Morning light spilled over Edger, soft and warm, the kind of sunrise that usually meant another quiet day. The air was cool, the sky pale blue, and a gentle breeze rolled down from the hills.

  Ashren stretched as he stepped outside, rubbing sleep from his eyes. His uncle was still inside, preparing the morning fire.

  “I’ll get some water,” Ashren said, grabbing a small wooden bucket. His uncle nodded without looking up.

  The village felt calm. Too calm.

  Ashren walked down the slope toward the well. Birds chirped in the trees. A few early villagers moved about, opening hatches that led into their underground homes.

  Nothing felt wrong yet.

  But just beyond the hills, danger was already moving.

  The hooded girl barely slept.

  She fastened her satchel and pulled up her hood, then cracked open the window. Villagers moved normally. Children ran. Someone laughed.

  But she knew better.

  “They’re close,” she whispered.

  She touched her bracelet.

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  A faint golden glow pulsed under her fingers.

  The Night Hunters crouched behind the trees, watching the valley wake.

  The leader lifted their staff.

  “Move quietly. They will not expect an attack in daylight.”

  The hunters nodded, weapons ready.

  The hunt was moments from beginning.

  Ashren walked toward the inn, hoping to see the girl before she left. As he reached the doorway, she stepped outside. Their eyes met.

  “You’re leaving already?” he asked.

  “I shouldn’t stay long,” she murmured. “Thank you for yesterday.”

  “You look worried,” Ashren said. “Is something wrong?”

  She hesitated, as if she wanted to say something.

  But then she forced a small smile.

  “I’ll be fine,” she whispered. “I just… need to keep moving.”

  Ashren nodded slowly, still unsure.

  “I was heading to the well anyway. If you need anything, I’m nearby.”

  She looked like she wanted to answer—but didn’t.

  Ashren stepped away, turning toward the slope that led down to the well.

  He walked towards the well.

  Then—

  A sharp metallic click echoed across the valley.

  The girl’s face turned pale.

  “They’re here,” she whispered.

  A shadow moved at the tree line.

  Dark figures stepped into the light.

  Their weapons shimmered.

  Their eyes glowed.

  The Night Hunters had arrived.

  And Edger was unprepared.

  To be continued…

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