Celeste's nightmare mount descended from the dark, thundering skies of Dreadmoor Hollow, its massive wings beating steadily against the heavy air as it cut through the rolling clouds.
The distant rumble of thunder seemed to follow in its wake, as though the sky itself acknowledged its presence.
The creature's silhouette grew larger with each passing second, and soon it came fully into view for the small entourage gathered in front of the wide circular court that surrounded the towering black doors of the ancient Dreadmoor Castle, where the stone itself seemed to drink in the light, and the atmosphere carried a faint, oppressive weight.
The steed let out a deep, thunderous neigh as it descended, the sound echoing across the courtyard to announce the princess's return long before she even touched the ground, and the once distant speck in the sky rapidly expanded until it filled the vision of those waiting below.
