Chapter 3 The Castle

As they ventured deeper into the castle, Emily couldn't shake off the feeling that Danko was leading her into a trap. The darkness seemed to press in around her, and every step echoed through the halls like a death knell. Thomas stuck close to her side, his eyes darting nervously towards Danko.

The missing girl, Sophia, was found in a hidden chamber deep within the castle walls. She was pale and weak, with strange marks on her neck that seemed to pulse with a faint, eerie glow. Emily's medical instincts kicked in, and she rushed to Sophia's side, examining the wounds with a mixture of concern and fascination.

Danko watched with an intensity that made Emily's skin crawl. "What do you think, Doctor?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Emily hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The wounds looked like...bite marks. But that was impossible. "I need to get her back to the village," she said finally, trying to keep her voice steady.

Danko nodded graciously. "Of course, Doctor. I'll escort you."

As they made their way back through the castle, Emily couldn't help but feel that Danko was hiding something. The way he moved with ease through the dark corridors, the way he seemed to command the shadows themselves...it was as if he was a creature of the night, and she was just a mortal, stumbling through his domain.

When they reached the village, Emily breathed a sigh of relief. She helped Thomas settle Sophia into her bed, and then turned to Danko, who lingered in the doorway.

"Thank you for your help," she said, trying to sound polite.

Danko's eyes gleamed in the dim light. "Anytime, Doctor," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I'll be watching you."