As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, the haunted castle became increasingly visible in the distance. Its dark, looming towers seemed to melt into the clouds, casting long, ominous shadows that stretched across the landscape. The path ahead grew narrower as they moved through a winding valley, the air thickening with each step they took.A low, eerie howl echoed through the valley, sending a chill down their spines. A distant, wailing wind carried strange whispers, like voices calling from the abyss. Luna instinctively stepped closer to Elion, her hand brushing against his arm for comfort. Elion, despite his usual stoic nature, glanced over at her, offering a reassuring smile, though the tension in his jaw betrayed his unease.Aldric kept his pace steady, his eyes scanning the shadows. His hand instinctively hovered near the hilt of his sword, though he made no move to draw it. The sounds were unnerving, but he had faced far worse in his

As they walked deeper into the castle, the air turned heavier, colder. Whispers echoed faintly off the walls—soft, distant, like someone murmuring secrets just out of reach.No one said anything. They all heard it, but none wanted to acknowledge it.“Probably just the wind.” Noah muttered, more to himself than anyone else.Suddenly, Mara stopped in her tracks. She clutched her stomach, a hand bracing the wall.“Mara?” Elion stepped toward her, voice tense. “What’s wrong?”She didn’t respond.Instead, she turned, hurried to a dark corner, and bent over—throwing up.“Mara!” Luna was already beside her, holding her hair back.Aldric stood nearby, concerned. “Was it the air? The castle? A spell?”Mara straightened, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “No.” she croaked. “It’s not the castle.”“Then what—?”“It’s the baby.” she said with a weak smile. “Morning sickness decided to arrive fashionably late.”Everyone visibly relaxed.“Oh thank heavens.” Elion breathed.Noah sat down on