"Do not trust the stones that sleep, for on the night when the red moon shines, they shall open their eyes..."

  "They are not mere watchers... but those who remember the destruction of this world."

  "They hide in the shadows, atop towers and ruins. When night falls, the stone eyes will glow, their wings unfurl, and they will hunt."

  "But at dawn, they remain still, like carved statues. No one knows whether they are mere forgotten lores, or demons waiting for the day to awaken once more..."

  And then... the final page was turned, before the storybook was closed by the small hands of the girl.

  The last light of day streamed through the old wooden window, casting a soft golden glow across the walls of the little wooden house. The atmosphere was warm and peaceful. A cool breeze blew through the thin curtains, causing them to sway gently. The creaky sound of the old wood beneath footsteps gave the house a lively presence.

  In the corner of the room, the wooden chair, draped with a soft, woolen rug as delicate as a cloud, beckoned with inviting warmth, while the fireplace still smoldered, filling the air with the sweet aroma of burning wood and herbs from the simmering pot. The sound of water dripping from the pipes leading to the garden well created a quiet, melodic tune, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

  Outside, a small garden full of plants reflected the fading light, as if enchanted. This wooden house was not just a dwelling; it was a tale of warmth and love, continuing through every moment of life.

  The sound of chatter and the laughter of the girl could be heard, drifting out from the slightly ajar door.

  Amiri pushed the old wooden door gently to open it wider. A cool breeze entered, bringing with it the scent of burning wood from the fireplace.

  "Amy..." Iris called with her sweet voice, sitting on the chair beside the bed of the recovering woman, her face still adorned with a bright smile.

  Amiri smiled in return, walking over to place the deer legs he had carried back onto the kitchen table and stowed his belongings in the storage room.

  "Amy... Let me see what you've brought today... Wow! A whole deer leg!" his mother exclaimed excitedly.

  "Mom, I'll be back to help in a moment," Amiri replied softly, his voice warm.

  His mother smiled back before turning to prepare dinner, while Iris continued calling her brother without stopping.

  "So... what are you going to tell me?" Amiri walked over and gently patted his sister's head with affection.

  "Alice is amazing! She's a real mage and even survived a beast attack!" Iris said with excitement, her eyes sparkling.

  Amiri raised an eyebrow slightly. "A beast? The ones in the stories?"

  "But Alice said she really saw one!" Iris insisted firmly.

  The young man fell silent for a moment, his gaze turning to the blonde woman sitting against the pillow. Her body was still covered with bandages, scars that could not have been caused by a mere animal...

  "What kind of beast was it?" Amiri asked seriously.

  Alice lifted her head slightly before answering in a soft voice,

  "A gargoyle."

  The quiet, serene atmosphere of the evening lake was bathed in the soft, golden light of the setting sun, making the sky feel both warm and cool at the same time. The gentle flow of the water mirrored this balance, reflecting the light in shimmering sparks, like stars beginning to twinkle in the night. The horizon lowered, nearly blending with the distant mountains. The sound of the gently flowing water blended with the breeze rustling through the leaves that fell to the ground, as if time itself had come to a temporary halt.

  "What did you catch, Will?" The voice of a man with light brown hair floated over, drawing near. He paused beside Will, offering a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, as if trying to ease the tension in the air.

  "Just one," Will muttered, furrowing his brow slightly as he set the fishing rod down on the ground and gazed out at the peacefully flowing water. "I guess I'm not having much luck today."

  El paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun was slowly sinking. He squinted, speaking in a low tone, his voice seeming to reach out for Will's attention.

  "Do you remember the stories from the past... the ones about beasts and magic?"

  Will turned to look at him and nodded slightly, his tone heavy with the weight of something hard to forget.

  "That girl... the one Amiri saved yesterday, you mean?" He sighed deeply before continuing. "This might be bigger than we think."

  "El... the older he gets, the more like you he becomes," Will said with a proud look, glancing up at the sky as though lost in thought.

  "He's a kind, gentle boy... easy to raise," El replied with a smile, though it was tinged with an unspoken emotion, something hard to voice.

  "You know... the world won't be kind to him. Sooner or later, he'll have to face it," Will said, his expression troubled as he picked up his fishing rod and began to gather his things.

  "Hey, El... stop by my house before you head home," Will called out as El paused, folding up the canvas chair.

  "I've got something to return... You'll surely miss her," Will added with a tone that held a deeper meaning.

  The vibe in the dining room was warm and filled with joy. Laughter and chatter echoed throughout as hot meals were served on the old wooden table, fragrant with the scent of venison stew and freshly baked bread. Everyone gathered around the table, sharing in the happiness. The soft glow from the oil lanterns made everyone's smiles seem gentle, as if enchanted, making time feel as though it passed slowly.

  But when Father stopped serving himself, he placed his spoon down and slowly lifted his gaze. His eyes were resolute, and although a smile still lingered at the corners of his mouth, his demeanor shifted noticeably. The lively chatter that had once filled the room began to fade, and Father's voice became the focal point.

  " Gargoyles... the witch-hunting monsters, " Father's voice, once warm, was now filled with mystery, as though it came from a place far beyond this world.

  A hush fell over the room. Everyone stared at Father, waiting for the tale to unfold. The faint clinking of dishes and spoons faded into silence, as if everyone had sensed that something significant was about to be revealed.

  Father paused for a moment before beginning to tell a dark and mysterious story from the past.

  "They say... they were once cursed into stone by a sorcerer of immense power," his voice low and clear.

  "But for reasons unknown, someone broke the spell on them, allowing them to live among humans."

  "They were filled with anger and vengeance toward the sorcerer. They hunted at all hours, day and night, targeting those who wielded magic and devouring their powers for themselves."

  "They had an uncanny resistance to magic and could heal themselves in ways beyond belief."

  "One legend tells that... even a sorcerer with power equal to that of a dragon could not defeat a gargoyle with such immense magical strength."

  "How can we defeat them?" Iris's clear voice interrupted, cutting through the tension.

  Father smiled warmly before continuing, "Only a Weaponmaster with the Power of Beasts can defeat them."

  "And... where did you hear this, Father? I've never heard such a thing..." Iris propped her chin on the table, pouting slightly.

  Father paused for a moment, then smiled faintly and replied, "Well... from your grandfather."

  At that, everyone around the table burst into laughter. The mood in the room returned to warmth, as the shadows of mystery and darkness seemed to lift, lingering softly in the air.

  The tone in the room grew calmer as time passed into the evening. The ticking of the clock on the wall echoed softly in the silence. Outside the window, the sky darkened, and one by one, the stars appeared, as if watching over the world, casting a gentle light upon the stillness below.

  Inside the room, the warm glow of the oil lamp on the table continued to provide a soft radiance, filling the space with warmth. A cool breeze drifted through the window, making the thin curtains sway gently, the sound of the wind adding to the serene and calming ambiance.

  Alice had just recovered from her injuries. Iris's little storybook lay across her lap, and her hand, still marked with small cuts, turned the pages carefully. She focused intently on the story, though the pain lingered, the world around her still offered peace to hold on to.

  The sound of footsteps drew closer, accompanied by the enticing scent of food. Amiri entered the room, carrying a plate of hot stew, a large piece of bread, and a cup of warm milk whose scent seemed to warm Alice's very breath.

  "I got some venison today," Amiri said, placing the food on the bedside table. His gentle smile spread across his face as he spoke, offering with kindness, "I made some stew with part of it, and the rest will be ham."

  Alice smiled back at him before taking a bite of the bread, savoring it with quiet contentment. Although her attention remained on the book in her hands, the delicious food lightened her spirit, making her feel warm and comforted.

  Suddenly, the sound of Iris's footsteps approached quickly, her manner serious.

  "I helped with the cooking too!"

  she said, adopting a playful tone, as though trying to make sure everyone noticed how important she was.

  Amiri turned to look at his younger sister, smiling faintly before speaking with amusement.

  "Help? You just came in to cause trouble, didn't you?"

  He grinned widely, making Iris fall silent, though she still shot her brother an irritated glance.

  Alice chuckled softly at the exchange. Amid the warm banter, everything in the room seemed to radiate joy, love, and an unbreakable bond. The ambiance was filled with warmth and happiness, creating a sense of belonging and connection that made one forget the challenges that awaited in the world outside. Cooking together as a family brought everyone closer, making them feel like they were truly part of each other.

  As time passed quietly, Alice began to walk again... with the aid of crutches. Though there was still some lingering pain, she smiled at the slow but steady recovery taking place within her. Under the soft sunlight of late morning,

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  Iris, unable to contain her excitement, stepped toward the young woman, her eyes shimmering with anticipation.

  "Today, I'm going to take you on a tour of the village!" Iris exclaimed, her voice ringing with the joy of a child receiving a new toy. She beamed and led the way, explaining, "Amy once told me that 'Ariawood' means a music box! He said this village is like a song, beautiful and full of life."

  Alice smiled faintly, feeling warmth at Iris's words. Though she didn't put much stock in them, she couldn't help but relax in the presence of the girl's cheerful spirit.

  They crossed a small wooden bridge over a narrow canal and entered the village, which was surrounded by lush greenery. The songs of birds harmonized with the sound of the water flowing through the canal, slowly creating a vibe like something out of the fairy tales Alice had read.

  Iris led Alice to the bakery, where fresh bread was made every day. The scent of freshly baked loaves filled the air, but amidst the warmth, the subtle aroma of freshly ground coffee gently made its way through. The rich, bitter fragrance contrasted beautifully with the sweetness of the dough and butter, breathing life into the cozy atmosphere of the shop.

  Iris picked up a warm piece of bread, offering it to Alice with a bright smile.

  “Try this! It’s the best bread in the village!”

  A soft clink of coffee cups filled the air, accompanied by the faint steam rising from the mugs of other customers.

  They then headed to an old inn situated on the village road, its wooden veranda lined with small trees. The warm environment of the inn felt inviting, and the people there seemed to know Iris well. They greeted her with warm smiles and friendly gestures. Iris, never missing a beat, responded with a soft, sweet tone, returning their greetings with kindness.

  They walked slowly past a quaint little flower shop, where vibrant blooms were carefully arranged throughout the space.

  "Isn't this village just charming?" Iris turned to ask Alice with a bright smile.

  "Feels just like a fairy tale," Alice whispered softly, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

  Iris led Alice to a beautiful lake in the center of the village, its clear waters reflecting the sky and the large trees surrounding it. They sat by the lake, taking in the peaceful, shady nature and enjoying the tranquility of the moment.

  The little courtyard in front of the humble house lay serenely beneath the gentle afternoon sunshine. A cool breeze wove through the air, softening the warmth of the day with its refreshing touch. Though the hour was one that often carried the weight of heat, here, a lingering chill embraced the space instead. The melody of birdsong intertwined with the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers, as if time itself had momentarily paused in peaceful stillness. This was a perfect moment for tranquil, leisurely conversation—amidst swaying trees and tender grass that bowed and danced, as if performing a graceful waltz beneath the golden light of the sun.

  "Amiri, I have something important for you," the father's deep voice called as he beckoned his son closer, holding a long object as he approached.

  "When I was 15, that was when I got my first real sword," the father said as he handed the weapon to the young man.

  The young man drew the sword from its black metal scabbard, the sound of the blade sliding out was soft, like a melody drifting from an instrument in the midst of quietness. Every movement was filled with grace and fierceness. The weapon in his hand seemed almost alive, adorned with metal at both the hilt and the end of the sheath, adding both strength and beauty to the blade. It symbolized the fusion of beauty and death.

  As he gripped the handle wrapped in jet black leather, the stability he felt from it gave him a sense of the latent power within. The double-edged sword, with its razor-sharp pale silver blade, reflected light in a way that made it seem lighter than expected. Its weight felt like a breath of wind, so light it seemed to vanish into the breeze, designed to move swiftly and precisely.

  The pommel was cast into a rounded shape, with silver rose patterns that hadn't yet bloomed, symbolizing beauty hiding danger. The curved crossguard spiraled into twisting, flowing lines, almost seeming alive. It looked as if it could move with the wind, its beauty so captivating that one might forget the underlying threat, as if it were created for the art of killing.

  If one looked at the sword long enough, they would feel a chill in the air, as though the blade were not just a weapon but a tool of fate—one that could lead its wielder to victory or drag them into destruction, unknown to them.

  Amiri swung the sword with one hand, effortlessly, his skill evident. "She's so light, Father..."

  "She's called Gale," the father replied with a soft smile, "the lightest hand-and-a-half sword I've ever used."

  "Then why don't you use her anymore? The sound she makes is beautiful." Amiri swung it skillfully with both hands.

  "The song she sings... seems like it's for you." The father's expression showed a hint of concern.

  Amiri sheathed the sword just as Alice and Iris returned.

  "Alice... really seems to love it here," Iris said cheerfully, raising both hands in excitement, making both the father and brother smile.

  "Alice..." the young man turned to meet the young woman's gaze.

  "When you're better... you'll leave, won't you?" Amiri spoke with a calm yet slightly sorrowful tone.

  The young woman avoided his gaze.

  "I... have to travel to my family... in Lunacia," she answered, her voice shifting slightly.

  "Then... I'll take you there. It would be dangerous for you to go alone."

  Iris glanced between Amiri and Alice, feeling an odd sensation about the chemistry that seemed to be filling the air.

  The soft morning sunlight filtered through the trees, cascading gently onto the little house’s porch, bathed in warmth and tranquility. Today felt quieter than usual, with the birds' songs blending into a faint melody carried on the breeze. The sunshine reflected off the leaves, casting a pale golden glow across the light gray stone floor. The scene was warm and soothing, yet there lingered an undercurrent—like a serenity touched by a subtle sadness drifting through the air.

  The father and mother stood at the front of the house, their expressions betraying the heaviness of the moment, as if they were silently bidding farewell to their son, who was about to embark on a journey. They had not spoken much to each other, but the sadness in their eyes was impossible to hide. The mother's face remained clouded with sorrow, while the father, once strong, struggled to maintain his composure. He held his wife tightly, as if to offer both of them the strength they needed in this quiet farewell.

  Alice expressed her gratitude to Amiri’s parents, not only for taking care of her with kindness and concern but also for giving her warmth and love as if she were truly part of their family.

  "Couldn't you stay a little longer...?"

  Iris's voice, full of tenderness and a hint of pleading, broke through the silence. The mood grew even heavier with her words, laden with an unspoken sadness.

  Alice knelt down to embrace Iris, saying nothing, simply letting the moment pass.

  Iris's small body trembled slightly, knowing that a farewell was coming,

  yet she understood that Alice had to leave.

  Amiri smiled lightly at his parents, trying to ease the tension with a calm expression, aware that Lunacia, the city he was traveling to, was not far from their village.

  "El, I really don't want him to grow up,"

  his mother's voice quivered, a soft admission of her reluctance to accept her son's growing independence.

  The father, who had never shown weakness, spoke in a tone that carried an unfamiliar tremor,

  "I've known from the start, that someday Amiri would..."

  As he finished speaking, he tightened his arm around his wife's shoulder, smiling gently at his son, who stood waiting before them.

  Iris, still standing in the scene, was confused, unable to grasp the emotions behind their expressions. She asked with innocence, "Why do mom and dad look like that... Lunacia is less than half a day's walk from here... Amy will be back soon, right?"

  Her question brought only bitter smiles to the parents' faces, before they turned their gazes toward their son and the young woman, who slowly began to walk away. The air was thick with unspoken feelings, as they made their way through the silent moment.

  The sight of Amiri and Alice drifting further away...

  The family stood frozen in place, knowing that the distance between them was not just physical, but perhaps a sign of an irreversible change in their lives.

  "I really do love Amy, El..."

  the mother's voice echoed in the air as she clung to her husband.

  "I know... I know..." the father murmured, gently stroking his wife's head, offering comfort. They stood there in silence, giving space to the emotions of love and sorrow that filled the moment.

  Only Iris remained, still confused and unaware of the meaning behind her parents' actions. She stood, puzzled and questioning, unable to understand the shift in their behavior from what she had always known.

  The road stretched ahead, paved with gray bricks, its even, dust-free surface ensuring a seamless journey. On either side, tall trees stood proudly, their presence accompanied by the cool, gentle breeze that carried with it the refreshing scent of wood and earth. The entire route seemed to exude tranquility and abundance, as though everything around was allowing nature to weave its enchanting spell.

  In the distance, a familiar merchant traveled along the road with a cart laden with goods for the village of Ariawood. He departed from the city of Lunacia at the break of dawn, the cool mountain air making the journey less tiresome. With a road that seemed to welcome him, the merchant would reach the village by late morning and return to Lunacia by evening. This journey brought with it a sense of relaxation, filled with the delicate gentleness of the scenery that seemed to have been carefully crafted along the way…

  "Your family must be worried..." Amiri murmured softly.

  The young woman avoided the young man's gaze

  "Do you travel often?" Alice asked briefly, as they passed a row of tall trees. The further they moved away from the village, the thicker the trees became.

  "I don't get out much... It's been so long since I last visited Lunacia with my friend," Amiri tried to recall, almost unable to remember the last time he came to the city with Erik.

  "Thank you for helping me earlier," Alice said softly

  Although the road remained comfortable, as they ventured further from the village of Ariawood, silence began to seep in, replacing the sounds that once filled the air. The noise faded until there was almost nothing left. On either side, the landscape transformed into a sparse forest, where delicate shadows cast by the trees filtered the sunlight, leaving only a soft, diffused glow and a gentle breeze brushing through the leaves.

  The sparse forest around them only deepened the eerie atmosphere. The only sound was the quiet trickling of a small stream flowing lazily beside the path. It seemed subtle, yet carried a chill, as though something hidden lay just beneath the surface.

  The secret of the path,

  gently scattered with leaves that slowly fall,

  graceful as a dance,

  is about to be revealed.

  The clash of swords rang out!

  Amiri gritted his teeth as he absorbed the blow from a mysterious man.

  "Give me the girl, and you might survive!" the chilling voice threatened.

  The mysterious man attacked swiftly, only to find himself being pursued instead!

  Amiri counterattacked fiercely, swinging his sword with the force of a storm. Each strike grew heavier and more intense, throwing the stranger off balance for a moment before the sound of steel piercing flesh rang out.

  A giant spear pierced through the middle of the man's torso!

  Amiri spun to look—Alice was standing behind him. She flicked her hand lightly, causing the spear to float in mid-air before it shot forward, impaling the stranger in the throat.

  But what happened next chilled the blood in both of their veins...

  The mysterious man slowly pulled the spear out of his body. Black blood, like ink, dripped onto the ground, yet the torn flesh hardened, eventually turning to stone and disintegrating as though the wound had never existed.

  "This is the sorcerer I've been seeking." His skin tore into ribbons, and his head morphed into a goat's skull. His tall form stretched, dark wings resembling a bat's sprouted from his back, and massive claws emerged. The stench of decay filled the air.

  Flames roared toward him, but they had no effect. With a sudden, swift motion, he shot into the sky.

  Amiri wasted no time. He leaped high, his sword gripped with both hands almost vanishing with the wind.

  The clash of metal rang with power every time his blade met the demon's claws.

  The gargoyle opened its mouth, revealing sharp fangs. A sparkling black flame gathered in its mouth, forming a massive ball of shadowy fire before it cut through the air toward him with great speed.

  He barely dodged in time,

  but!

  Its claws slashed deep into his flesh, blood gushing from the wound.

  Pain surged through him, threatening to bring him to his knees.

  Every breath felt like a dagger, twisting within his chest.

  Alice tried everything she could, using all her magic, but nothing seemed to work. The demon closed in on Amiri, who could barely stand.

  The creature grinned cruelly, its victory near.

  Alice stood, frozen, as if bound by time.

  "I'm sorry..."

  Her voice was a whisper, barely a breath,

  as she struggled to watch Amiri lying helpless before her.

  Weakly, Alice fell to her knees,

  as if the world itself had denied her the chance to change anything . . .

  The air, once still, suddenly transformed into a roaring storm, as if the heavens themselves were about to tear asunder.

  Lightning ripped through the black storm clouds. Thunder struck—a deafening explosion.

  Amiri arose, the demon's claws poised to tear into his throat... stopped abruptly.

  Crack! A tempest of blade strikes lashed out, severing the demon's right arm in a single, blinding instant.

  The gargoyle recoiled, its stone eyes widening in shock.

  "...The wind... the storm... What kind of grim are you!?"

  Swish! Another barrage of blade strikes sliced through, severing one of its wings in a flash before it could even react.

  Its once-mighty claws trembled with fear!

  It howled in agony!