The Prophecy - A TTS AU

Ch 7: Beneath the Starlit Covenant

During Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf

The quartet have been out on the road for a while now, exploring the mysteries while travelling back to Corona. They had set up camp in a serene clearing deep within the forest, the crackling campfire casting an orange glow over their makeshift campsite.

As the night settled in, their friendship enveloping them. The day's exploration had been fruitful, and now, they found themselves gathered around the campfire, their faces illuminated by dancing flames. The forest around them was alive with the sounds of the night, a symphony of chirping insects and rustling leaves.

Howard had a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know what time it is, folks? Time for some spooky stories!"

Cassandra sighed, her amusement evident. "Howard, we're in the middle of a forest in the middle of the night. Are you trying to scare us more?"

Howard flashed his trademark grin. "Nah, Cass, these are friendly ghost stories. I promise, no nightmares tonight."

Varian leaned forward eagerly. "I've always been fascinated by ghost stories. Please, Howard, continue."

Azule, with a soft giggle, spoke in her formal manner. "I, too, find the art of storytelling intriguing. Please do share, Howard."

Howard cleared his throat dramatically, fully embracing the role of the storyteller. "Very well, prepare yourselves for a tale of spine-tingling suspense."

Cassandra, knowing what was coming, groaned preemptively. "Howard, if this involves puns..."

Varian chuckled, fully aware of the puns that were about to follow. "Come on, Cassie, you know we can't resist Howard's stories."

Azule's lips curled into a knowing smile as she settled in for the tale. "I am ready for the story, puns and all."

With a theatrical flourish, Howard began his story. "Once upon a time, in a castle shrouded in mist..."

Cassandra rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile. She had heard this story many times before.

"...there lived a ghostly knight named Sir Haunt-a-lot," Howard continued, his voice filled with dramatic flair. "Now, Sir Haunt-a-lot had a peculiar quirk. He couldn't stand the sight of umbrellas!"

Varian chuckled at the absurdity of it all, while Cassandra couldn't help but shake her head at Howard's pun-laden story.

Azule nodded thoughtfully. "A most unusual phobia for a ghostly knight, indeed."

Howard pressed on, his storytelling taking a more serious turn. "One stormy night, a traveler seeking shelter arrived at the castle. She unfurled her umbrella as she stepped inside..."

Cassandra, now genuinely interested despite the Howard-like story, leaned in closer.

"...and that's when things got spooky!" Howard exclaimed.

Varian, always eager for the explanation, chimed in. "What happened, Howard? Was it an electromagnetic disturbance?"

Howard winked at Varian. "You'll have to wait and see, my friend."

As Howard continued his story, the others were absorbed of it. His exaggerated storytelling had them hooked, and even Cassandra couldn't deny the thrill of it.

But of course, Howard couldn't resist slipping in puns whenever he could. "The ghostly knight was beside himself with terror. He shouted, 'You've got to be 'knight'-ing me!'"

Cassandra groaned in annoyance, but Varian and Azule couldn't help but laugh.

Howard's ghostly tale continued with exaggerated gestures and theatrical flair. "Now, where was I? Ah, yes! The traveler, with her umbrella open, ventured deeper into the castle. She was determined to uncover its secrets, even if it meant facing Sir Haunt-a-lot's phobia head-on!"