The thick forest was calm, bathed in the silver light of a full moon. The branches swayed gently, creating a soft rustling in the trees. The occasional call of distant creatures echoed through the undergrowth, blending into the hum of the nighttime wilderness. The peace of the forest was suddenly disturbed by the faint crunch of footsteps through the fallen leaves. A boy stumbled forward—his clothes singed and frayed, his hair standing wildly on end as if static had tangled through it.
William's jacket had deep burn marks on its edges, his shirt was charred and frayed, clinging awkwardly to his chest as if the very fabric had been shocked into submission. His pants were torn at the knees, a mixture of dirt and soot smeared across his legs. His hair stood in irregular tufts, scorched in random patches from the lightning that had just coursed through his body. Every step he took sent small shocks through the soles of his shoes, still buzzing from the aftereffects of the electrocution.
