The night sky over Moon Wardens was an eerie shade of crimson as flames engulfed the village. The once peaceful settlement, nestled in the heart of a serene forest, was now a hellish landscape of smoke and fire. The moon, a ghostly witness, cast a cold, pale light over the chaos, illuminating the destruction wrought by an unseen enemy.

Elara Celine, the youngest of Moon Wardens darted through the shadows, her red hair streaming behind her like a bloody banner. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing her terror. She glanced over her shoulder, the sight of the inferno consuming her home driving her forward with a mix of grief and desperation. The screams of her fellow villagers and the clashing of metal filled the air, blending into a cacophony of despair.

Her parents had been the last to see her off, their faces etched with both determination and agonizing sorrow.

"Run, Elara! Find safety! Promise me whatever happens, you will not turn back" Her mother's voice had called out, choked with fear.

"B-but mama. I can't leave you-" She had managed to squeak in between the sobs.

A while ago she had been happily chirping around the village with her friends, gawking over the beautiful sunrise, exploring the markets for new items and collecting flowers to make her signature perfume. Who thought this day which seemed just like any other one will end in the bath of blood and screams and she who was running around to collect flowers will be running for her life, alone and half dead.

"Go!" Her father's strong arms had held her tight for a brief, final embrace before he'd shoved her away, his own fate sealed in the burning village. "We will follow you soon!" He had promised but deep down he knew it was a hollow one.

They had know this day would come... sooner or later.

As they prepared for her departure, her mother had pressed a small, intricately crafted locket into Elara's trembling hands. "Keep this close," she had whispered. "And remember, no turning back!"

She stumbled through the forest, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The pain in her wounded side, where a dark force had slashed her, was nearly unbearable, but she forced herself to keep moving. The dread of approaching death, an agonizing one, was heavier than anything else. She had to find safety, somewhere, anywhere. There was a hope inside her that her parents will join her shortly but the dread of reality loomed around the hope, ready to pounce on it.

As she fled deeper into the woods, a cold wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it a sense of foreboding. Shadows seemed to twist and writhe, and Elara could feel eyes watching her from the darkness. She could hear footsteps following her, always just out of sight.

She had been running staright for God knew how long, collapsing to the ground to catch her breath every once in a while. Soon the scent of dawn was starting to fill her nostrils and the chirping of birds started growing louder when the path ahead of her started clearing a little. Although, it still looked like the part of the dark forest but the thinning of trees were hinting at her being close to the other end.

A little far away she could now see a dark stone castle, standing tall and unbothered under the crisp twilight. Even from afar, she could tell that it was huge. One look at it and anyone could tell that this place looked anything but a sane choice to seek safety.

It screamed danger!

But the danger behind her was far worse…

Or she thought so.

She had to choose one over the other and soon the desperation of saving her life overpowered her senses as she fastened her pace towards the castle.

In her frantic state, she nearly missed the imposing structure rising through the mist. Elara's vision blurred once again but this time with tears of exhaustion and hope as she stood before the mighty building. She staggered forward, her strength almost depleted, and collapsed at the gates.

"Please!" she cried, her voice a hoarse whisper. "Help me! I need refuge! They're coming for me!"

The castle's heavy iron gates were cold and unyielding, but Elara banged on them with her remaining strength, her pleas growing more desperate. She had no idea if someone lived in there but she had to give it a try nevertheless. The wind carried her cries, and soon, the guards came running towards the gates.

"Who is it?" One demanded, his hands tightened on his weapon while the others merely scrutinized the intruder.

"I mean no harm. I-I need help…please…let me in." She raised her hands in the air to show that she had no weapons of any sort. However, her mother's locket was still buried securely in her fist.

This small, petite girl surely looked innocent, rather miserable however the guards were still suspicious because they had seen enough to know better.

A cloaked figure emerged from the shadows of the castle, a man of imposing presence, his dark eyes piercing through the dim light. The figure stepped into view, his regal demeanor accentuated by the twilight that caught the edges of his cloak. He surveyed the scene with a mixture of curiosity and caution. His gaze fell upon Elara, huddled at the gate, her clothes torn and stained with blood.

"What is this commotion?" His voice was deep, resonant, and commanding. He approached the gates, his expression a mask of cold authority.

Elara looked up at him, her eyes wide with relief and desperation. Although she couldn't see his face, the way the guards immediately lowered their heads and stepped aside, she could tell he was someone with authority.

"Please, sir, I need your help. My village was attacked, my family…they're gone. I have nowhere else to go. Please, let me in!"

The figure's eyes narrowed as he took in her disheveled state. "Why should I? How do I know you're not bringing trouble to my doorstep?"

"I have nothing else with me," Elara pleaded, her voice breaking. "I have nowhere left to turn. I swear, I don't have any ill intentions. Just let me in for one night. I'll leave by morning, I promise."

His gaze lingered on her, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something in his eyes perhaps sympathy, or maybe a hint of something more inscrutable.

"Very well," he said finally, his tone grudging. "Let her come through."

The gates creaked open slowly, and Elara, barely able to stand, stumbled inside. The castle's interior was imposing, filled with dark wood and luxurious but intimidating décor. A guard led her through the grand entrance hall. Soon, they reached a guest chamber, where Elara was left alone to rest.

Elara slumped into a plush chair, her whole body throbbing painfully minus the ache of her wounds. She looked around, taking in the opulent surroundings, but her mind was focused on the nightmarish attack that had left her possibly orphaned and fleeing. She clutched the locket her mother had given her, feeling a slight warmth emanating from it.

As she leaned back, the door to her chamber creaked open, and a woman in a finely tailored dress entered. She appeared to be in her late fourties. Her gaze was sharp, and she regarded Elara with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

"I am Lady Seraphine," she announced, her tone carrying an edge of authority. "So, you are the girl who has sought refuge here? I am to ensure you do not cause trouble. You are fortunate to be here, but do not expect a warm welcome."

Elara tried to stand, but her injuries made her wince. "I'm grateful for any help. I just need to—"

Lady Seraphine cut her off. "The master of the castle already has many concerns over his shoulders. He has permitted you to stay only temporarily. My advice? Do not try to be smart or cause any trouble or you will find yourself regretting every step you took to reach here."

"I will leave as soon as possible." Elara pressed, her dry lips forming a thin line as she tried to hide the turmoil of emotions bubbling inside her. She was clearly unwanted here and the Lady didn't bother hiding it. "Can I get some water?"

"Surely, I will bring you some edibles and fresh clothes. Meanwhile, you can clean yourself in the lavatory. It's on the left. You will find everything you need in there." Lady Seraphine informed her before turning around.

The door closed behind Lady Seraphine, leaving Elara alone once more. Her thoughts swirled with worry and anticipation but more with thirst as she made her way to the lavatory. She had escaped one danger, but now she was trapped in a new, unfamiliar world. But, Elara knew one thing for sure: she had to uncover the truth about her village's attackers and for that she needed to find a way to survive.

She washed the dried blood off of her skin and cleaned her wounds which thankfully weren't too deep. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the fading moon through a high window. The same moon that had watched her village burn now seemed to watch over her, a silent witness to her plight.

As she stepped back into the room, the distant sound of dark laughter echoed through the palace corridors, sending a shiver down Elara's spine. The laughter was haunting and unfamiliar, hinting at a deeper darkness within the palace walls.

Lady Seraphine's words echoed through her head and she couldn't shake the feeling that her refuge might hold even greater dangers than the ones she had fled.