September 15, 1441. The Shining Palace
Alea Elvstone
I walked down the lavish yet hauntingly empty corridor, its opulence dulled by silence. Soft golden light glowed from lanterns inlaid with dark metal and filigree gold, casting gentle reflections against the polished marble walls. My footsteps echoed with a dull thud, reverberating outward like ripples in still water—subtle reminders of solitude that pressed into the rhythm of every step I took.
The hallway seemed endless, and yet, after dozens of paces, I stopped. Looming ahead were massive doors adorned with crests and intricate carvings. I didn't linger on the details. I inhaled slowly, brushed a strand of hair from my forehead, and pushed the doors open. They yielded with a faint creak.
