The massive doors of the heavenly castle loomed ahead, towering so high it almost felt like they were pressing down on me just by existing.
Pelushra walked beside me.
Quiet.
Not her usual gentle, reassuring quiet.
Just… quiet.
And I hated it.
Because when she talked, I could pretend things were still manageable. That this wasn't as bad as it felt.
But now?
Now it felt real.
The doors creaked open on their own the moment we got close, like the castle had been waiting for us this whole time.
Yeah. No. That's not creepy at all.
Inside, the grand hall stretched endlessly, pillars lined in perfect symmetry, everything glowing in this pristine white and gold that should've felt divine...
...but didn't.
It felt cold.
Empty.
Like something pretending to be holy.
"…Stay sharp," Pelushra said softly.
"I am," I replied, but my grip on my sword tightened anyway.
Not even ten steps in....
Clap.
Slow.
Deliberate.
