On the manor's upper floor, there was a wing locked with rusty chains. His grandfather had always warned him against approaching it. Now, there was nothing left to lose.
He opened the door with difficulty. Inside the room, there was a woman chained, naked except for a silky robe covering only half her body, her eyes glassy, yet alive.
She spoke in a dry voice, as if she had forgotten how to speak:"You... the last blood... son of the gate of death. I am a postponed sacrifice."
"Who are you?"
"I am Meredith... I was Lord Gregory's first wife. I refused to be the third sacrifice. So he imprisoned me between life and death."
"Why? Why the sacrifice?!"
"To keep the gate closed. And to keep Lilith in the shadows. Now... you are the target."
Then... she disappeared. Literally.
Her body evaporated into the air, leaving behind a glowing chain and a voice repeating:"Lilith has chosen your next beloved."