The Silent Tower loomed over the wasteland, its surface smooth and black as if carved from obsidian. It had no windows, no banners, and no signs of life.
It simply stood.
Watching.
Waiting.
The group stood at the base of the tower, staring up at the massive double doors made of the same dark stone.
Greg crossed his arms. "You know what? I vote we don't go in."
Elara smirked. "Greg, when has that ever worked?"
Greg threw up his hands. "IT COULD WORK ONE DAY."
Mallory ignored him, stepping closer. The air around the tower was heavy, almost humming with unseen energy. She placed a hand on the cold surface of the doors.
The moment her fingers touched the stone—
A voice whispered in her mind.
"Why have you come?"
Mallory's breath hitched.
The others tensed.
Alex stepped forward. "Mallory?"
She turned, eyes wide. "Did you hear that?"