"Nice to meet you, Mia," Dorian said as he knelt to the girl's level, his eyes meeting hers with a gentle warmth. "My name is Dorian." He smiled, hoping to ease the tension he sensed in her. The girl looked lost and frightened, and he wanted to make her feel safe.
"Which way did you come from, Mia?" he asked, glancing around the dense forest. The towering trees seemed to close in on them, their thick canopy casting deep shadows on the forest floor.
"From the old city. That’s where we were before a massive cat-like beast chased Kate and me," Mia replied, her voice trembling slightly as she pointed in a northwestern direction.
"Were there any noticeable landmarks while you were running?" he asked, trying to piece together their location to this old city location she mentioned, His mind raced through his mental map of the area.
"There was a waterfall, with a hill above it," Mia said, her eyes widening slightly as if she was recalling more than the scene of the waterfall.
Dorian nodded thoughtfully. "I know the location. How far away was this old city?" He turned his gaze back to Mia, noting the weariness in her eyes.
"Maybe a mile away, or so, but not too far away from the waterfall," she said with a small nod, as her spirits lifted a little as she started to walk in the direction she had indicated.
Dorian sighed softly, falling into step beside her. The forest was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of birds and insects conspicuously absent. He kept a vigilant eye on the tree line, his senses on high alert for any signs of danger. "What was this massive cat beast like, Mia?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Mia's face scrunched up in concentration as she recalled the details. "It was hard to tell due to it being dark, but what I was able to tell, it was huge, like a tiger but much bigger. Its fur was dark, almost black, with glowing red eyes. It moved so fast, we barely had time to react."
Dorian nodded, his mind racing with the new information. As they walked, Dorian kept his senses alert, listening for any signs of movement in the underbrush. The forest was dense and full of shadows, each one a potential hiding spot for the beast.
"How did you and Kate get separated?" Dorian asked, trying to piece together their story.
Mia's expression turned solemn. "We were running together, but the beast was too fast. Kate told me to hide while she tried to distract it. I heard her scream, but I didn’t see what happened. I just ran."
Dorian placed a reassuring hand on Mia's shoulder. "We’ll find her, Mia. Don't worry."
After a while of walking, they came to a small clearing where the forest floor was covered with soft moss. Dorian paused, scanning the area for any signs of the beast. The tranquillity of the clearing was deceptive.
"We should rest here for a moment," he said, glancing at Mia. She looked exhausted, her face was pale and her eyes weary. "We need to keep our strength up if we're going to find Kate and get to safety."
Mia nodded gratefully, as she went to sit down on a fallen log. Dorian crouched beside her, rummaging through his backpack. He pulled out a waterskin and offered it to her. "Here, take a drink. We need to stay hydrated."
She took the waterskin with a small smile and sipped the water slowly. "Thank you, Dorian," she said softly. "For helping me. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Dorian was thankful that Kael had a spare waterskin to give him.
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Once they were hydrated, they began moving again after the brief rest. The forest was dense, with the canopy above blocking much of the midday sunlight. As they walked, the forest floor was a mosaic of shadows and light, making the path ahead seem almost mystical. The air was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and decomposing leaves.
After an hour of steady progress, the sound of rushing water reached their ears, faint at first but growing louder with each step. The soothing noise of the waterfall was a stark contrast to the otherwise silent forest. Mia's face lit up with the recognition of the sound and relief as they approached the waterfall she had mentioned.
The waterfall cascaded down from a steep hill, its mist creating a shimmering veil that sparkled in the midday light. The water crashed into a clear pool below, sending ripples across its surface and creating a peaceful yet powerful scene. Ferns and mosses clung to the rocks around the waterfall, thriving in the moist environment.
"This is it," Mia said, her voice a mix of relief and apprehension. She pointed towards a nearby tree, indicating a path heading northwest. "I came from that way."
They took another brief rest, as Dorian quickly refilled the waterskin, Kael told him it would magically filter the water and had an enchantment to hold a lot of water, after holding the waterskin in the water for a few minutes, he noticed the air bubbles stop.
Corking the waterskin, they began moving again after a brief rest. The forest was dense, with the canopy above blocking much of the midday sunlight. As they walked, the forest floor was a mosaic of shadows and light, making the path ahead seem almost mystical. The air was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and decomposing leaves.
After an hour of steady progress, the sound of rushing water reached their ears, faint at first but growing louder with each step. The soothing noise of the waterfall was a stark contrast to the otherwise silent forest. Mia's face lit up with recognition and relief as they approached the waterfall she had mentioned.
The waterfall cascaded down from a steep hill, its mist creating a shimmering veil that sparkled in the midday light. The water crashed into a clear pool below, sending ripples across its surface water roses sat around in different areas of the water, creating a peaceful yet powerful scene. Ferns and mosses clung to the rocks around the waterfall, thriving in the moist environment.
"This is it," Mia said, her voice a mix of relief and apprehension. She pointed towards a nearby tree, indicating a path heading northwest. "I came from that way."
Dorian nodded, feeling a sense of sudden urgency. "Stay close. We'll find a way to the old city."
They began to move past the trees, the path growing steeper and more treacherous as they climbed the hill. The incline was challenging, and the rocky terrain made each step uncertain. Dorian kept a watchful eye on Mia, ensuring she was keeping up despite the difficult ascent. The hill was covered in a dense layer of underbrush, and they had to push aside branches and vines as they climbed. Occasionally, they would slip on loose gravel or have to navigate around larger boulders. The effort was exhausting, but Dorian's determination kept him focused on the task ahead. He couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, a sensation that sent a shiver down his spine. He glanced back at Mia frequently to check on her and reassure himself.
"How the hell did you manage to get down here?" Dorian asked as he helped pull Mia up a steep part of the path.
"It... it wasn’t like this earlier this morning," Mia whispered, looking around at the path in shock.
Dorian could tell this path was meant to be somewhat flatter, which meant that somehow the earth shifted enough to create this hill.
reaching the top of the hill, they paused to catch their breaths and survey the landscape before them. The view was breathtaking. Below them lay a dense forest, and in the distance, were the remnants of an ancient city which could be seen, partially overgrown with vegetation. The old city was a haunting sight, with crumbling stone structures and vine-covered ruins that hinted at its former glory.
"We're almost there," Dorian said, pointing at the distant city, trying to sound encouraging. "Just a little further."
Mia nodded, her face set with determination. They started down the other side of the hill, the descent proving to be just as challenging as the climb. The path was narrow and winding, with sharp drops on either side. They had to move carefully, testing each step before putting their full weight down. As they made their way down, the feeling of being watched grew stronger. Dorian's senses were on high alert. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made him tense, and he frequently scanned the surrounding forest for any sign of danger.
Halfway down the hill, they came across a stream that cut across their path. The water was clear and cold, and they paused to drink and then refilled the waterskin, as they took a momentary rest. Dorian crouched by the stream, splashing his face with the cool water. He looked up at Mia, who was doing the same and gave her a reassuring smile.
"You're doing great," he said softly.
“Thank you,” Mia said, her expression resolute. After a brief rest, they continued their descent, the old city drawing closer with each step. The air grew cooler and more humid as they entered the lower part of the forest, and the sounds of wildlife became more prominent. As they approached the outskirts of the ancient city, Dorian's unease intensified. He could sense the presence of something lurking in the shadows, watching their every move. He motioned for Mia to stay close, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his knife.
The ruins loomed ahead, silent and foreboding. Vines and moss covered the stone structures, giving the city an eerie, abandoned feel. Despite the sense of danger, Dorian felt a surge of determination. They were close to their destination, and he was not about to let anything stand in their way.
"Let's keep moving, but stay alert and follow my lead," he whispered to Mia.
As Dorian got closer to the ancient stone structures, he saw they were covered in vines and moss. Some of the buildings were falling apart, with stone debris scattered around and rotting wood littering the entryways. The solid cobblestone road stretched before him, and the buildings stood tall like silent giants that had witnessed a long-forgotten era. The sight was both awe-inspiring and eerie.
"This place is incredible," Dorian muttered, his eyes scanning the ruins.
Mia tugged on his sleeve as Dorian looked down at her. "We should look for Kate. She might be hiding somewhere."
“We will, but we need to get our bearings first. Do you know which way she could have gone? Either further into the city or out towards the forest?” Dorian asked.
"Mmmm, she might have gone near the edge of the city," Mia said, pointing down at an area that seemed more clearer out than other places. "That’s where the Academy set up a camp for the students to explore while on this temporary expedition."
Nodding his head, Dorian spoke, "Okay, we head there first. We might find some clue to her whereabouts." With that both Dorian and Mia made their way into the outskirts of the city, moving cautiously through the trees as the beginnings of signs of crumbling streets came into view here and there. Dorian's eyes darted from shadow to shadow, wary of any movement. The atmosphere was thick with a type of unseen ancient magic as the air tingled with energy.
"Mia, stay close," Dorian warned as they entered what seemed to be the academy’s encampment in the central square.
The central square was a scene of utter devastation. Broken equipment lay scattered everywhere, with wooden tables either shattered into thick chunks or reduced to splinters. The once-bustling heart of the academy's encampment now resembled a grim battlefield. Clumps of earth were strewn across the ground, intermixed with pools of water that were slowly evaporating, leaving behind small shards of ice.
The air was thick with the scent of damp soil and the lingering chill of melting frost. Debris littered the square, remnants of what had once been a vibrant and organized hub of activity. Torn banners fluttered weakly in the wind, and overturned crates and barrels lay haphazardly, their contents spilled and mingling with the muddy ground. The destruction was a stark reminder of the recent chaos, a silent testament to the fierce struggle that had taken place here.
Traces of ash and charred wood were scattered about, indicating where fires had burned fiercely, adding another layer of desolation to the scene. The acrid smell of burnt wood mingled with the scent of blood and decay, creating a nauseating atmosphere. Dorian felt a pang of sorrow and anger, recognizing that this had once been a place of learning and safety. Now, it was a testament to the chaos that had befallen the city. He moved cautiously, ensuring Mia stayed close by, their footsteps echoing eerily in the silence.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Dorian’s eyes scanned the area, taking in the grisly sight of dead bodies strewn across the square. Some limbs were torn apart, evidence of the violence that had erupted here. He noticed the signs of a desperate last stand: makeshift barricades, now toppled, indicated a fierce but ultimately futile defence. Torn banners of the academy fluttered in the faint breeze, their colours dulled by smoke and grime. The eerie quiet was occasionally broken by the creak of settling debris and the distant howls of the beasts that had ravaged the city.
As they navigated the wreckage, Dorian couldn't help but feel the weight of the loss and devastation. The once grand and orderly square, now a graveyard of shattered hopes and dreams, was a harsh reminder of the battle's cost. The ground was littered with the remnants of magical devices and the personal belongings of the fallen, adding to the sombre atmosphere.
Mia clung to Dorian's side, her eyes wide with fear and sadness. He gently guided her around the worst of the carnage, trying to block most of her view of the dead men and woman on the ground, whispering reassurances as they made their way through the devastation.
"Mia, did the beast do this?" he asked, looking down at the girl.
“I not sure” she whispered back. Dorian could feel her shaking a little as she whispered to herself” Not again, not like home” over and over.
Before he could say anything the sound of footsteps echoed throughout the empty streets, and Dorian tightened his grip on his knife as he turned towards the sound. He was about to call out when he noticed the shadow of what was coming their way from the corner of the street. Eyes widening in horror, Dorian quickly put away his knife as he grabbed Mia, covering her mouth as he darted into a ruined building nearby
Inside, the building was dark and musty, with broken furniture and debris scattered around. They hid behind a large, overturned table, Dorian's heart pounding in his chest. The footsteps grew louder, and the shadow moved closer. He held his breath, hoping that their hiding spot would be enough to keep them safe.
Peering through a crack in the table, Dorian saw a massive panther emerge from the shadows, its midnight black fur shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Intricate, bioluminescent patterns danced across its body, pulsating with an eerie light that hinted at the immense power within. Its eyes, a fierce red, pierced through the darkness, radiating a malevolent intelligence that sent shivers down Dorian's spine.
Standing at an imposing 12 meters, the panther's powerful, muscular build spoke of unmatched strength and agility. Razor-sharp teeth glinted in its open maw, and its metallic claws seemed capable of slicing through anything. The panther's long, whip-like tail swayed behind it, the tuft of fur at the end flicking back and forth with anticipation. An ominous, shadowy aura distorted the light around it, making it hard to see clearly and adding to its terrifying presence. The panther seemed to melt into the shadows, its stealth making it nearly invisible in the dim light of the ancient city.
Dorian looked down at Mia, feeling her trembling beside him, her small hand clutching his arm tightly. He held his breath, willing the beast to move on as it moved slowly, its powerful muscles rippling under its fur. The panther paused, sniffing the ground near their hiding spot. Dorian's heart pounded as the beast approached, its bioluminescent markings glowing brighter with each step. He knew they were facing a creature of immense power, one that would require all their skill and courage to overcome. he held his breath, as the sound of the creature biting into something was the only sound, that could be heard.
Dorian peered through the crack in the table again, his breath catching as he watched the panther beast devour the corpse of a dead man. The sight was grisly, the beast's razor-sharp teeth tearing through flesh with a sickening ease. The crunching of bones echoed in the silent ruin, a sound that made Dorian's stomach churn. He quickly turned away, trying to block out the gruesome scene and the revolting sounds.
Suddenly, the crunching stopped, replaced by the sound of heavy footsteps receding into the distance. Glancing back, Dorian saw the black panther sprinting away, its powerful muscles rippling under its sleek fur as it vanished around a corner. The beast moved with an unsettling grace, its bioluminescent markings glowing faintly in the dim light.
“That was close,” Dorian said, his voice barely above a whisper as he removed his hand from Mia’s mouth. He could feel her small body trembling beside him. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay. But I...I don’t think that was the cat beast that chased us earlier,” Mia said, her voice quivering as she looked up at Dorian, her eyes wide with fear.
Dorian almost tripped over a piece of stone rubble as he processed her words. “Mia,” he said, turning to her slowly, “what do you mean you don’t think that wasn’t the same one?” A hint of fear crept into his voice, his mind racing with the implications.
“The one that attacked us was smaller and looked sickly,” Mia explained, her gaze steady despite the fear in her eyes.
“Fuck,” Dorian whispered, realization dawning on his face. 'There are two of them,' he thought, feeling a chill run down his spine. He sat down on a fallen stone pillar, his mind racing. “Mia, did it have glowing yellowish eyes?” he asked, hoping his suspicions were wrong.
“Yes, it did. Even its fur looked sick,” Mia confirmed, her voice trembling slightly.
Dorian's fear grew, his mind filling with the terrifying image of two such beasts stalking them. “Are you okay?” Mia asked, noticing the fearful expression on his face.
“Yeah, I will be. Let’s just go and find your friend,” he said, trying to steady his breath and push his fear aside. They had to keep moving.
Standing up, Dorian led the way out of their hiding spot, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. The ruins were eerily quiet, the usual sounds of the forest absent. As they moved, he noticed that most of the dead bodies he had seen earlier were gone, leaving only bloodstains and torn clothing as evidence of the massacre. He fought to keep the rising bile from spilling out, the stench of death lingering in the air.
“Mia, which way do we need to head?” Dorian asked, looking at her. She pointed to a narrow side street, the path partially obscured by overgrown vines and crumbling debris.
Nodding, they headed towards the side street, moving cautiously through the ruins. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, the ancient magic of the place tingling on Dorian's skin. Each step was taken with care, the shadows seeming to shift and move around them. The oppressive silence was broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant call of a bird.
Just as they were about to enter the side street, a windowed quest box appeared before Dorian, its translucent frame hovering in the air. He paused, momentarily taken aback by the sudden appearance of the system message.
“Are you okay?” Mia’s confused voice broke through his thoughts.
“Yeah, just got a system quest. Give me a minute,” he said, turning his attention to the quest box. The message was brief but clear, urging him to protect Mia and find her friend as soon as possible.
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{ New Quest Available}
Quest: Survive the Ancient City (0/1)
Reward: ???
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After Dorian accepted the quest, he was about to say he was ready to move out. Dorian's determination solidified as he closed the quest box, his focus sharpening. “Alright, let’s keep moving. Stay close to me, Mia. We’re going to find Kate and get out of here,” he said, his voice firm and reassuring.
They continued down the side street, the ruins of the old city looming around them. The once-grand structures were now little more than crumbling stone and twisted vines, a haunting reminder of the city's former glory. Despite the danger, Dorian felt a surge of determination. They were close, and he was not about to let anything stand in their way.
Just then, another quest box opened up again, interrupting their progress.
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{Urgent Quest: Find and Save Kate Winters}
Time Left: 2:00:00 Hours
Reward: ????
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Dorian couldn't accept the quest manually as it automatically activated, and the timer started ticking down.
“We have to hurry,” Dorian said, quickening his pace through the side street.
“Why, what's wrong?” Mia asked, struggling to keep up with him.
“Is Kate's last name Winters?” Dorian asked as they navigated past the narrow street. Mia paused, a hint of suspicion in her voice.
“Yes, how did you know?” she asked, a bit of heresy in her voice.
“I only know because I've gotten a quest to find and save a Kate Winters, with a time limit,” he explained, glancing around at the end of the street. He recognized some parts of the city, though it was unlike any city he had seen before.
The old city was a surreal blend of modern and ancient architecture. Crumbling skyscrapers stood beside weathered stone temples, and paved roads intertwined with cobblestone paths. Vines and greenery grew over everything, reclaiming the remnants of human civilization. Strange, luminescent flowers lit up the shadowy corners, casting an eerie yet beautiful glow.
Dorian quickened his pace, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. “We don’t have much time. We need to find Kate and get her to safety before that beast finds us.”
Mia nodded, her small legs struggling to keep up with Dorian’s long strides. “Kate and I got separated when the panther beast attacked. We ran through here,” she pointed to a narrow alleyway between two towering buildings, “and I think she might have taken shelter somewhere nearby.”
“Any landmarks or distinctive places she might have gone?” Dorian asked, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow, alert for any movement.
“There’s an old library in the centre of the city,” Mia replied. “It’s one of the few places still intact and was set up as a research camp.”
“Good,” Dorian said, making a mental note of the direction Mia pointed in. “Stay close to me and keep your eyes open.”
As they moved through the city, the sound of distant growls echoed through the streets. Dorian’s heart raced. The panther was nearby. They turned a corner and found themselves on a broad avenue, overgrown with vegetation but still recognizable as a main street.
“Look,” Mia whispered, pointing ahead. “The library is just up there.”
The building was a grand structure, a mix of ancient columns and modern glass, partially collapsed but still standing tall. They hurried towards it, but as they approached, the sound of breaking glass echoed ahead. Quickly, Dorian and Mia entered a building that was still standing enough for them to hide inside.
When Dorian crouched down, a blue box appeared before him, outlining the text above as The Shop. Dorian blinked in surprise at the sudden appearance of the blue box. He had seen these before, but only in safe locations or during training. This was the second time he encountered the shop interface.
The Shop interface was a holographic display that hovered in mid-air, filled with various items and resources he could purchase. Weapons, potions, maps, and even rare magical artifacts were available, each with a price tag that required in-game currency or points earned through quests. Dorian quickly scanned through the options, noting anything that could be useful for their current situation.
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The Shop
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Available Items:
* Healing Potion - 50 gold
* Stamina Boost - 30 gold
* Invisibility Cloak (5 minutes at a time) - 100 gold
* Trap Kit - 75 gold
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Other Items
* Old Journal
* Ancient Amulet
* Rusty Sword
* Herbs and Bandages
* Broken Compass
* Mysterious Key
* Torn Cloak
* Silver Locket
* Book of Spells
* Lantern
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Skill Books
* Stealth Basic
* Basic Elemental Skill book: Water
* Ancient Runes and Inscriptions
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Dorian was about to close the window when he noticed a "Sell" tab. Clicking on it revealed the items he currently had on him. His inventory was sparse—just a single item.
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Backpack
* Rusty Knife – 10 gold
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He glanced around the room and spotted some rotting wood and rusty utensils scattered about. Grabbing a fork and spoon, he watched as the Sell tab updated to reflect his new items.
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Rusty Spoon – 1 gold
Rusty Fork – 1 gold
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He chose to sell the fork and spoon, and they disappeared from his inventory. In their place, two gold coins materialized in his hand.
“Mia, grab any usable items you can find around you and hand them over to me,” Dorian whispered urgently, peering over the door as he saw the panther beast drawing closer.
Mia quickly returned with four rusty spoons, which Dorian sold without hesitation. As the spoons vanished, four more gold coins appeared in his hand, bringing his total to six.
He glanced around again and spotted another spoon lying in a corner. He sold that as well, adding one more gold coin to his growing collection.
“Here,” Mia whispered, handing him a few small metal boxes.
Dorian examined the boxes, which were listed in the Sell tab as “Mana Music Boxes.” Each box was priced at two hundred gold coins.
“Mia, these are valuable,” Dorian said, quickly selling the boxes. The total amount of gold coins in his possession surged dramatically.
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Music Box x4 – 100 gold coins
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Dorian now had four hundred and nine gold coins. He quickly used the funds to purchase four health potions and an invisibility cloak, reducing his total to just one hundred and nine gold coins.
Closing the shop window, Dorian swiftly draped the invisibility cloak over both himself and Mia. They huddled together just as the panther beast came into view. Holding their breaths, they watched as the massive creature, almost blending into the shadows, prowled past their hiding spot. The panther’s glowing eyes flickered with a faint, eerie light as it sniffed the ground, its heightened senses alert for anything out of the ordinary.
It paused for a moment, turning its head toward the ruined building where Dorian and Mia were concealed. The beast’s sleek, midnight fur rippled with every movement, and its low growl reverberated through the structure, making Mia shiver uncontrollably.
Dorian tightened his grip on the cloak, ensuring that it fully covered both of them. “Stay completely still,” he whispered urgently, so softly that Mia had to strain to hear him. “Don’t make a sound.”
The panther edged closer, its breath visible in the cold air. It stopped just outside their hiding place, sniffing the air with its nose twitching. Dorian’s heart raced, and he could feel Mia trembling beside him. The tension was almost unbearable.
Suddenly, a distant noise echoed from the far end of the street, drawing the panther’s attention. The creature’s ears perked up, and after a moment of hesitation, it turned and bounded off toward the sound, disappearing into the shadows.
Dorian let out a slow, relieved breath. He gently lifted the edge of the cloak to peek outside, ensuring the panther was truly gone. “We need to move quickly but quietly,” he whispered to Mia. “The cloak won’t protect us forever; it’ll only last for a few more minutes if we’re not careful.”
Mia nodded, her eyes wide but resolute. Together, they carefully exited the ruined building, sticking to the shadows and moving as silently as possible. The library loomed ahead, a potential sanctuary and a source of answers.
As they approached the entrance, Dorian paused to scan the area one last time, making sure the panther was truly gone. Satisfied with the all-clear, he led Mia inside. With a deep breath, he hoped they would find Kate inside before the beast could return.
Dorian and Mia entered the doors to the library, the air inside cool and heavy with the scent of old books and dust. The grand hall stretched out before them, filled with rows of ancient tomes and scrolls. Shelves reached up to the high ceiling, where ornate chandeliers hung, some still adorned with crystals that caught and reflected the dim light.
The silence was profound, broken only by their soft footsteps and the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards. Dorian’s eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of Kate. The library, though partially collapsed, still retained an aura of knowledge and mystery, a stark contrast to the ruined city outside.
“Stay close,” Dorian whispered to Mia, his voice barely audible. He led her through the labyrinth of shelves, moving cautiously, alert for any movement or sound that might indicate danger. The library’s vastness seemed to swallow them, its shadows deep and shifting.
As they ventured deeper, Dorian’s determination only grew. They had come too far to turn back now. He tightened his grip on Mia’s hand, drawing strength from the promise he made to find and protect Kate. The clock was ticking, and every second counted.