FADE IN:
EXT. OLD STONE BRIDGE — NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)
The fog thickens, curling around the broken stones like living hands. Three Hunters advance, steps in sync, masks gleaming white under the moonlight.
LYRA
(whispers)
We can't fight them all.
ROWAN
We're not going to fight.
He grabs her wrist, pulling her toward the crumbling edge.
LYRA
Wait—!
Without warning, Rowan jumps over the side, dragging her with him.
---
EXT. RIVER — NIGHT
They plunge into the icy current. The shock steals Lyra's breath, but Rowan keeps a firm grip, pulling her beneath the arch of the bridge.
Above, the Hunters peer over the edge, scanning the dark waters.
HUNTER #1
(voice distorted)
They won't make it far.
---
EXT. HIDDEN CAVE — NIGHT
Rowan leads her into a narrow cave entrance half-hidden by rocks. Inside, dripping water echoes in the dim light. He lights a small lantern, shadows flickering across the walls.
LYRA
(soaked, shivering)
I don't… I don't even know you. Why should I trust you?
ROWAN
Because I'm the only one who didn't try to kill you tonight.
She glares at him but says nothing.
Rowan pulls a leather pouch from his belt, sprinkling a fine dust along the cave entrance. The air shimmers faintly.
LYRA
What is that?
ROWAN
A ward. They won't cross it. Not tonight.
---
EXT. FOREST — SAME TIME
The Hunters stand at the riverbank, their leader kneeling to touch the water. His fingers curl into a fist.
HUNTER LEADER
She's stronger than the mother was. Bring in the Shadows.
Two of the Hunters nod and vanish into the trees.
---
INT. HIDDEN CAVE — LATER
Lyra sits near the small flame Rowan started, her damp hair clinging to her face.
LYRA
My mother… she never told me anything. Just stories. About… a sleeping king, a curse. I thought they were just fairy tales.
Rowan's eyes darken.
ROWAN
They weren't fairy tales. They were warnings.
He removes his dagger, tracing one of the runes with his thumb.
ROWAN
And now you're part of it, whether you want to be or not.
The lantern flickers — and a shadow moves along the cave wall that isn't theirs.
ROWAN
(low, urgent)
Stay behind me.
From the darkness, a low hiss rises.
FADE OUT.