A cryptic letter arrived at midnight. It was sealed with black candle wax. The recipient's name, Lady Persephone, shimmered in silver ink. She opened it with gloved hands, topaz ring catching the moonlight. Patiently, she read each word, eyes widening in shock. "I am in grave danger," the letter began. "The fiend from my past returns for retribution." "Fear for your life, milady. Act now." With trembling hands, she crumpled the note. A muffled scream pierced the still night. Lady Persephone rushed to the window. A cloaked figure fled into the shadows. Her breath caught in her throat. "Intruder!" she cried out. "Guard! Guard!" Toting her silver-plated dagger, she raced into the hall. But alas, she found only empty corridors. The clock chimed two, silence descending again. Yet in the distance, a faint scuffle could be heard. Lady Persephone crept towards the noise. A wooden door stood ajar, strange silhouettes dancing within. She pushed it open, gasping at the scene before her. The body of her faithful maidservant, Isabeth, lay slain. Blood pooled on the stone floor. The maid's eyes stared sightlessly. In her lifeless hand, a final note was gripped. Cloven claws marred its surface, ominous and dark. Lady Persephone sank to her knees. Tears streamed down her face. Retribution had arrived, just as foretold. And as the candle sputtered out, her doom was sealed.