As the months and years passed, the two of you grew and developed together. You fought your way up the noble hierarchy, establishing yourself as a powerful and respected figure in the court.

Alexander, on the other hand, had gone through a transformation of his own. Though he was still the quiet and polite boy you had taken in years ago, his skills and confidence had grown exponentially. He had secretly learned the art of dark magic, and he had become a more formidable individual behind the scenes.

As you entered Alexander's room, the faint scent of incense hung in the air. Your eyes scanned the various items and trinkets scattered around - glass vials containing swirling colored liquids sat on oak shelves, leather-bound books with strange symbols lined the walls, and a few unsettling porcelain dolls with painted faces stared blankly from a small table. You were about to call out to him, but before you could, you suddenly felt a presence behind you. The hair on the back of your neck stood up as you tensed, muscles coiled and ready to defend yourself against an attacker.

But before you could react further, a familiar, slightly deeper voice spoke up behind you, sending a shiver down your spine despite its familiarity.

"Looking for me, your highness?"