Sylvia was horrified—more than that, she was at a complete loss for what to do. Only moments ago, Damon had been standing there, vigilant as ever, leading their party through this cursed land.
Then, in an instant, he had convulsed, blood pouring from his body as if something had torn into his very essence.
The others had all frozen in shock, but now Damon lay motionless in a pool of his own blood. Worse still, before collapsing, he had pointed into the distance and managed to choke out a single, desperate command—run.
But run where? The panic clouded their thoughts. Had he meant for them to flee toward the direction he pointed or away from it?
They didn't have to wait long for the answer.
A bloodcurdling screech echoed through the forest, a sound so unnatural and ear-splitting that their very souls recoiled.
Then, in the far distance, the trees began to fall—toppling one after another, giving way to some monstrous force that was rushing toward them with terrifying speed.
