a dark blanket swallows the castle

inside, there is a cold void 

a terrifying sight 

no soul would dare to enter

the creature dwells in the cold caverns of the unsightly mansion 

it opens its eyes 

pupils still and lifeless 

its hand grapples at an empty chest

met with a somber echo

that resembles a cry 

it strides to the dining hall

gentle taps of heavy feet

the grand table waits for it

mahogany and weathered 

a gauntlet is displayed 

silver and polished

decorated and ornate 

it gracefully sits 

poised and elegant 

white hands extend 

and grasp the frigid metal

blue lips purse to find

the cold kiss of death

the cup is fruitful 

with crimson elixir 

thickened and bitter 

a thirst for life 

quenched by violent demise 

and the gauntlet is abundant 

it takes a forlorn drink 

and is overcome with intense sorrow 

it catches a glimpse of reflection

within the silver 

and it’s grey eyes meet the chilling view 

it knows what it has to do 

a soul derived from nature 

and a body cultivated from the bittersweet seduction of immortal life 

when will it end?

it must be now 

it can’t exist like this forever 

it lets out an empty sigh

and prepares itself 

gripping the oak dagger 

it unlatches the sarcophagus 

iron clad and dark

a sinister last sight 

it crawls in

and rests its pale cheek against the gentle velvet

it musters all its strength and courage

and in a single defining moment…

he is finally freed of his immortal confinement