Evaline:
The moment we stepped into the West Tower, it felt like the world exhaled and forgot us.
Darkness swallowed everything whole... thick, heavy, ancient. It wasn't the kind that merely dimmed shapes or softened edges. It was absolute, pressing in from every side, clinging to skin and breath alike. The air smelled old, like damp stone and time itself had decided to rot here.
Before I could even register how still it was, River and Kieran moved in perfect sync.
Both of them reached into their pockets and pulled out moonstones.
The crystal rocks flared to life instantly, flooding the tower with a warm, golden glow that cut through the darkness like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. The light bounced off stone walls, catching on drifting dust particles and thick cobwebs that clung to corners and beams like forgotten memories.
