Whispers in the Dark

The flames of the battle still flickered in Reinhardt's mind as he followed Selene through the hidden corridors of the ruined citadel. The air was thick with the scent of burning flesh and arcane energy, but ahead of him, Selene moved with eerie tranquility, as if she were untouched by the chaos they had just escaped.

"Do you regret it?" Selene's voice was soft, yet edged with curiosity.

Reinhardt hesitated, the weight of the fallen still fresh in his mind. "I don't know yet."

She smiled at his honesty. "Good. Regret is for the weak, and you, my dear knight, are far from weak."

They emerged into a grand hall, its towering pillars cast in deep shadows. Ancient symbols were carved into the walls, pulsating with a faint, unearthly glow. Selene traced her fingers over them, whispering incantations under her breath.

A cold wind swept through the chamber, carrying with it the scent of something old and powerful. Reinhardt felt a chill creep up his spine as an unseen force stirred around them.

"This place… it hums with power," he muttered.

Selene turned to him, her violet eyes gleaming in the dim light. "This is where it all began—the first sanctuary of the Dark Covenant. The place where I was reborn."

A distant echo of laughter filled the chamber, ghostly and hollow. Reinhardt's grip tightened on his sword. "We are not alone."

Selene merely smirked. "Of course not. Power never rests alone."

A shadow moved within the darkness, slithering across the walls like liquid night. A whisper brushed against Reinhardt's ear, though no one stood beside him. "You have tasted the forbidden, knight. Do you crave more?"

His breath hitched. The voice was neither male nor female, yet it carried an allure that sent shivers down his spine. He glanced at Selene, but she only watched him with knowing amusement.

"The spirits here test you," she said. "They see your heart. They know your desires."

Reinhardt's fingers twitched over his hilt. "And if I fail their test?"

Selene stepped closer, her hand grazing his jawline. "Then they will consume you."

The chamber darkened further, shadows converging into tangible shapes. Eyes—countless and hungry—blinked into existence, watching, waiting. The whispers grew louder, seductive and menacing.

"Show them your strength, Reinhardt," Selene purred. "Or be devoured by the darkness."