Beneath the weight of silent fear,
Echoes whisper, "He was here."
A prince once bright, now lost from sight,
Shadows claim the fading light.
---
BARON WON STUCKER'S RESIDENCE
The mansion stood in eerie silence that evening, the chandeliers above flickering faintly against the heavy air of tension. Every servant moved as though walking on eggshells, afraid to draw the attention of the storm brewing within the house.
Baron Won paced restlessly across his vast study — his steps heavy, his mind clouded. His usually sharp, commanding face was drawn with worry, the lines of age deepened by fear. The sound of the grand Gioconda door creaking open startled him.
"Father!"
His daughter, Evelyn, rushed in, her eyes red and swollen. She ran straight into his arms, clutching at his coat like a desperate child.
"Father, my son—why haven't they found him yet? Hope nothing has happened to him?" Her voice broke as tears spilled freely.
