The ruins stretched far beyond what I'd expected. What seemed like a pile of broken stone from the outside was actually an underground passage, winding deeper into the earth. The stranger led the way, moving without a sound.
I didn't ask questions. Not yet.
Finally, we entered a chamber lit by a pale blue glow. Strange symbols lined the walls, pulsing as if alive. The stranger turned to face me.
"You should not be here," they said. "But fate has placed you in our path. That cannot be ignored."
I crossed my arms, masking my exhaustion. "Who are you?"
The figure remained silent for a moment before pulling back their hood. Beneath it was a face both human and… not. Their skin was dark, but faintly translucent, like glass reflecting an endless void. Their eyes glowed with shifting patterns of gold.
"We are the Watchers. Guardians of what remains. And you…" Their gaze sharpened. "You have power, even if you do not yet understand it."
I tensed. "I don't know what you're talking about."
The Watcher chuckled. "You will."
Then they made their offer.
"Join us, and we will show you the truth of this world. Refuse… and you will not leave this place alive."
I clenched my jaw. There was no choice.
"I'll listen."
The Watcher smiled.