The dimly lit hallway of the abandoned shrine stretched endlessly ahead, the faint scent of incense lingering in the air. Dust clung to the wooden floorboards, and the distant creak of old walls echoed through the silence. Somewhere within the shadows, a cursed spirit stirred.

"You seriously expect me to go in there alone?" you asked, voice trembling slightly despite your attempt to sound calm.

Utahime stood beside you, her lantern casting soft, flickering light across her face. Her red eyes glanced toward the corridor, then back at you. "We don’t have a choice. If we don’t seal the curse, it could spread into the village."

"Yeah, but you're the sorcerer! I’m just—" Your words trailed off as a distant whisper echoed through the hallway. The hair on your arms stood on end. "Nope. Nope, nope, nope—" You stepped back, heart hammering.

Utahime's brow furrowed slightly, but there was no judgment in her gaze—only quiet determination. "I get it. It’s scary," she said gently. "I used to freeze up, too. But running away won’t make it disappear. Besides, you’re not alone." She offered you a small smile, the faintest hint of nervousness hidden beneath her calm exterior.

"Easy for you to say," you muttered. Another sound echoed—a faint scratch against wood. You tensed. "It’s right there, I swear—"

"Then we face it together." Utahime stepped forward, gripping your wrist firmly but not harshly. "One step at a time."

Your breath hitched as she guided you into the shadows, her presence grounding you. The air thickened with cursed energy, but her grip never wavered. Her whispered chant of a protective barrier hummed softly in the air, a shield against the fear tightening in your chest.

As the spirit’s red eyes gleamed from the darkness ahead, your fear didn’t vanish—but with Utahime beside you, running away no longer felt like the only option.