A Shadow in the Castle

The halls of Valyria were made of stone, but tonight, they breathed like something alive.

The torches flickered low, casting trembling shadows that stretched long across the walls.

Outside, the wind howled through the open terraces, rattling the ancient banners that bore the royal sigil.

A lone figure moved through the darkness, silent as a whisper.

Xavier.

The silver mask concealed his features, but even without it, no one would have seen him. He was the night itself—cloaked in black, his long tunic flowing with each measured step. His boots made no sound against the marble floors. The shadows obeyed him, wrapping around his frame as if he belonged to them.

He was not meant to be here.

And yet, here he was.

His mission was clear, but the details were his own. Find it. Take it. Leave no trace.

But there was a problem.

Someone had been here before him.