Eric follows reports of a rogue cougar suspected of killing locals, but his search leads him instead to an isolated monastery. The monks welcome the weary traveler with warmth and humility. Father Patrick gives him a tour and introduces him to the Fathers and Brothers who make up the quiet, disciplined community. After sharing a simple meal, Eric settles into his room for the night.

Sleep offers no peace. Eric is tormented by nightmares of Skorzeny—visions of the wolf feeding on the defenseless. He bolts awake to find a figure peering at him through the cracked doorway. The silhouette retreats. Eric rushes into the hall, down the stairs, and into the main chapel room. Seeing a monk sitting on the pew in silent prayer, Eric demands answers but the man refuses to speak. Father Patrick steps in and explains: this is Father Jude, and he has taken a vow of silence.

The next morning, the monks gather for breakfast. Their tranquility is broken by a knock at the door—Alamo Joe Rogan, hunting once again for Eric Cord. Brother Mark stands firm, invoking sanctuary and turning Rogan away. Eric remains protected…for now.

Later, seeking answers, Eric asks the head Father if he knows anything of Skorzeny. The Father gently refuses, explaining that the monastery protects privacy for all people—just as they protected Eric from Rogan. No confessions here will be betrayed.

Unsettled, Eric returns to Father Jude after he noticed a haunting painting titled “I Can No Longer Paint the Sunlight.” Pressing for the truth, Eric finally earns a response–not in words, but in art. Father Jude reveals a sketch of Skorzeny, confirming the monster had indeed been within these walls.

As dusk falls, Eric leaves the tool shed used by one of the Brothers. He senses eyes on him. Turning toward the shadows, he finds Brother Mark watching him intently. At first Mark speaks cryptically…until the truth slips through: He is one of Skorzeny’s.

When Eric refuses to join him—rejecting the dark lineage Skorzeny forged—Brother Mark drops the façade. The kindness he showed earlier vanishes, replaced by feral intent. And then he turns on Eric—both figuratively…and literally.