The Blood Moon was a bad sign.
Everyone in the Hidden City knew it.
The sky turned deep crimson as the moon slowly rose, painting the crystal towers in red light.
The air itself felt heavier, like the world was holding its breath.
Lyra stood on a balcony watching it.
"It's beautiful…" she whispered.
"It's a warning," the stranger corrected.
She looked at him.
"What happens during a Blood Moon?"
Kael answered from behind her:
"The Guild becomes stronger."
Rylan added casually:
"And monsters become braver."
Lyra's stomach tightened.
Before she could respond, an explosion shook the city walls.
Boom.
Another followed.
Boom.
Then screaming started.
"Attack!" someone shouted.
The Guild had arrived.
Lyra didn't hesitate this time. Fear was still there, but something else was stronger now.
Purpose.
She ran toward the fight.
The stranger followed immediately.
Kael and Rylan exchanged a glance before joining.
At the city gate, chaos ruled.
Dark creatures poured through broken barriers.
Some had claws. Others moved like living smoke. A few looked almost human.
Lyra raised her hands.
Fire formed.
But this time she didn't panic.
She aimed.
Released.
A wave of flame slammed into the creatures, pushing them back.
Her heart pounded.
I did that.
Then something fast moved toward the stranger.
Too fast.
A blade of shadow pierced his side.
He dropped to one knee.
Lyra froze.
"No!"
Rage exploded inside her.
Her powers reacted instantly.
Energy burst from her body in a violent
shockwave. Nearby enemies were thrown backward like leaves in a storm.
Kael grabbed her shoulders.
"Lyra! Focus!"
Rylan stood in front of them, holding enemies back.
"Channel it!" he shouted.
Lyra forced herself to breathe.
In.
Out.
Control.
The energy condensed.
Then she released it again this time as a focused beam.
It destroyed the remaining attackers.
Silence fell.
Lyra rushed to the stranger.
His blood was dark.
Too dark.
"You can't die," she whispered.
His hand weakly grabbed hers.
"I told you… I don't die easily."
Her eyes filled with relief.
Then a howl echoed from outside the city.
Deep.
Ancient.
Powerful.
Even the stranger looked concerned.
"What was that?" Lyra asked.
Kael's voice was serious now.
"Something much worse."
Beyond the broken gate, a massive shadow moved toward the city.
And it was smiling.