The pillar of white light pierced the heavens.
Miles away from Velaris…
A group of five survivors pushed through the dense forest, their ragged breaths the only sound beneath the towering trees. Torn clothes clung to bloodstained bodies, while crude wooden spears trembled in exhausted hands.
One of them suddenly stopped. "…Do you see that?"
The others followed his gaze.
Far beyond the endless sea of trees, a brilliant white beam stretched into the darkening sky.
For several long seconds, nobody spoke.
"What is it?" a woman whispered.
"I don't know."
"…Another monster?"
An older man tightened his grip around his spear. "Whatever it is…" He looked at the frightened faces around him. "…it's the only thing we've seen since yesterday that isn't trying to kill us."
Silently, the five of them changed direction.
***
Not everyone looked at the light with hope.
Several miles away, another group laughed.
Their blades still dripped with fresh blood.
