Far away, in the darkness of a secluded mountain, the two survivors of the earlier battle stood before a massive metallic gate embedded in stone. Tonya, panting, pressed trembling fingers to a digital panel and typed in a code. With a loud hiss of releasing pressure, the door slid open, revealing a dimly lit corridor. At the end of that hallway, two yellow eyes glowed in the dark, an imposing figure waited on a throne.

  — Where is my precious treasure? the deep voice rumbled, making both of them flinch.

  Tonya and Viktor instinctively bowed, their bodies trembling with fear. Despite all the bravery they showed before their enemies, now, under his gaze, they felt like helpless children.

  — You see… we ran into a guy with a spear, Tonya tried to explain. We fought him, and his men took Astra…

  The figure remained silent for a moment. Then, in a low, dangerous tone, he said:

  — So you lost… to a man with a spear?

  — Actually, it was a draw! Viktor blurted, desperate to save himself.

  — I see. A draw, you say.

  The shadowed figure slowly raised his head. His eyes began to glow gold, and in the next second, Viktor’s body jolted violently as dozens of spikes erupted from inside his heart. Blood poured from the corners of his mouth. His body collapsed, lifeless.

  Tonya took a shaky step back, trembling.

  — P-please… I’ll go back. I’ll bring her to you, I swear. Just give me another chance!

  The dark figure leaned his chin on his palm, watching her with boredom.

  — I’ll give you a thirty-second head start. If you manage to get far enough, you live.

  Tonya swallowed hard, panic rising in her eyes. She tried one last desperate plea.

  — L-Listen! I have an idea, what if....

  — Now. Run.

  Without another word, the dragonfly-like creature turned and bolted toward the exit.

  Ezequiel glanced at the watch on his wrist, calmly tracking the seconds. Her injured wings beat erratically as she flew in a desperate zigzag, her heart pounding in her chest. Finally, she reached a high branch and stopped, gasping, thinking she had escaped.

  At that moment, the dark figure’s eyes lit up once again.

  Tonya’s body suddenly stiffened. Invisible spikes pierced her from the inside, and a scream of pain escaped her lips.

  — You bastard… she whispered with her final breath before her life faded.

  The dark figure stood by the open door, hand resting under his chin, the setting sun revealing his slicked-back white hair.

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  — Clean up this mess, he ordered, referring to Viktor’s ashes, and the armed guards rushed forward to obey.

  Meanwhile, in an elegant office, Arthur sat calmly at his desk, sipping tea from a porcelain cup. Across from him, Astra kept her hands folded in her lap, her gaze locked on the floor.

  Vincent, the butler, approached with a tray and carefully placed the teapot and cups before them.

  — Kennedy, you and your men may leave, Arthur ordered.

  — Understood, sir, Kennedy replied, bowing before leaving the room quickly.

  Astra remained silent, fidgeting nervously with the hem of her dress.

  — I’m sorry about Kennedy, Arthur said, lifting the cup to his lips. He’s a good kid, but his eyes tend to wander where they shouldn’t...

  Astra said nothing.

  — What’s your name? Arthur asked calmly.

  No answer.

  — What were those creatures that were chasing you?

  Still, silence.

  Arthur sighed and set the cup down on its saucer.

  — Alright. I won’t press further. But I can’t let you leave tonight. It’s late. In the morning, you may do as you please.

  Arthur stood and turned toward Vincent.

  — Vincent, show the young lady to the guest room. Post a guard. Make sure nothing happens to her.

  — Of course, sir.

  Vincent gave Astra a discreet nod to follow.

  Astra rose and followed silently.

  She walked slowly down the long corridor behind Vincent, who kept his pace calm and composed. Every step felt like she was sinking deeper into a place she didn’t belong. Her eyes wandered along the dimly lit hallway, glancing at the paintings on the walls, depictions of historical events and unknown figures.

  They stopped in front of a large wooden door. Vincent opened it with an elegant gesture. Astra looked inside a spacious room, with a large bed, pristine white linens, and a wide window overlooking the castle garden. Beside the bed, a mahogany nightstand held a lamp glowing warmly, and across from it stood an imposing, finely carved wardrobe.

  — This will be your room, miss, said Vincent as he stepped in, motioning gracefully. If you need anything, simply press this button, and I’ll be at your service.

  Astra nodded absently, her gaze drifting around the room.

  — Thank you, Mr. Vincent.

  The butler bowed slightly with a gentle smile.

  — Sleep well, miss, he said before leaving and closing the door behind him.

  Astra stood alone. The silence of the room weighed down on her, broken only by the soft beat of her heart. She approached the window, looking out at the starry sky. A light wind rustled the leaves in the garden. She gently touched her arm, feeling her fingers tremble, then threw herself onto the bed, trying to calm her thoughts.

  Eventually, she drifted off, slipping into a strange dream.

  She was running through a twisting maze, chased by dozens of small, snarling creatures.

  At the edge of a cliff that dropped into nothing, she stopped. But something shoved her from behind and she fell.

  Only to land in a giant hand. As she turned, glowing yellow eyes stared at her.

  A deep voice echoed in her mind.

  "No matter where you run… I’ll find you."

  Astra jolted awake, gasping for air.

  I can’t stay here, she told herself.

  The thought echoed in her mind like a drumbeat. She didn’t trust these people not even Arthur. He had saved her, yes, but that didn’t mean she was safe. Not with that shadow still chasing her.

  She had to leave.