The passage became narrower as Rufus moved forward.He kept the torch raised in front of him while the stranger led the way. Tina followed closely behind Rufus, and Mr. Rodri remained at the rear, constantly looking over his shoulder.The dwarf struggled to keep up with them.Rufus noticed it and slowed his steps.“Are you alright?”The dwarf nodded, although his breathing was heavy.“I can walk.”“You don't have to pretend to be stronger than you are.”The dwarf looked at him for a few seconds before giving a faint smile.“I have spent too many years pretending.”Rufus didn't respond.The words had caught his attention, but he decided not to question him immediately.The stranger continued walking until they reached the end of the narrow passage. There was a large stone wall directly in front of them.Rufus looked around.“There is nowhere to go.”“There is always somewhere to go inside this castle,” the stranger replied.He placed his palm against the wall.For a few seconds, nothin

I’ll continue directly from Chapter 113, keeping the immediate castle storyline focused and avoiding new lore that hasn’t been earned by the story. This chapter is within your 1,200–1,600 word requirement.CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENRufus stood motionless in front of the dark passage.The voice had called him Emrys.Not Rufus.Not Lord Rufus.Emrys.The name echoed inside his mind even after the castle became silent again.Tina was still holding onto his arm, while Mr. Rodri stood a few steps behind them with the dwarf. The stranger had already moved closer to the hidden passage, his eyes fixed on Rufus as though he was waiting to see what decision he would make.“What did it call you?” Tina finally asked.Rufus looked at her.“It called me Emrys.”Rodri exchanged a worried glance with the stranger.“Lord Rufus…”Rufus turned toward him.“What?”Rodri hesitated.“I don't know what to say.”“You don't have to say anything.”Rufus looked back into the passage.His mind was filled

“Help…”Rufus stopped immediately.He looked ahead, his eyes fixed on the darkness where the voice had disappeared.Tina, Rodri, and the dwarf hurried behind him, while the stranger remained a few steps away, listening carefully.“Did you hear that?” Tina asked.“Yes,” Rufus replied.“It sounded like someone was calling for help.”Rufus nodded.“That is what I heard too.”The dwarf moved closer, his face filled with concern.“That was one of them.”Rufus turned toward him.“You are certain?”“Yes.”“Which one?”“I don't know.”The dwarf lowered his eyes.“But I know that voice.”Rufus immediately started moving again.“Then let's find him.”The stranger stepped in front of him.“Wait.”Rufus stopped.“What?”“We need to be careful.”“We have already wasted enough time.”“You don't understand what is ahead.”Rufus looked at him.“Then tell me.”The stranger glanced at the dwarf.“The lower chambers are not like the rest of the castle.”The dwarf nodded slowly.“He is right.”Rufus look

“Emrys…”Rufus stood completely still.The sound, there was something different about it this time.It was closer.Much closer.Tina moved beside Rufus.“Rufus…”“I heard it.”The two rescued dwarves stared into the chamber. One of them was visibly trembling.The stranger remained at the entrance, his eyes fixed on the darkness.Rufus noticed his expression.“You know what that is.”The stranger shook his head.“No.”“You're lying.”“I am not.”“You're afraid.”The stranger looked at Rufus.“Yes.”The answer surprised everyone.Rufus had expected another denial.Instead, the stranger admitted it without hesitation.“Then tell me what you're afraid of.”“I am afraid of what we might find.”Before Rufus could respond, a metallic sound echoed from deeper inside.Clink.Everyone turned toward it.Then another.Clink.The dwarf who had been rescued first stepped forward.“That is a chain.”Rufus raised his torch.“Can you hear your brother?”The dwarf listened.“Yes.”A faint voice came fr

Rufus held the torch in front of him as he walked carefully, while Tina remained close behind him. Mr. Rodri followed them with the two dwarves, and the stranger brought up the rear, constantly turning his head toward the chamber they had just left.The sound of the creature beneath the castle had disappeared.That silence was more disturbing than the roar.“Are you sure we should be going this way?” Tina asked.Rufus glanced at her.“No.”Tina frowned.“No?”“I am not sure of anything anymore,” Rufus admitted. “But the amulet is pulling me in this direction.”Mr. Rodri looked at the necklace around Rufus's neck.“Maybe it is leading us to one of the stones.”Rufus shook his head.“I don't think so.”“Why?”“Because it feels different.”The stranger stopped suddenly.Everyone turned.“What is it?” Rufus asked.The stranger raised one finger, asking them to remain silent.They listened.At first, Rufus heard nothing.Then he noticed it.A faint sound was coming from somewhere ahead.It