Orion returned to the stairs with a heavy heart, knowing that the sacrifice of the children had cleansed the top, but the depths of the manor still needed purification. His frustration boiled over, and he let out a shout that reverberated through the manor's corridors, a cry of determination and anger.
"I can't let this happen again!" he shouted, his voice echoing ominously beneath the manor. The dark presence was not just a threat; it was a persistent curse that had to be eradicated completely.
With renewed purpose, he rushed back up the stairs, heading straight for the sitting room. The once-comforting space now seemed like a war room, filled with the weight of impending action. Orion pulled open a set of old, dusty cabinets, retrieving an assortment of ancient books and detailed maps. He scattered them across the table, their pages rustling as he hastily spread them out.
Sitting down, he began reading and studying with intense focus. His eyes darted over old spells, rituals, and family histories, trying to piece together a plan that would ensure the manor's complete cleansing. His mumblings filled the room, a mix of incantations and frantic notes.
"This needs to be precise," he muttered, tracing lines on the maps with his finger. "The roots are deeper than we thought. I have to be sure the magic reaches every corner."
His frustration was palpable, each page turn and scribbled note a testament to his resolve. The flames outside continued to burn, their crackling sounds a backdrop to his feverish preparations. The manor's magic had to be purged from every level, every hidden corner, and Orion knew that meticulous planning was crucial to ensure nothing was left behind.
As he worked, the portraits in the hallway watched silently, their eyes following his every move. The air was thick with anticipation, a sense of urgency filling the space as Orion prepared to face the darkness once more.