Chapter 28 – The Night the Blood Moon Brought the Wrong Shadows
It was the eve of the collective birthday. The full moon shone red, as if the sky already knew what was coming.
In the dormitory, the eight children slept scattered about, dreaming of cakes and hugs. Joker and Harley, as always, were the last to close their eyes, lying on the top bunk, whispering crazy plans about a flying circus.
Outside, in the forest, 15 shadows moved silently. Slave traffickers from the Draknar Empire, led by a man named Vorak (the second-in-command, a tall orc with scars on his face and a rotten smile full of sharp teeth). His boss, Duke Valthor (still far away in his luxurious mansion, but already whispered about as the "Soul Devourer"), had given clear orders: capture fresh merchandise on the border. Rare boys were worth gold; girls were sold as toys.
They surrounded the orphanage. Vorak raised his hand, signaling the attack.
The main door exploded inward with a kick.