The chill rising from the cold stone floor wrapped around my entire body.

This was an underground dungeon where light never reached, the darkest place even in this world of 'Nocturne' ruled by eternal night.

I was barely enduring each day, my memory of who I was or why I had to be locked up here fading away. The only things that made me feel alive were the occasional sound of footsteps and the faint light brought by the owner of those steps.

Creeeeeak—

The sound of a heavy iron door opening broke the silence. I recoiled reflexively.

Blue light leaked through the gap in the door, and a woman stood with the light at her back. She had long blonde hair and wore armor that combined white and blue. The silver plate armor on her left arm glinted in the blue light. The blue gems hanging from her neck and ears pulsed as if they were alive.

She slowly approached me.

Up close, her face was incredibly beautiful, but at the same time, she looked so sad. Her red eyes were moist as if she might burst into tears at any moment, and her pale skin showed no sign of color.

She placed her hand on the blue gem brooch at her chest and looked down at me. Her lips were trembling slightly.