The mission was simple:
Scout the ruins of Sector Twelve. Mark Hollowborn nests. Return by dusk.
They didn't expect to find a nest still breathing.
Aira froze the second they stepped into the sunken square. Her eyes went pale.
"They're underground," she whispered. "Sleeping. But they're… dreaming."
Kaien blinked. "Dreaming?"
She stepped forward, placed her palm on the cracked earth — and the ground trembled.
Ezrah drew his blade. "What's happening?!"
Before anyone could answer, the stone shattered and five Hollowborn erupted from beneath.
Shino sliced one midair. Renzo brought two down with one swing.
Kaien pulled Ezrah back just in time.
But one — a new kind — grabbed Aira.
It didn't kill her. It stared at her — like it recognized her.
Then it whispered in her mind:
"Come home.