{VLADIMIR}
The moment I descended into the underground, the air shifted—thickening into something feral and hungry.
Hissing curled from the stone walls. Claws scraped against rusted iron. The creatures lurking in those forgotten cells stirred at the scent of life, growling low like ravenous things waiting for a feast.
But the instant I stepped fully into the chamber—
Silence fell.
They slunk back into the black, recoiling like beasts sensing a greater predator. The dungeon itself shrunk around me, the shadows retreating as though afraid to be seen.
All except one.
"Iris."
She stood behind the bars, her hands gripping the hem of her dress so tightly her knuckles whitened. She did not lift her head. Her trembling shoulders told me she knew I was there long before I spoke.
I unlocked her cell. The door creaked open.
"Come."
She didn't obey.
Her fingers curled tighter around the fabric of her skirt.
