Midnight. The Jagged Wilds on The Violent Rise, Island of Ayyergsoun, Coast of Ireland.

Peter shivered as he walked through the forest behind the boy, who they had recently found out was called Brandon MacGee, and looked around nervously. There was something about the forest that seemed-unnatural. He shivered again. He had wanted to bring a flashlight, but Brandon had said no. “It comes to you quicker with lights. First you feel all weird-like, then you start going feral, then you go mad. I saw it happen to me pop.”

Behind him, Brittany was feeling less brave then she had been in full daylight on the boardwalk. Distant noises and howls echoed through the woods. She was just about to suggest that they turn back when-there it was.

The Tower of the Raven Sisters loomed up above them. Built out of ebony colored stones, it looked like some evil chess piece.

There was a door at the foot of the tower. Brandon slowly creaked it open.

There was a flash of darkness and Brittany fell senseless to the ground.

***

Brandon slowly awoke to a voice. A raven was talking.

“Tonight. The Last Night.”

“What?”

“Nevermore!” it cackled and flew off.

Brandon slowly looked around. He was in a black room with a stone floor. Near him was a throne where the raven was roosting. He blinked, and the raven was gone. In its place was a beautiful woman with long, curly black hair, pale skin, and blood-red lips. She stood up and spread her arms.

“Welcome!” she cried. “Welcome the The Throne Room of Valzayna Archwin, Widow of Misfortune!”

“Where am I?’

She smiled a cold smile.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”