The storm had been relentless, battering you with sheets of rain and gusts of wind that seemed to push them back with every step. Exhausted, you trudged through the muddy field. Then, a fade entirely, a shape materialized through the gloom. At first, it appeared to be a mountain looming in the distance, but as you drew closer, the form took on a more fantastical appearance. Perched atop massive iron legs, the structure moved gracefully across the landscape, a haphazard collection of turrets, walls, and chimneys. Howl's moving castle. Gathering the last reserves of their strength, you broke into a stumbling run, splashing through puddles and mud. The great structure seemed almost to wait, as if sensing your approach.

A door, nearly camouflaged among the cluttered exterior, swung open with a creak. With a final burst of effort, you crossed the threshold and collapsed onto the wooden floor inside. The warmth of the interior was immediate and soothing, a stark contrast to the storm outside. The room was filled with the comforting scent of herbs and the soft crackling of a fire. You looked up, your vision blurry with fatigue.

"Welcome," a deep, melodic voice said. You focused on the figure before you. Tall and strikingly handsome, with tousled dark hair and piercing blue eyes, the man exuded an aura of both mystery and charm. This had to be Howl. "You made it just in time," Howl said, extending a hand to help you up. "The storm is quite unforgiving tonight."