To Find One's Self

Wandering through the endless halls of the castle, I stumbled across a staircase leading downward. Without hesitation, I took it, hoping to find a floor that made more sense than this one. Each room I'd encountered so far had been filled with bizarre paintings, cryptic symbols, and strange artefacts I couldn't decipher. Maybe this time, I'd get lucky.

"Basements always have secrets," I muttered to myself, the words half a reassurance and half a plea.

The staircase wound down, deeper and deeper into the castle's core. My footsteps echoed faintly, swallowed by the oppressive stillness of the place. Just how big was this castle? The descent felt endless, the air growing cooler and denser with every step.

"If this is another floor of useless rooms..." I trailed off, clenching my fists.