The rift pulsed once.
Then the mist came.
It poured from the swirling vortex like water from a broken dam. It hit the arena floor and spread in every direction, swallowing the stone, the broken stage, and the emergency lights in seconds.
Within ten seconds, the entire locked arena dome was pitch-black.
The emergency lights died. The holographic screens went dead. Every camera in the stadium shut down simultaneously.
From outside the golden barrier, the audience and instructors saw nothing. Just a dome of impenetrable blackness where a bright arena had been a moment before.
Inside, the screaming became intense.
"Everyone shut up!" Holden's voice cut through the chaos. "Panic kills faster than monsters. Grab the person next to you. Right now."
A hand found his arm. Maeve. Her fingers were trembling but her grip was firm.
"I've got you," she said.
"I know. Stay close."
