The Mask Falls

The wind whipped against his leather armor as he rushed to the castle. Arriving before Elaris and Adam, he narrowed his eyes past the elven guards into a colorful garden.

However, he ignored the flashy maze of flowers glinting under the morning sun's rays and nodded at a singular spot. The earth djinns had done their work last night.

Like an elusive shadow, he evaded the guards' still-sleepy eyes. His delicate yet fast steps made no noise.

Soon, he crossed the garden and towered before an almost indistinguishable mark on the castle's firm walls.

He felt the wood's smooth texture with his palm as he infused his essence into the mark. With a low hum, it shone a demonic green. At his command, the magic of the earth djinns activated. Molten earth squirmed to life, smoke rising as it dissolved the wood—creating an opening just large enough for him to slip into the castle.