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The blood moon hung high in the sky, its vibrant crimson light spilling across the land, painting everything beneath it in shades of horror. The druids had been thrown into panic by the sight. What could have angered the spirits so deeply? Was this the end of all they knew?

Kirain felt a cold dread blooming in her chest, her instincts screaming that something was terribly wrong. Something was happening. Something awful. She hovered constantly over her children, counting and checking them again and again as if her vigilance alone could keep them safe. Her eyes sought Lestan’s, desperate and pleading, searching for answers she feared he didn’t have. Did he know what this was? Could they do anything to appease whatever force had been stirred?

It was morning, or at least it should have been. Yet the world remained dark, heavy, and suffocating beneath that red light. She had tried to keep the pups tucked away inside the den, but they wanted to explore, blissfully unaware of the danger. She couldn’t blame them, but unease gnawed at her all the same. Turning to her husband with wide, worried eyes, she whispered, What do we do? I… I’m so scared. I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Bending down, she offered soft nuzzles and gentle words to her pups, trying to hide the tremor in her voice. Her mind raced, searching desperately for a solution, anything to turn the tide, until a distant howl pierced the silence.

She froze. Ears pricked.
That voice, she couldn't quite place it.

Dread flooded her veins like ice. Kirain’s gaze darted between her mate and the den’s entrance before she made her choice. Keep an eye on them, Lestan. I’ll be back. I have to see that the others are okay.

Without another word, she bounded out into the bloodlit forest. The familiar warmth of Goldenwood had transformed into something alien, its trees cast long, clawed shadows that twisted and reached for her. Every sound made her flinch, every rustle sent her heart hammering harder. Fear coursed through her like fire and frost all at once, yet still she pressed on.

Every den she could remember was checked, reassured, and moved on from. No one claimed the howl she had heard, and the creeping reality only deepened her anxiety.

Before returning to her own den, she went to the wards and pleaded for aid, anything the spirits of the land could offer. She didn’t know what else to do.

All that remained was hope, hope that the den walls would be enough to keep them safe from the horrors that had become their new reality.