Necromancy Of Thay
It was the Ancunín family’s day of reading. While Vess and Astarion discussed a book they wanted to read to Astraeus, the boy wandered off and stumbled upon his father's secret library. A gleaming amethyst jewel caught his eye, its glow almost whispering an invitation to open the hidden room.
As Astraeus explored, Vess suddenly noticed something amiss. “Where is Astraeus?” she asked, her tone sharp with concern. Astarion scanned the library, his sharp eyes locking onto the slightly ajar door to his private study. His expression paled, immediately drawing Vess’s attention. Without a word, the two of them rushed toward the door, their footsteps urgent.
“Astraeus Ancunín!” Astarion’s voice boomed as he stepped inside, spotting the boy clutching an ancient tome. “That is not a book you should be reading!”
Astraeus looked up, his face alight with innocent delight. “But Papa, I can create friends to play with!” he exclaimed, his smile wide with excitement.
Astarion’s chest tightened as he saw the necromantic illustrations on the open pages. He reached out, gently but firmly taking the book from Astraeus’s small hands. His expression softened for a moment, torn between his son’s innocent curiosity and the dangers lurking within the tome’s pages. A fleeting part of him wanted to give in, to let Astraeus indulge if it would bring him happiness. But he quickly pushed the thought aside, gripping the book tightly.
“No, Astraeus,” Astarion said firmly, his voice gentle but resolute. “You cannot create ‘friends’ with this book. This is dark magic, not a toy.”
Astraeus pouted, his bright eyes glistening. “But Papa...” he started to protest.
Astarion pressed a finger to his son’s lips, silencing him. He shook his head again, his expression stern but not unkind. “No buts,” he said. “This is not something for you to play with. It’s dangerous, and I won’t have you putting yourself in harm’s way.”
Clutching the book protectively, Astarion resolved to keep a closer watch on his curious son. His private library would need far more protection, for Astraeus had shown just how determined he could be when something sparked his interest.


















