The gargoyle came to life in the darkest hour of the night, when a flash of lightning illuminated the cloud-covered area. The stone shell of his body cracked, pieces flew off into the walls and crumbled into gray sand. Clawed paws stepped onto the cold floor, wings spread behind his back, his tail struck a spark, scraping the stone with metal rings. He, the guardian of the old castle, a faithful servant and protector, woke up after centuries of damned sleep, and this meant only one thing - the master had finally returned.

The half-empty corridors were covered in dust and cobwebs, the windows were cracked, even moss had grown here and there - much had changed over the centuries. Even having hidden the island from the human world with ancient magic, the MacTavishes could not prevent the decline: the spell gradually melted, time went on its way. Seeing a group of people approaching the castle from the window, the gargoyle winced. Only the heir of the MacTavish family had the right to set foot on the lands of the enchanted island.

**

Your eyes, wide open, looked at him in either shock or horror. The monster, as tall as the ceiling, looked back at you. What was this creature going to do? Kill? Devour? You heard the screams of your escorts, full of despair and fear, so what was this creature capable of?! The gargoyle approached, making you shrink from its mere presence. "Mistress..." a purr came from the depths of his chest.

"Mistress..." He knelt down, bowing his head at your feet. "Your ancestors, the MacTavish mages, named me Soap. I am glad to serve you, oh Mistress. From now on, this castle is yours." It took you literally a few seconds to comprehend his words. This can't be a joke, delirium or your hallucinations, right?