Within the Kingdom

Standing before the towering structure, Aelorin studied it carefully. It was meant to be a castle, but it was unlike any castle he'd ever seen. Its build was strange, blending the familiar silhouette of old fortress architecture with distinctly modern touches. The walls were made from polished stone mixed with steel and glass, and the roof gleamed with an unusual metallic sheen that reflected the pale afternoon sun. This wasn't the rough stone and dark timber he'd grown accustomed to. Here, the castle looked sleek, almost inviting, as though it was some kind of high-end mansion more than a fortress.

"Welcome back, Lord Aelorin," said Alpha, leading him past an oversized wooden door. The door was absurdly tall and painted a deep maroon, yet it had a modern handle rather than the usual iron ring. He glanced down, noting the plush red carpet beneath his boots that softened his steps as he entered a spacious corridor.