As we burst through the castle gates, the immense wooden doors slammed shut behind us with a resounding thud that echoed through the grand courtyard.
Seraphina and I leaned against the cold stone walls, gasping for breath, hearts racing in sync with the distant growls of the creatures outside. The comforting familiarity of the castle felt hollow, a veneer of safety masking the fear that clung to us.
"Get everyone on alert! We need to lock down the perimeter!" I shouted, adrenaline still surging through my veins. Seraphina nodded, her eyes glinting with determination even as fatigue threatened to settle in.
"All guards to posts! Hector!" she called, spotting the head chef hurrying forward, his usual jovial demeanor shattered by the urgency in her voice. "We need to gather the staff and prepare for the worst!"
