As the car glided through the imposing gates of the castle, the grandeur of the fortress enveloped them in the moonlit night. It was well past midnight by the time Adrien stepped out of the vehicle, still cradling Alicia in his arms like a fragile being. Her murmurs, haunted by terrifying nightmares, echoed softly in the quiet of the night. Adrien, in an unusual display of tenderness, whispered soothing words to pacify her, while Adrasteia observed the unfolding scene with evident astonishment. Her brother, who usually exuded an air of stoicism, seemed transformed by the urgency to protect and console.
The castle, at this late hour, had retreated into a hushed repose. Most inhabitants, be they maids or servants, had retired to their rooms, leaving only those on night duty to navigate the dimly lit halls.
