The alarm was a deep, terrible sound. It came from the city bell tower, a single bronze note that rolled across the rooftops like thunder. Alex's eyes opened before the second ring. Saeko was already sitting up, her hand on her katana.
They dressed in silence. Fast. Efficient. By the time the third bell rang, they were out the door.
The streets were chaos. People ran in all directions—some toward the city gates, some away. Guards shouted orders. Children cried. A cart of vegetables had overturned, spilling cabbages across the cobblestones. No one stopped to pick them up.
Alex grabbed a passing guard by the arm.
"What is it?"
The guard's face was pale. "Hydra. Nine heads. It came from the eastern swamp. Destroyed three villages already. It's heading this way."
Alex released him. He looked at Saeko. She nodded once.
They ran toward the eastern gate.
°°°
