There was no true emotion in his eyes, his red pupils looked lifeless, soulless. The girl, still caught between confusion and a twinge of fear, felt her breath quicken. Her hands shook, betraying the terror stirring within her as she forced herself to focus on his face.
His skin was pale as winter frost, and his long eyelids framed crimson pupils that glowed like red spider lilies. He was hauntingly beautiful-
a face that would never suggest the demonic. Yet what truly unsettled her was the tale she had heard before stepping foot in this place.
The memory of that day played vividly in the girl's mind as she trembled, recalling why she had journeyed to the forsaken tower.
The sun shone warmly, casting a golden glow over the bustling coastal city. It was a bright day, with a clear blue sky, and the sounds of seagulls mixed with the distant chatter of children playing. Waves lapped gently against the harbor where great ships bobbed, and the scent of the sea mingled with the air. A girl stood in front of a small house, gently closing the door with her left hand, while her right arm cradled a basket brimming with apples.
She raised her hand to shield her eyes from the intense sunlight. The city was built on several terraces, each level a lively street in itself, with merchants peddling their wares and townsfolk going about their daily routines. High above, at the top of the city, stood a white castle, grand and solemn, resembling a towering cathedral.
"EMILY!"
A young boy's voice pierced the air, calling out to the girl. Emily turned and smiled as she saw the boy, Sora, waving and calling her name.
"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"
"I'm headed to the market. Care to join me?" she called back, her voice warm.
Excited, Sora waved goodbye to the other children and dashed over. "I'm coming too! I'm coming too!"
Emily chuckled, nodding gently. "Alright, Sora, let's go."
They walked through the winding streets together, chatting as they made their way to the marketplace.