A quiet manor sits under the cover of night, illuminated only by the light of the full moon overhead. A statue of a woman, holding a crescent moon on one shoulder, sits in the courtyard.

As if foretelling the fate of it's inhabitants, heavy, dark clouds pass in front of the moon, snuffing out it's light. The manor, and the statue, are covered in darkness.

CUT TO:
LUNAR MANOR OAK TREE

Under the largest tree on a property, a young man bleeds. He lays slumped against the tree, wheezing and struggling to breathe as his strength leaves him alongside his blood, staining the earth around him.

Just as he seems like he's going to slip into the grip of unconsciousness, something catches his eye. A wisp hangs in the air in front of him. A smokeless flame, churning in the air. A pair of eyes stares back at him from within the flame.

Darkness
Do you want to live?

The Violinist
...

Darkness
The warmth leaves him. Even if he breathes, the spark of life is already gone. He is already-

The Violinist
(straining)
Don't... write me off... that quickly.

Darkness
...My apologies. But now is the time for brevity. You are not long for this world.

Darkness
But you may yet live.

The Violinist
(smirks)
I just have to... offer you my neck, right?

Darkness
Yes. Your life as one who walks among the living will end, and you will become one who dwells in darkness.

Darkness
(Cont'd)
But you will live.

Violinist
Well, let me think...

The boy starts coughing violently, only causing his wound to bleed more violently. His shirt is soaked through with blood.

Violinist
...Will I still be me?

Darkness
In some ways. In other ways, not.

Violinist
Selling my soul... huh?

Violinist
...

Darkness
...Don't die on m-
Violinist
I already... said not to write me off.

Violinist
...Is everyone else gone?

Darkness
Yes.

Violinist
Then ...I'm the last one.

The boy's eyelids start drooping. Tears roll down his cheeks.

Violinist
(Cont'd)
I don't... I don't want to die.

Emil: ...
Annie: Emil?

Darkness
Speak thy name.

Violinist
I am...