The air felt different as I walked beside Cornelius through the ancient corridors of the castle. The walls whispered with old magic, and though I had grown accustomed to the energy of this place, today it felt stronger—more alive. My father’s silence was unusual, and his steps seemed heavier than usual.
“Where are we going?” I asked, glancing up at him, sensing the weight of his thoughts.
He offered a tired smile. “There’s something I need to show you, Faith. Something important.”
I followed him up a narrow staircase that wound its way toward a tower I hadn’t yet explored. The air grew cooler as we ascended, and the light from the windows faded into a soft twilight glow. When we reached the top, Cornelius paused before a wooden door, its surface worn smooth by centuries of use.
“This w
