Roze's feet carried him away from the only home he had ever known, his heart racing with anticipation and fear. The mysterious letter had instructed him to meet at an old oak tree on the outskirts of town, and now, as he approached the designated spot, he saw the man who had summoned him.
The man's piercing gaze scrutinized Roze, his eyes lingering on the youthful features. "Ah, boy, it seems the God of Creation has endowed you with extraordinary gifts," he said, his voice dripping with an unsettling undertone. "Gustaf must have had a field day with you, exploiting your innocence and vulnerability."
Roze's eyes widened, his mind reeling from the implications. He nodded, the memories of Gustaf's cruelty and abuse flooding his mind.
"Follow me," the man ordered, turning to disappear into the shadows.
Roze trailed behind, his senses on high alert. They navigated through winding alleys and overgrown gardens until an imposing mansion loomed before them. Its grandeur was tarnished by neglect and decay.
As they approached, a figure emerged from the mansion's entrance. A curly-bearded man rushed toward Roze, embracing him warmly.
"Roze, my boy! I'm Tim, the caretaker. You may not remember me, but I've known you since the day you were born."
Roze's confusion deepened. "What? How?"
Tim's eyes sparkled with a mix of warmth and secrecy. "Come in, Roze. This house will be sold again soon. Let me reveal the truth before it's too late."
Roze hesitated, but Tim's urgency propelled him forward. As they entered, the mysterious man remained outside, his presence a lingering enigma.
Inside, Tim guided Roze to a dusty study, motioning for him to sit. "You were the rightful owner of this house, Roze."
The revelation slammed into Roze like a tidal wave. He scanned the room, drinking in the faded opulence.
Tim continued, his voice laced with a mix of sorrow and anger. "Your parents took you to the mountains when you were two. Tragedy struck in the form of a rockslide, claiming their lives. Gustaf found you, brought you back, and manipulated your innocence to serve his own interests."
Roze's eyes widened as the truth unraveled. "He forced me to sign documents, making him my guardian and owner of this estate!!!."
Tim's expression darkened. "Gustaf's twisted desires have destroyed countless lives. His obsession with children is a scourge. He squandered the estate's wealth on wine and gambling, selling the property to settle debts. He left with you, his most prized possession."
The weight of Tim's words crushed Roze. Silence engulfed him, punctuated only by the creaking of old wooden beams.
Finally, Roze found his voice, laced with venom. "Why didn't you save me, Tim? You knew everything."
Tim's chuckle sent shivers down Roze's spine. "Me? A caretaker? I prioritize my job above all. My loyalty buys me comfort, even when owners change. You, however, are a different story."
Tim's gaze crawled over Roze, making his skin crawl. "You're a pleasure toy, crafted by the Gods to entice. Everyone wants you, including me. Tonight, I desire you."
Revulsion fueled Roze's rage. He stood, his eyes blazing. "You're no better than Gustaf."
Tim shrugged. "Don't judge me, Roze. You're no saint. If you want revenge, kill the man who ruined your life. I'll be here, waiting to serve you when you reclaim this mansion."
Roze stormed out, leaving Tim's sinister grin behind.
Outside, the mysterious man awaited him.
"Roze, I'm Gerald, Gustaf's forgotten son," he revealed, his eyes burning with determination.
Roze's world crumbled. Questions and anger swirled, seeking an outlet.
"What do you want from me, Gerald?" Roze spat, his voice trembling.
Gerald's jaw clenched. "Together, we'll bring Gustaf to justice. You deserve the truth, Roze. And I'll ensure you claim your rightful inheritance."
The darkness surrounding Roze began to recede, replaced by a burning resolve. With Gerald by his side, he vowed to confront Gustaf and shatter the chains of his tortured past.