The truth, the harsh truth.

A Dream Within A Dream: How do you handle loss?

Annabel Lee: Do you think you will meet your loved ones again when you die?

Dream: What was the best dream you ever had?

Israfel: Is it better to be loved or respected?

Lenore: How would you act if you discovered the death of someone you cherished?

Ligeia: How hard would you fight for something you love?

Spirits of the Dead: If you died today, what would be your unfinished business?

Tamerlane: Have you ever regretted not telling someone how you feel?

The Black Cat: Have you ever felt like you were losing your mind?

The Lake: Did you ever lose hope?

The Masque of the Red Death: Is there anything you want revenge for?

The Murders in the Rue Morgue: Is it better to be strong of mind or of body?

The Pit and the Pendulum: What do you fear most?

The Raven: Is there someone who you are completely devoted to?

Number 23: I’m your long lost sibling

Rufus was known for his great knowledge and without a doubt not one of the great nobles could rival him in possession of information. Not only did he know so much about others, he was also great at hiding information on himself in a way none would be able to have full certainty about his past or the household’s. Every now and then he would use his reputation to pull pranks on the ones closest to the noble, the poor servants of the Barma house, who occasionally enjoyed (or not) his pestering. And Rufus’ preferred target was the responsible and trustworthy Reim Lunettes.

This evening his valet would suffer once again Rufus’ jokes. He had called Reim to his office alleging matters of grand urgency. Would Reim be alarmed at such a thing? Would he be nervous and anxious or just suspect this was Rufus’ idea of a childish joke?  He hoped for the funniest outcome. As soon as the servant walked in the room, Rufus rose and, with a subtle wave of his fan, faced his valet seriously.

Number 6 - I love you

He fumbled in his chair trying not to look at the women in front of him. She was certainly aware of it after all those confessions, letters, gifts and flowers he had presented her with. Rufus had already lost count of the times he had repeated his feelings and, tragically, been rejected by the lady Sheryl. Why was he doing it this time? Perhaps it was to remind her of what she already knew or just because it pleased him to try his luck for the thousandth time. Enough with the useless reasoning already, the duke decided, Sheryl was the one person in this world he would never try to manipulate with words.

From a pocket hidden in the inside of the duke’s robe, Rufus revealed a simple beige envelope, nothing fancy this time, she might eventually grow tired of it. In the red head’s neat handwriting one could identify the duchess’ name.