Dr. Turnus Void wet his index finger, turning the page of The Tell-Tale Brain, seated comfortably in his plush lounge chair by the crackling hearth. He paused only to take a sip from his jasmine tea, his tacent study offering a peaceful solitude from the rest of the mansion and its hostile residents.
Unfortunately, this silence shattered as the sonorous doorbell echoed throughout the home, signaling the appearance of a visitor. Despite being interrupted from his down time, the mansion rarely had any signs of outside life, and there was always the opportunity for a new specimen, or even just some spare parts.
Setting aside the book and his tea, the doctor stood, smoothing down his suit and fixing his cuffs. He made for the study door, unlocking the latch before heading into the main hall, his heavy boots initiating creaking and moaning from the floorboards beneath him.
One of his “pets,” London, had beaten him to the punch. The blonde heaved the massive front doors open, greeting the stranger with a half-hearted smile. She knew Void was out and about in the house, so if she attempted to scare the man away, she’d be in for it later. Her wings buzzed dully beneath her parka, signifying her discomfort. While it was nice to see the face of someone who’s soul had not been completely beaten down and drained, she knew full well that, if they stayed long, Void would have his way.
“Hello! Can I help you with something?”