The State of Mortal Realm and Zariel

Meanwhile, back in the mortal realm, Elidyr and Lailah sat in a dimly lit room within the Dark Castle, the flickering torchlight casting long, dancing shadows across the walls. Even the brightest flames seemed diminished, their light struggling to pierce the gloom that had settled over the world since Noah's death.

Harry, now fourteen, a young man on the cusp of adulthood, sat beside them, his gaze fixed on the floor, his expression troubled. Wulfric, his face etched with worry, stood near the window, his gaze fixed on the darkness that blanketed the world outside.

The eternal night had changed things. It wasn't just the absence of light. It was more than that. The darkness it seemed to seep into people's hearts, twisting their emotions, amplifying their worst impulses.