The carriage’s wheels crunched over the gravel path leading to the imposing castle, its silhouette stark against the grey sky. From his vantage point within the castle, Capitano observed the arrival with measured interest. The vast edifice, looming like a watchful sentinel with its stone turrets piercing the clouds, was a fitting backdrop for the moment.

As the carriage came to a halt, the cold wind swept through, carrying with it the scent of the frost-bitten landscape of Snezhnaya. Capitano noted her descent from the vehicle, seeing the tremble in her legs despite her efforts to steady them. His attention remained fixed on her as she approached the grand entrance of the castle, her focus clearly on the hall beyond.

The massive iron doors swung open with a resounding creak, and she stepped inside. Capitano’s gaze took in the entrance hall’s formidable features—the high, vaulted ceilings, massive stone pillars, and cold marble floors. He could sense the apprehension in the air as the flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows on the walls. This was the setting where she would meet him for the first time.

At the far end of the hall, Capitano emerged. His tall, broad-shouldered frame commanded immediate attention. The dark, impeccably tailored suit he wore spoke of both wealth and authority, and the black mask concealing his features only added to his imposing presence. He watched her intently as she made her way toward him.

The silence was thick, punctuated only by the echo of her anxious breaths. Capitano’s posture was poised and imposing, and he observed her every move with an almost unreadable, analytical interest. Each step she took toward him seemed to grow heavier under the weight of his presence.