Moon braced his footing and pressed forward.
The castle stood on the distant peak, rising above the clouds that drifted past the island's edge. Even from this far away, it stood as an authority in the skyline. Its dark towers clawed upward like fingers reaching for stars beyond the sky, and the walls surrounding it were massive.
The howling wind only added to its presence. It swept across the open ground between Moon and the castle, creating a mournful sound that whistled through the cracks and crevices of the island's rocky surface. At times it almost sounded like distant, distorted voices, warning him to turn back.
The closer Moon looked at the castle, the heavier he felt.
After putting enough distance between himself and the hideout, Moon summoned Mirage. The white steed appeared beside him in a flash of light and immediately nudged his head against Moon's chest.
"Hello, partner. Ready to hunt some beasts?" Moon ruffled Mirage's mane softly.
