You stagger toward the old, weathered door, your breath ragged and heart pounding in your chest. The crow, its glossy black feathers gleaming in the dim light, caws softly and flies away, leaving you standing alone. The sound of your blood dripping onto the cracked pavement is deafening in the eerie silence of the night. You raise a trembling hand to the door, your fingers brushing against the cool wood.

A muffled voice comes from the other side, but you can’t make out the words. With a final, shaky breath, you push the door open.

The room beyond is dimly lit, the shadows dancing across the walls. The faces of the people inside—Tengen and his wives—snap to attention as they see you. Their eyes widen in shock and concern as they take in the bloodstains soaking your clothes, the exhaustion etched deep into your features.

Tengen steps forward, his usual confident demeanor replaced by something softer, protective. “What happened?” he asks, voice low, as he takes in your battered form. His wives hover behind him, worry flashing across their faces, but none of them move closer just yet, waiting for you to speak.