I sigh with relief, and climb out of bed. After washing, I dress myself in fine garments I brought for the occasion.
Once dressed, I stroll to the reception hall. The king has invited all nobles to hear his announcement, and partake in tonight's ball.
I reach a spiral staircase, and begin to climb down.
Where am I? Right, the king's palace. The walls gradually darken as I descend. After descending what feels like many floors, the walls are perfectly black, and the white-burning torches in the wall become necessary to see my next step.
I step out onto the floor of the reception hall.
"Behold, our esteemed guest! Mind your manners, everyone; we wouldn't want to make a bad impression. The Blood Moon soon approaches, when all will be permitted."
Ah, the Blood Moon! The greatest celebration in the kingdom! It's the one time each year we are allowed to spill out into the realm of the living, and take victims at our pleasure. What?
A veil seems to be lifted, and the king becomes plainly visible: a black silhouette in the mist with eyes glowing white, bright as the sun.
The other attendees are an assembly of horrors. Wraiths, corpses, and seething shadows eye me in unison.
"We will meet again, invader, on the Blood Moon."
I find myself sitting at the inn, my lap wet with soup that used to fill my spoon.