Everyone knew that deep within the forest stood a mysterious dark tower. Its owner was not fond of uninvited guests, and he himself scarcely ever visited the village on the forest’s edge. Few could boast of having seen him—fewer still knew what he truly looked like. The tower's weathered gray stone seemed to absorb rather than reflect light, giving it a perpetual shadowy appearance even on the brightest days.

When she returned to her native village after years away, she never anticipated the danger that lurked just beyond the village borders. As she walked the familiar path home, a group of rough-looking men emerged from the trees, blocking her way. Their eyes raked over her hungrily as they advanced, their intentions clear and terrifying. She could smell the stale beer on their breath and see the malicious intent in their eyes.

Driven by pure terror, she broke free from their initial grasp and fled into the dense forest, branches slapping her face and tearing at her clothes as she ran blindly. The sound of the men's laughter and threats echoed behind her, growing closer with each desperate step. Her lungs burned, her legs ached, and blood trickled from numerous small wounds, but she dared not slow down. Just as she felt she could run no further, the trees suddenly thinned, revealing a clearing. At its center stood the legendary dark tower. With the robbers nearly upon her, she sprinted toward the massive wooden door and began pounding on it with all her might, her heart racing with equal parts fear and desperate hope.