate geometrical motifs. Two flickering torches flanked its sides, casting an eerie glow upon the scene. Perched on the seat, a woman softly hummed a haunting melody as she pricked a doll with a long needle.

     Like the orange sunset, the woman's eyes glistened, complementing her long eyelashes and dark maroon lips. Her pale skin sparkled like the bright stars in the galaxy, highlighting the black silken strands adorning her head. Her hair cascaded in luxurious waves, intricately interwoven with delicate braids.

     The woman wore a black fitted dress that revealed her arms and shoulders, her neckline plunging and stopping just above her navel. Attachable pleated sleeves covered her forearms, harmonizing with her pointy nails. A long train flowed behind her back, and a slit on the front of her skirt exposed her sculpted legs that shined with a lustrous sheen.

     Standing beside the earthen throne, facing the woman with the doll, a henchman with caramel hair awaited and observed her. His mocha-brown eyes were akin to a swamp, and his deep, ink-like skin created a striking blend with his dark leather waistcoat. He donned no shirt underneath his vest, exposing his muscular arms. Around his head was a tied cloth that kept his unruly hair away from his face. Completing his attire, he wore matching trousers and knee-length boots.