The heavy iron door on the other side of the chain-bridge stood open, gaping like a wound in the side of the massive black castle.
Hide and Fuu crossed the bridge slowly, the howling wind tearing at their clothes and the rusted links groaning beneath their boots. With every step they took toward the central castle, the ambient dark mana grew thicker, pressing against them with an almost physical weight.
They reached the other side and stepped off the grating onto solid stone.
Hide looked through the open doorway. It was complete, utter darkness. He felt something was wrong there from that very moment, he could not even see one inch inside even though everything was very clear outside.
Hide raised his right hand and called upon the Abyssal Flame. The orange fire flared to life in his palm, casting a harsh light over his face. He stepped forward and held the flame out into the doorway to illuminate the hall beyond.
The light didn't penetrate.
