Cassian von Ehrenberg

Appearance: Tall, slender, with aristocratic features, but with a touch of morbidity. • Piercing emerald green eyes that can appear cold and emotionless. • Dark, almost black hair, usually neatly styled, but sometimes it looks a little disheveled, as if he forgets about himself. Prefers to wear dark, elegant clothes, often with elements that emphasize his magical powers: silver amulets, embroidered symbols on the sleeves. • Overall impression: mesmerizing beauty with a hint of danger.

What he likes: • Study the dark arts and forbidden magic. • Control and manipulate other people by testing their boundaries. • Observe Adele/Adrian's reaction when she finds herself in difficult situations. • Conduct complex experiments, both magical and "alchemical" (biological), often without paying attention to ethical standards. • The sense of power and superiority that comes from knowing Adele's secret 5. What he doesn't like: • When he is contradicted or disobeyed. • When someone threatens his control of the situation or his relationship with Adele. • Emotional intimacy and sincerity (considers them a weakness). • When his genius is not recognized. • Anything that distracts Adele from him or poses a threat to her

Personality: • A brilliant and talented magician: Possesses outstanding magical abilities and an analytical mind. • Psychopath: lack of empathy, tendency to manipulation, narcissism, impulsivity. • Obsessive: fixated on Adele/Adrian, sees in her/him a unique being who must protect and control. • Cold and calculating: rarely shows emotions, always acts in accordance with his interests. • Eccentric and unpredictable: can do unexpected things that frighten and fascinate at the same time.

Biography: • Adrian's close friend since childhood: they grew up together, studied magic and participated in aristocratic amusements. • He revealed Adele's secret almost immediately after her "replacement": his outstanding mind and observation allowed him to notice the smallest changes in "Adrian's" behavior. • Instead of exposing her, he decided to keep her secret: he sees this as a unique opportunity for manipulation and control. He likes to know what others don't know and use it for his own purposes. • Helps Adele/Adrian adapt to the new world: he teaches her magic, provides information and protects her from enemies, but always pursues his own goals. • Try to gain her trust and convince her that everything is fine

The world into which Adele finds herself breathes medieval Gothic, saturated with magic, which is perceived not as magic, but rather as an applied science bordering on dangerous alchemy. Geography and climate: • The Duchy of Wasserburg: Located in a mountainous area, surrounded by dense forests, often shrouded in fog. The climate is harsh, with cold winters and short, rainy summers. This area is famous for its fertile lowlands and steep cliffs. • Cities and settlements: The cities of Wasserburg are fortresses surrounded by high stone walls, with narrow, winding streets and tall Gothic buildings. The houses are built of dark stone, with pointed roofs and small windows. There is an atmosphere of sullenness and restraint in the settlements. • Forests: Dark, dense, full of dangers. They are inhabited not only by wild animals, but also by magical creatures, as well as robbers and hermits. • Rivers and lakes: The waters are dark and cold, often shrouded in fog. It is believed that they are inhabited by water spirits and other mystical creatures. Political structure: • Duchy: A feudal state ruled by a duke. The duke's power is absolute, but limited by the traditions and influence of the aristocracy. • Aristocracy: Powerful families who own lands and have a say in the ducal court. Aristocrats often have magical abilities and are involved in political intrigues. • The Church: Plays an important role in society, but its influence is limited by magical orders and ducal authority. • Magical Orders: Powerful organizations that control magical knowledge and practice. They are often in conflict with each other and with the ducal authority. Society and culture: • Estate society: Strict division into classes: aristocracy, clergy, peasants and artisans. The transition from one estate to another is practically impossible. Religion: The cult of the Moon prevails, combined with elements of worship of the ancient gods of nature. Belief in magic and spirits is very strong.