“Dalius. I. Need. Out. Maybe you’re right. But—if you won’t try? Let me just try to open the doors. I’ll…”

She tried to walk forwards. The [Knight] grabbed her shoulder.

“No.”

His touch froze her. Cara recoiled with a shout. Ser Dalius blocked her. Smiling. But his eyes were wider now.

“Miss Cara, you’re being unreasonable. I cannot allow you to risk your life. Let me make a fire.”

She backed away, but the ghost held her arm. Cara tried to yank away—and found the hand still holding on to her. Her skin was freezing.

“I want to leave, Dalius. Let go of me, please. Dalius—”

His touch froze her shoulder. Cara backed away, and he let go. But he was uncomfortably close.

“One more day, Miss Cara. I insist.”

The young woman saw him glancing behind him. She stared at the faded sigils. And took a breath.

“And tomorrow—you promise to open the door if we can’t find another way by then?”

His smile vanished. The ghost hesitated, eyes flickering to the doorway.

“W-well, if it should come to it. But let’s not be hasty—you’re barely healed. Let me check your bandages, Cara.”

He moved forwards, reaching for her again. This time his fingers froze her skin as they lingered, grasping harder. Cara recoiled.

“Stop. Dalius—”

He looked puzzled. Dalius reached for her, and Cara backed up. He frowned at her.

“I just want to help.”

“You can help by letting me out!”

She shouted at him. The [Knight]’s expression turned wounded. And then—harsh. Cara stared at him.

His face—changed. The [Knight]’s voice deepened, echoing further as he spoke louder, angrily.

“I’ve led you here, haven’t I? Show me some gratitude, please!”

He advanced. And suddenly—he looked very real. His armor shone in every detail. His body looked almost solid, not so much mist.

“You have taxed me, Cara. And here we are after a long journey, and you cannot wait? Let me help you!

Don’t be so hasty to leave!”

“I’m not. I want you to come with—”

His features—flickered. Cara stared at his nose. His eyes. His cheeks. They were solidifying. Almost like she could see him become more solid. But what—

“And forswear myself? You take my oaths too lightly! I am a [Knight]! And if you do not have respect for that—a day! A week! Is that so long? I have been here for three centuries, bereft of sound! Of company!

Of touch—”

He was reaching for her. Hungrily. His eyes. His mouth.

They weren’t the same. She thought she had been imagining it. But they were subtly…

Changing. Teeth growing too long. His eyes widening beyond any natural limit. His face—

Cara was backing away. She tried to interrupt him.

“Dalius—”