Moonlight Castle

The city walls loomed larger with every step, their towering presence growing until they seemed to blot out the sky. Up close, the walls were a masterpiece of craftsmanship, covered in intricate carvings that told stories of a civilization long lost to time.

Kazimir’s eyes widened as they drew near, finally able to grasp the sheer scale of the structure. It was unlike anything he had ever seen—ancient, imposing, and hauntingly beautiful.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Ephialtes said, his voice filled with awe. “As a craftsman myself, I can’t even begin to imagine the work it must have taken to build something this magnificent.”

“Shut up, both of you,” Judas snapped, his voice low and tense. His eyes darted nervously toward the gate ahead. “We’re about to enter a godforsaken ruin filled with monstrosities beyond human comprehension. Remember, once we’re inside, no more talking. We’ll use sign language to communicate.”

He turned to face them, his expression stern. “Understood?”

They all nodded silently, the weight of his words settling over them like a heavy blanket.

“Good,” Judas continued, his voice barely above a whisper. “Now, remember the plan. We’ll each watch a different direction for tracks or signs of movement. I’ll take the front. Ephialtes, you watch our left. Kazimir, you cover our back. And Aldrich, you take the right. If you see something, don’t speak—use hand signals. Understood?”

Again, they nodded, their faces grim.

“And remember,” Judas added, his tone sharp, “once we’re through that gate, no more talking. Not a word.”

With that, the carriage moved forward, its wheels crunching through the snow as it passed beneath the gigantic gate. The tracks it left behind were the only sign of their presence, quickly swallowed by the eerie silence of the city.