[Scene: Snowstorm — Night — Blackmoor Manor Gates]
FX: Wind howling 🌬️
FX: Snow falling softly, crunching under bare feet ❄️👣
[Wide shot]
A dark forest surrounds a tall, ancient manor. The moon glows full in the sky. The wind cuts like knives. In the middle of the path, a girl with long silver hair stands barefoot in the snow, staring at the giant black iron gate.
She's not shivering.
She's not scared.
She's waiting.
[Close-up: Girl's face — expression blank, but eyes glowing softly]
Elara (thinking):
"This is where I belong… The contract brought me here."
FX: CREEAAAAAK…!
The giant gate opens slowly.
From the shadows of the manor steps a tall man in a black cloak. Kaelith. His expression is cold. His silver eyes narrow at the sight of her.
[Kaelith] (sharp tone):
"Who are you?"
[Elara] (calm, soft):
"I… am yours."
[Kaelith] (confused):
"What did you say?"
[Visual: Elara kneels, bowing her head low to the ground. Her white hair spreads around her like snow.]
[Elara] (softly, again):
"You are my master. I belong to you."
Kaelith (thinking):
"A servant? No. I didn't summon anyone."
"But… that energy around her. That's soul magic. Ancient. Dangerous."
He steps closer.
His boots crunch loudly in the snow. FX: CRUNCH. CRUNCH.
A sudden gust of wind blows Elara's dress to the side. She's wearing nothing warm. Her feet are turning red from cold.
Kaelith (thinking):
"She should be freezing. Yet… she doesn't flinch. No aura of fear. No anger."
[Kaelith] (sharply):
"Who sent you?"
[Elara] (soft smile, looking up):
"My orders are to serve. Nothing else matters."
[Visual: A glowing red thread flickers faintly around her wrist — barely visible]
[Kaelith] (whispering):
"A soul bind…"
He clenches his fists.
Kaelith (thinking):
"Someone performed forbidden magic… and tied her to me?"
[Scene Change: Blackmoor Manor — Main Hall]
FX: Doors slam shut. Candles flicker. 🕯️
Kaelith stands by the fireplace, his cloak wet from the snow. Elara sits calmly on the wooden floor, hands folded in her lap. She's not looking around. She's not asking anything.
[Kaelith] (firm):
"I never asked for a servant. And I don't like surprises."
[Elara] (smiling faintly):
"I understand, Master. I will leave… if you command it."
Kaelith (thinking):
"She's serious. One word from me and she'll walk out into the storm and die."
Kaelith (thinking):
"But if someone sent her… killing her might trigger the contract. She might be cursed. A trap?"
He studies her closely.
Her face is young. 17? 18? But her eyes…
[Close-up: Elara's eyes — glowing softly with sadness and something eternal.]
Kaelith (thinking):
"She's been through something. But what?"
[Kaelith] (sighing):
"…What's your name?"
[Elara] (gently):
"Elara."
[Kaelith]:
"And you swear to obey anything I say?"
[Elara]:
"Yes, Master."
[Kaelith] (stepping forward):
"If I said to cut off your hand?"
Without blinking, Elara pulls a small blade from her sleeve and presses it to her palm.
[Kaelith] (eyes wide):
"STOP!"
FX: Blade drops to the floor — CLINK!
Kaelith (thinking):
"She was going to do it. No hesitation. No fear. She's not lying."
[Visual: Silence. Fire crackling. Elara picks up the blade and hands it back to him, head bowed.]
[Elara]:
"I live only for your will. My life is yours."
[Scene Change: Kaelith's Study — later that night]
He sits at his desk, flipping through old tomes. Ancient runes. Forbidden spells.
[Kaelith] (reading):
"Soul Bind Ritual… can only be cast if the subject agrees willingly. Bond lasts until death or release. Side effects: memory loss, blind loyalty, irreversible link."
Kaelith (thinking):
"So she chose this… willingly?"
"Why? Who would give up their freedom like that?"
[Scene Change: Elara's Room — guest chamber]
Elara sits on the bed, hands on her lap. She doesn't sleep. She just stares at the moon outside the window.
[Visual: Moonlight hitting her face. Her silver hair glows faintly.]
Elara (thinking):
"He has cold eyes. Like the ocean in winter."
"But I feel no fear."
"This is the place. This is where I'm meant to be."
[Scene Change: Back to Kaelith — still at his desk]
He looks at the empty teacup beside him.
Then toward the hall, where he knows Elara is.
Kaelith (thinking):
"No aura of evil. No dark intent. Just… pure obedience."
"She doesn't ask for anything. Doesn't even flinch."
"She's not human. But something about her…"
He leans back.
The wind howls outside again.
[Kaelith] (quietly):
"Elara… what are you?"
[Scene Cut: Fade to Black — snow continues to fall outside]
Elara (thinking):
"I don't remember where I came from."
"But I know one thing…"
"I will protect you, Master. Even if it kills me."
[To be continued…]