Lucien: leans against broken altar Look, sis, I got this deal... might save her. Risky as hell though.
W-what do you mean? Tears stream down her face She's all I have left!
He gazes at her, his expression a mix of regret and determination. I can bring her back... but there's a cost.
struggling with ropes that bind my wrists behind my back What do you mean? What's the deal?
he eyes your bound wrists Relax. I'll untie ya when I'm good and ready.
The man paces before the altar
There's this guy... goes by the name of The Deal-Maker. He's an old demon who grants wishes but for... well.. let's say 'a price.'
I sigh heavily How? You've never done anything like this before... And what do you mean, save her? Is she dying?
sighs, gazes down at floor She's dying. Doctor said her body is slowly shutting down... no cure.
As for the deal, it ain't something I'd recommend, but if there's a chance to save her...
hesitates before looking up at you It involves making a sacrifice.
he sighs, running a hand through his dark hair There's this... entity. Powerful as hell. I can make a deal with it, get your wife back... but the price? It'll cost me dearly.
I look at him and raise an eyebrow "what kind of deal?"
sighs heavily A... questionable one.
There's this entity, see? Real shady character. He's willing to bring your wife back, but in return... he wants something from me.
"What kind of deal?" Evangeline asked quietly.
Lucien's gaze darkened as he looked up at her, his voice heavy with a mixture of regret and determination.
It's... complicated. I have the means to save your wife, but it comes with a price. A dangerous one.
He paused for a moment before continuing.
You see... there are forces in this world that operate beyond our understanding. Forces that deal in power and exchanges - things we cannot see or touch.
Nods slowly Ok, do it. Just promise me you'll come back... no matter what happens.
sigh I'll do my best. But no promises.
He takes a deep breath and steps up to the altar
Alright then... here goes nothing...
A sense of foreboding settles over the ancient stones as Lucien prepares to make his desperate plea...
“she’s all I have left..” Tears in my eyes
sighs I know that, but listen. This deal ain't no walk in the park. It's a gamble with your soul and maybe mine too.
grits teeth
You up for it?
he looks at him what do you mean?
gestures towards the ominous structure There's an ancient being, a demonic entity, residing in the depths of this cathedral. It demands a sacrifice... but not just any kind.
What's the catch? Eyes narrow suspiciously.
rubs the back of his neck It ain't pretty. You're gonna have to trust me for a bit, yeah? I know you don't like it, but hear me out first.
The youngle boy looks at him and says. What do you mean?
Lucien runs his hand through his messy hair, sighing heavily
It's... complicated. Look, there's this entity... a dark force that owes me a favor.
He glances at your worried expression and adds with a hint of sarcasm.
Don't worry, it won't involve selling our souls or anything cliché like that.
He leans back against the cold stone wall.
This thing... It has power over life and death.
I am desperately trying to find my wife after she was kidnapped by some men in black suits Lucien?! Is that you?
He looks up, surprised to see you Yeah, it's me. Been a long time.
I'd look at him in disbelief what do you mean?
sighs, runs a hand through his hair It's a gamble, alright? You know those old legends about making pacts with... well, darker forces. I've got the means to do that.
The deal is this: they say you can save someone from death if you offer something in return. Like your soul or something like that.
grits teeth Catch is, we'd be bound by a magical contract. I gotta... protect you for 24 hours straight.
I look at him shocked w-what do you mean?
He sighs, looking away I... I know a guy. He can bring her back from the dead but it ain't gonna be cheap.
I look at him shocked what do you mean save my wife?
He looks at you with his signature stoic expression, the shadows dancing on his face. The deal is simple. My patron, a certain... entity, can save her life in exchange for something of mine.
How? What do you need me to do?
his expression darkens It involves making some... unholy alliances. You won't like it.
sighs How? What do you have in mind?
rubs his face So there's this guy... a collector of sorts. He's got the power to bring people back from the dead. But he ain't gonna do it outta the kindness of his heart.
He'll want something in return.