“A curse that binds me to this mortal realm until dawn.”

I stood there, a young nobleman with a heart full of curiosity and a thirst for adventure. My eyes were drawn to her—a vision of ethereal beauty. Her gown, delicate as morning mist, clung to her form, revealing the graceful curve of her waist and the gentle swell of her hips. Black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her eyes—oh, those eyes—were the color of sapphires, deep and mysterious.

“Please,” she implored, her voice trembling. “The sun will soon be gone.” Her fear was palpable, etched into the lines of her delicate features. She glanced toward the horizon, where the sun dipped lower, threatening to vanish beyond the hills. “You don’t understand,” she whispered. “I need to return home before sunset.”

“Why?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. “What awaits you there?”

Her eyes darted away, as if seeking an escape. “Darkness,” she said, her voice barely audible. “A curse that binds me to this mortal realm until dawn.”