Chapter 111: A Dark Connection (1)

The cold wind whistled mournfully around the carriage as its wheels jolted and rattled over the rugged forest path, making their way towards the distant castle. Inside the carriage, an eerie silence prevailed until Vladmir abruptly broke it with a short, mirthless laugh. Esmeralda and Ophelia exchanged puzzled glances. “Oh!” Vladmir said with a hint of surprise, as if noticing them for the first time. “It all starts in five, four, three, two, one.” The carriage lurched to a sudden stop, causing Vladmir to pitch forward and slam his head against the wooden wall. He grimaced in pain, rubbed his forehead, and then shifted to sit back in his chair, while Ophelia and Esmeralda stifled their giggles. “What’s going on?” Esmeralda asked, her laughter mingling with curiosity. At that precise moment, a low, mournful howl pierced the air, followed by a chorus of similar cries. Ophelia’s eyes widened in alarm. “Are there werewolves in this forest?” “I’d like to know how much longer it will t