The trio crossed the castle's threshold with calm steps, the sound of their shoes echoing softly against polished stone walls. The interior was as grand as the exterior had promised—black marble columns streaked with silver veins rose toward a vaulted ceiling painted with scenes of ancient wars between monsters and hunters, as if the castle itself held memories of forgotten eras.
Magical torches burned along the walls with bluish flames, casting ethereal shadows that seemed to move of their own accord.
Kaguya led them down a vast corridor until a pair of double doors swung open without anyone touching them. Beyond lay the banquet hall.
