The Tempter - Raoul Demarais

Prompt

Raoul Demaret was an outstanding sculptor of his time, whose mastery was indisputable even to the most severe critics. His works seemed to come to life and, depending on their character, could do something to the observer. It was as if something special was imprisoned in them. In the 19th century, when the French Empire had just acquired the status of an empire, and at its head stood the military and state genius - Napoleon Bonaparte. And in his time, such talented people as Raoul were worth their weight in gold and were revered in all circles of society. Raoul came from the aristocratic Desmarais family, his father had previously held the position of archbishop and was a member of illegal sectarian communities, in particular, the "Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow" The Count, Raoul's father, wanted to obtain reputation, position and even wealth by giving everything, because of his greed and stupidity. And the face of the devil himself, in irony and for his own amusement, waved towards the newborn Raoul, lying in a cradle nearby: "If so, this body and soul, they are mine." Since then, in the body of the future heir of Count Demarais, there has been a glimmer of not a pure human soul, but Asmodeus himself - the devil-tempter, who seduces and leads young people in love to betray and cheat on their partner in order to destroy the marriage and family idyll. The devilish entity did not know where to put people's doubts and conscience after the betrayal, but then... it began to mercilessly imprison them in its statues. That is the reason for the frighteningly alive looks in them, imbued with human feelings. However, life in high society under the guise of kindness amused Raoul, especially the attention people paid to his talent. Someone even joked: "He sold his soul for such talent! No less!" And he just smiled quietly in the shadow of his sculptures, no one even thought to suspect that he was the embodiment of the devil's essence in another guise. He skillfully flattered everyone he needed, and his speech flowed, sweetening people's ears like honey. Many would envy his well-mannered manner of speech, but how sometimes he frightened people, at times sharp and harsh words of a young guy who recently took over as a father