A soundless tremor ran across the dreamscape.
At first, no one noticed. Then, the sky cracked.
From the farthest reaches of the dream, black clouds began to spread. They moved like smoke underwater, thick but fluid, rolling over buildings, streets, and light itself.
They didn't block the moon, though; they framed it. A perfect circle of silver, suspended like a spotlight above the world.
Every soul felt it. Every mind slowed.
Astros halted mid-step, guiding the last group of citizens out to a safer place. He turned toward the sky, frowning.
"...What is that?"
The civilians behind him huddled instinctively.
In the coliseum, Kardrax and Hypnos clashed. Blood and thread danced around them.
Then the air stopped moving.
The black clouds poured into their space, thick as tar. The moment the darkness touched Hypnos, his pupils vanished. His eyes burned white.
Kardrax gritted his teeth.
