Scaling the Shadows

As I stepped out into the chill of the night, the castle loomed before me, its stone walls seeming to absorb the faint moonlight that filtered through the clouds. With a deep breath, I steeled myself for the task ahead, my mind fixed on the possibility that Elara and Mari might be within those walls. I had to know the truth. I circled around to the residential section of the castle, my eyes scanning the walls for a suitable entry point. The guards patrolled the battlements, their torches casting flickering shadows on the stone below. I spotted an open window high up, partially hidden by a tangle of ivy. It was a risk, but it was the best chance I had. I slipped into the shadows, my back against the wall as I began to scale the stone. The ivy provided some handholds, but I had to be careful not to make a sound. My fingers and toes found holds in the mortar and the rough stone, and I pulled myself up, my body pressed against the wall. The higher I climbed, the more precarious I felt. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves of the ivy and making it harder to maintain my grip. I paused, my heart racing, as a guard walked by, his torch casting a golden glow on the stone below. I held still, my breath bated, as he paused to look out over the city. When he moved on, I continued my ascent, my muscles trembling with the effort. I reached the window and pulled myself up, swinging my legs over the sill and into the room beyond. I found myself in a dimly lit chamber, the air thick with dust and the scent of old books. A single candle flickered on a nearby table, casting eerie shadows on the walls. I listened intently, trying to pick up any sound that might indicate I was not alone. The room seemed deserted, but I knew I had to be careful. I moved cautiously, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. A door led out into the corridor, and I could see a sliver of light from a nearby torch. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. I knew that Elara and Mari could be anywhere within the castle walls. I had to find them, and I had to do it before I was discovered. With a quiet determination, I pushed open the door and slipped into the corridor, my eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. The castle was full of secrets, and I was about to uncover them.