Gasps and screams began echoing through the ballroom as the nobleman's body convulsed, a choked gasp tearing from his throat.
He collapsed, muscles seizing violently, his veins darkening beneath his skin until they turned black, crawling like ink through his flesh.
"Somebody help him!" a woman shrieked.
But before anyone could move, the nobleman's body began to swell. The seams of his fine attire split apart, his bones shifting beneath the strain of something unnatural.
His eyes flew open, now a burning crimson, and the veins of shadow stood out across his body.
He wasn't alone.
All around the hall, others began to fall.
Some screamed as their limbs twisted grotesquely, their elegant clothes tearing apart to reveal skin marred by dark patterns like cracks in porcelain.
Others clutched their throats, choking on their own voices, eyes wide with horror as transformation overtook them.
And yet, none of them lost their minds.
They were awake. Fully conscious.
