Chapter 11: The brothers
The castle corridors twisted like the entrails of some great beast, the flickering torchlight casting elongated shadows that seemed to reach for the group as they followed Zayne deeper into the stronghold.
Annie kept her senses sharp. Every instinct screamed that this was a trap, but the promise of answers about the Purgatorist—and the chance to avenge Lilith—kept her moving forward.
Behind her, Lunara walked with quiet precision, her violet eyes scanning every archway, every darkened alcove.
Menma, for once, kept his claws sheathed, though the tension in his jaw was unmistakable.
The new guardians—Sybil, Saphyra, and Sylvara—formed a protective half-circle at their backs, their hands never far from their weapons.
Then, the heavy oak doors ahead groaned open, revealing a vast chamber lit by a massive iron chandelier.
Four figures stood in the dim light, their postures relaxed but their eyes sharp.
Zayne's golden eyes flickered to the ceiling for half a heartbeat - so fast Annie almost missed it.
**The "Brothers."**
### **The First Brother: Garrick**
A mountain of a man, his bald head gleamed under the torchlight, the planes of his face harsh and unforgiving.