PORTRAITS OF THE UNDYING

The midnight air grew heavy, suffocating with an ominous presence. The sky outside Viktor's castle was moonless, and the silence was broken only by the howls of the wind—and the guttural growls of something far more sinister. Isabella stood near the large windows of the main hall, watching in dread as shadows crept closer to the castle walls.

"Stay here," Viktor commanded, his voice sharp and protective as he came into the room. His piercing gaze scanned the perimeter through the glass before he moved purposefully to a hidden cabinet in the corner.

Isabella turned to see him retrieve a gleaming sword, its hilt encrusted with black opals that shimmered like liquid under the dim candlelight. The blade was long, forged of a dark steel that seemed to pulse with energy. It was unlike any sword she had ever seen before, exuding power and danger.

Damien joined them, concern etched on his face as he caught sight of the sword in Viktor's hand. Without hesitation, Viktor reached for another weapon from the cabinet and handed it to Damien—a shorter, sleeker blade, its edge gleaming silver with faint engravings running along its surface.

"We're surrounded," Viktor said curtly. "These creatures… they're not ordinary. They'll stop at nothing to breach the castle."

Damien nodded, gripping the sword tightly. "What are they after?"

"Her," Viktor replied, his eyes flickering toward Isabella. The single word sent a chill down her spine.

"Protect her," Viktor instructed Damien firmly. "I'll deal with the ones outside."

"No!" Isabella stepped forward, her voice shaking. "You can't go out there alone. It's too dangerous!"

Viktor turned to her, his expression softening for a brief moment. "I won't let them harm you. Stay with Damien. I'll come back."

Isabella wanted to argue, but the determination in his eyes silenced her. Without another word, Viktor disappeared into the shadows of the corridor.

---

The Battle Begins

The first wave of creatures crashed against the castle's defenses. They were monstrous—dark, twisted figures with glowing eyes and claws sharp enough to tear through stone. Their guttural growls echoed through the halls as they battered the doors and climbed the castle walls.

Damien stood beside Isabella, sword ready, his eyes darting to every window and doorway. "Stay close to me," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The doors rattled violently as the creatures finally forced their way in. Damien moved with precision, his blade slicing through the first attacker that lunged at them. Black, inky blood splattered across the stone floor, and the creature let out a horrible screech before collapsing.

But for every creature Damien struck down, two more seemed to take its place. Isabella clung to the wall, her heart pounding as she watched the ferocious battle unfold.

One creature broke through Damien's defense and charged at Isabella. She screamed, but Damien turned just in time, driving his blade into the beast's chest. The creature let out a final, shuddering growl before it crumpled to the ground.

"They're getting stronger!" Damien shouted, his breath labored. "We need Viktor!"

---

Viktor's Fight

Outside the castle, Viktor faced a sea of darkness. The creatures swarmed him, their claws slashing through the air as he moved with deadly precision. His sword glowed faintly as he swung it, each strike slicing through the attackers with ease.

The wind howled around him, carrying whispers that only he could hear. They taunted him, reminding him of the danger Isabella was in, urging him to abandon the fight and return to her.

"No," he growled under his breath, his grip tightening on the sword. "I'll protect her."

Despite his skill, the creatures continued to multiply. Their numbers seemed endless, and Viktor realized he had to find their source if he was to end this battle.

---

The Bigger Threat

Inside the castle, the hours dragged on, and dawn was approaching. Isabella paced the room anxiously, her eyes darting to the door every time she heard a sound. "Why isn't he back yet?" she whispered, fear gripping her heart.

Damien hesitated, his jaw tightening. "I can't leave you here alone."

"Please," Isabella begged, tears welling in her eyes. "What if something's happened to him? You have to find him!"

Damien sighed, torn between his duty to protect her and his concern for Viktor. After a moment, he nodded. "Lock the doors behind me. Don't open them for anyone but me or Viktor."

With that, he left, his sword gleaming as he disappeared into the corridor.

Isabella locked the doors as instructed, but an eerie silence fell over the castle. She sat down, wrapping her arms around herself for comfort, but a sudden chill ran through the room.

Before she could react, a massive creature burst through one of the windows. It was unlike the others—larger, more grotesque, and radiating a dark, malevolent energy. Its glowing red eyes locked onto her as it snarled, baring its jagged teeth.

Isabella screamed and tried to run, but the creature was too fast. It pinned her against the wall, its claws digging into her shoulders. The pain was excruciating, and she struggled against its grip, but it was no use.

As the creature prepared to strike, a blinding light erupted from Isabella's chest. The creature let out an ear-piercing screech, releasing her and stumbling back. The light grew brighter, filling the room with a radiant glow that burned the creature's flesh.

Within moments, the beast collapsed to the ground, its body dissolving into ash.

Isabella fell to her knees, gasping for breath. Her hands trembled as she touched the faint mark on her chest where the light had emerged. "What… what was that?" she whispered, her voice shaky.

---

The Aftermath

Damien returned first, his clothes torn and bloodied, but his expression was one of relief when he saw Isabella unharmed. "Are you okay?" he asked, rushing to her side.

"I… I think so," she replied, still shaken.

"Where's Viktor?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

"He's still out there," Damien said grimly. "But I'll find him."

As dawn broke, Viktor finally returned, his figure weary but victorious. The creatures had been defeated, but the toll on him was evident. He looked at Isabella, his expression softening as he approached her.

"I'm sorry I left you," he said quietly, his voice laced with guilt.

Isabella shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "You're here now. That's all that matters."

Viktor knelt before her, his hand brushing her cheek gently. "I swear I'll never let anything happen to you again."

But in the back of his mind, he couldn't ignore the light that had saved her. It was a power unlike anything he had ever seen before—a power that held the key to Isabella's past and the mysteries surrounding her. And he knew that as much as he wanted to protect her, he couldn't shield her from the truth forever.

The battle was over, but the questions had only just begun.

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