Louis stared up at the massive cathedral, his heart pounding. The structure seemed impossibly old, its stone walls etched with symbols he couldn't recognize. A cold wind blew past him, carrying whispers that faded before he could understand them.
"The Watcher of Veils has been expecting you."
The voice resonated through his chest, deep and commanding.
He swallowed hard. "Right. No turning back now."
With a steadying breath, he stepped forward and pushed against the massive iron doors. They groaned open with surprising ease, revealing a long, dimly lit hall. The floor was polished black marble, reflecting the eerie blue flames of torches that lined the walls. Stained glass windows stretched high above, depicting strange figures cloaked in shadow, their hollow eyes watching him.
His footsteps echoed as he walked forward. The silence was oppressive, yet he felt as if something—someone—was observing his every move.
