The gates of the fortress loomed like the maw of some slumbering beast, tall enough to swallow a cathedral, carved with runes that glimmered faintly in the moonlight. Shadows clung to the walls, shifting like restless spirits.
Liora's steps faltered. "This is… your home?"
"It's my prison," he replied without looking at her.
The gates groaned open, revealing a courtyard paved in black stone. Torches burned with pale silver flames, casting light that never seemed to reach the corners. Every wall was alive with faint movement, as if the shadows themselves were listening.
Figures emerged from the far archway, tall, clad in black armor that caught the torchlight in sharp glints. Their faces were hidden, but their eyes shone with the same metallic silver as the Prince's.
One of them stepped forward, bowing slightly. "My lord. We felt the breach." His gaze slid to Liora, and his voice turned sharp. "You brought… her here?"
Liora felt the weight of a dozen unseen stares.
"She stays," the Prince said, voice like steel.
"That is not wise," the armored figure warned. "The Council will see this as"
"As my decision," the Prince cut in, stepping closer until the air between them tightened. "And you will carry my word without question, Kael."
The name rang in Liora's ears. The soldier's jaw tightened, but he bowed again and stepped back.
They moved through the archway into the main hall. It was vast, its ceiling lost in shadow. A black throne sat at the far end, flanked by pillars carved with scenes of battles and crowned kings only every king's face had been erased.
"This place…" Liora murmured, her voice small. "It feels like it's watching me."
"It is," he said, ascending the steps toward the throne. "Every stone here was laid with magic. The keep remembers every guest, every enemy, every oath." He turned, resting one hand on the hilt of his blade. "And now… it will remember you."
Her breath hitched. "Why am I here?"
His gaze dropped to her throat, where the faint burn from the Hunter's claw still marked her skin. "Because that mark is a death sentence if you stay in your world. The Hunters will follow it."
Her stomach knotted. "So I'm a prisoner?"
He gave a thin smile. "A guest. For now."
The sound of heavy boots echoed from the hall's entrance. A woman in black robes entered, her eyes like shards of ice. She bowed slightly, but her voice was like a blade.
"The Council requests your presence, my lord. They have… questions about your new 'guest.'"
The Prince's jaw tightened. "Then let them ask. But they will not like the answers."
His eyes found Liora again, holding her there like she was the only thing that existed in the room. "Stay here. Do not wander. And if the shadows speak to you… don't answer."