The full moon hung low and heavy in the star-studded sky, bathing the craggy mountain paths in an ethereal silver glow. Seraphina led the way, her footsteps sure and silent as she navigated the treacherous terrain with practiced ease. Behind her, Tristan and Magnus followed like twin shadows, their senses on high alert for any sign of danger.

As they crested a narrow ridge, Lucian's mountain stronghold came into view – a foreboding edifice of stone and steel that seemed to claw its way from the very bones of the earth. Crenellated walls and watchful battlements surrounded the citadel, casting long, ominous shadows in the moonlight.

Seraphina paused, her eyes...