Kath trudged through the bustling streets of downtown Ville de Fleurs. The scent of the airship steam mingled with the aroma of street food and flowers, assaulting her senses as she made her way home from school. However, something gnawed at her, a deep-seated disgust that clenched her stomach. She quickened her pace, desperate to escape the oppressive atmosphere.
A foreboding presence loomed behind her, a shadowy figure that seemed to trail her every step. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled with unease, and she couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger. It reminded her of the bloodlust and desire for death she had experienced when facing Joanne Belloc, a sensation that sent shivers down her spine.
Seeking refuge from the pursuing threat, Kath ducked into a narrow alleyway. The once vibrant cityscape faded into darkness, the flickering streetlights casting eerie shadows upon the graffiti-covered walls. She pressed herself against the cold bricks, her heart pounding in her chest as she gripped her wand tightly in her hand.
"Who's there?" she called out, her voice trembling. The silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by a faint rustling sound. Kath's eyes darted around the dimly lit alley, searching for any sign of movement.
Suddenly, a tumultuous mass of darkness erupted from the ground mere feet away from her. It surged upward, surpassing her height by another five feet, looming over her like a menacing specter. In a flash of silver light, a blast was fired towards her, freezing her in place. She stood paralyzed, her body locked in a state of helplessness.
As the dark mass remained static, Kath could sense something stirring within it. A small hand emerged from the darkness. It reached out towards her, its fingers trembling as if trying to break free from the grasp of the darkness.
In a desperate bid to rescue her, a scarlet flash shot into the hand from behind. Völundr showed up at her side. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, infusing her with renewed strength. The dark mass dissipated into thin air, leaving behind only the faint echoes of its presence.
Kath took a moment to steady herself, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. Her mind raced with questions, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She turned to Völundr, gratitude shining in her eyes as she found solace in his presence.
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"Thank you," she whispered.
"We must remain vigilant, Kath," Völundr smiled.
"What was that?" Kath's voice trembled. Her eyes scanned the darkened alleyway, searching for any sign of the shadowy figure that had just vanished before her eyes.
"A shadow of Joanne," Völundr replied, his voice steady and calm. He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"So, she's hunting me. The only traitor alive," the safety she felt when Völundr arrived seemed to banish.
Kath bit her lower lip, her mind racing with a torrent of thoughts. Joanne, someone she had once trusted, now turned against her.
"Do not worry," Völundr continued. "In a twisted way, it's a sign of progress. Joanne is moving, meaning we can find them again and rescue Alice this time."
Völundr extended his hand to give her something. Kath's gaze focused on the pinkish ring Völundr held out to her. It gleamed in the dim light, a delicate pheasant carving adorned with a pink diamond at its center.
"Take it," Völundr urged, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He looked serene and impassive.
“It’s so beautiful,” she marveled.
"Repeat after me," he cleared his throat. "Walhalla!"
As the word left Kath's lips after he disappeared, a surge of energy enveloped her, transporting her to Völundr’s majestic castle. The transition was disorienting, and Kath stumbled, her hands instinctively reaching out to steady herself. But her efforts were in vain, and she landed with a thud, her bottom colliding with the unforgiving rock surface. Tears welled up in her eyes, a mixture of pain and embarrassment.
"Hi!" Steve's voice greeted them, his cheerful demeanor contrasting with Kath's current state. He hurried over, extending a helping hand to lift her back onto her feet.
"Thanks," Kath mumbled. She brushed off her skirt, trying to regain some semblance of composure. The pain in her body was fading, but the sting of embarrassment lingered.
The castle stood before her, its towering walls evidence of its past grandeur. The air was filled with a mixture of scents – the earthiness of stone, and the freshness of flowers.
The intricate details of the castle's architecture, the vibrant colors of the tapestries adorning the walls, and the soft touch of the cool breeze against her skin made her feel at home.