Fragments of shadows

 The castle loomed heavily above the city like a dark sentinel, its ancient stones steeped in history. Rasmus walked briskly down the dimly lit hallway, the sound of his footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls. Flickering torches cast shadows that danced along the intricate carvings, creating an eerie atmosphere. The air was thick with tension, and he could feel it sharpening his senses.

 Beside him, his personal guard, Garreth, strode quickly, eyes flicking nervously from side to side. "Your Highness," Garreth said in a hurried whisper, "reports say a coven of witches is approaching. They're with a pack of werewolves. They'll reach the castle in less than an hour!".

Rasmus felt a knot form in his stomach. "How many? What are we facing?" His voice was firm, but inside, a storm of worry brewed. "Looks like thirty to fifty, sir. They look very prepared and dangerous, and I fear they are here for our lady," Garreth replied, urgency thick in his words.

 "Where are our guards?" Rasmus pressed, determination flooding his veins.

"Positioned at the north and east gates. But they'll need your command to hold them off," Garreth said, his breath coming quick as they rounded another corner.

Rasmus clenched his fists, feeling a suffocating fit of anger settling heavily upon him. "They want my Elara, but they will get death instead," he thought inwardly.

 "Come with me; I have instructions for you to pass across," Rasmus said.

Approaching the wooden door to the strategy room, Rasmus's heart began racing; he had no time to waste. Just as they reached the door, he spotted her at the far end of the hallway.

Elara. The sight of her made his heart leap, even against the impending storm. She radiated a quiet strength that buried her delicate beauty. Her normally loose, snow-white hair was pulled back in a severe braid. Her piercing blue eyes had lost their usually playful glint when she saw the look on Rasmus's face.

Even now, he could barely bear to look at her, still so alive while surrounded by shadows threatening to consume her.

"Rasmus!" she called, rushing toward him, her dark hair flowing behind her. Her eyes were wide with concern, and the fierce look on her face ignited a spark of hope in his chest.

"Elara!" Rasmus exclaimed, meeting her halfway. "You heard about the attack?"

"Yes! Is it true? Are they really coming for us?!" Her voice was a mix of determination and fear as she stood there, radiating energy. Rasmus pushed back the panic threatening to rise.

"Yes, but I can handle this. You just need to stay safe." He could see the tension in her shoulders, the desire to fight alongside him.

 Elara stepped closer, her hands on her hips, defiance written all over her. "I can help! You can't just leave me here!"

"You have to stay safe!" Rasmus insisted, his voice rising slightly. "If something happens to you, I—" he cut himself off, realizing how fragile the situation had become.

Please, Elara, let me protect you. Her expression softened, but the fire in her gaze remained. "I refuse to hide while you fight. I have my own power, Rasmus! I can fight too!"

"I know, but they are after you . It's too risky!" His voice was firm. "Please, my love, you must understand, they are after you. I'll draw them to myself, but you have to escape with my men," Rasmus said, avoiding her gaze as the tension between them was as thick as steel.

"Elara, please. You have to trust me. I won't let anything happen to you," Rasmus pleaded, his heart aching at the thought of losing her. The castle could be filled with looming danger, and he would do anything to keep her safe. After a moment that felt like an eternity, Elara exhaled softly, defeat shimmering in her eyes. "Fine. But you'd better come back for me." Her tone was serious, the weight of their unspoken bond lingering heavy in the air.

As Rasmus sighed in relief, he caught sight of two of his guards approaching. Sergeant Alin stepped forward, looking ready for battle. "Your Majesty, we need to move now. They're getting closer," he said.

Rasmus turned to Elara, his heart heavy. "I love you so much." Turning to Gareth, he commanded firmly, "Take her to safety. If so much as a strand of her hair is missing by the time I'm back, it will be your head on a stake," Rasmus threatened.

Gareth nodded, standing tall. "I promise to keep her safe even at the cost of my own life, Your Highness."

"Stay close to them, Elara. I'll come for you as soon as it's safe," Rasmus promised, desperation lacing his tone.

"Rasmus!" Elara called, her voice tinged with urgency as the guards began to escort her away. "You better return!"

He offered her a faint smile, trying to mask the fear gnawing at his insides. "I will. I swear it," he said, watching her retreating figure until she vanished into the shadows of the hall.

 Turning back to his guards, he faced Alin, "Gather your men and protect the castle." My blood guards and I will go out and meet them, and if possible, end the fight there." 

Facing the entrance of the castle, he smiled, "Let's get this over with," he said. His teeth elongated into sharp fangs, his fingers elongated into claws, and his irises turned blood red.

Facing the door, he began to walk toward it. "I made a promise to Elara, and I cannot afford to fail," he thought inwardly.