The night market was alive with celebration.
Music filled the streets, lanterns swayed overhead, and children ran between the stalls as vendors called out to passing crowds.
Then a man stopped.
Something was wrong.
A low growl echoed through the street.
He turned.
A creature stepped out of the darkness.
It looked like a wolf—but only barely.
Its fur was decayed and uneven, its skin hung loosely from its frame, and its hollow eyes glowed with an unnatural light.
Before anyone could react, it lunged.
The man screamed.
The creature tore into him, sending blood across the street.
A Mayaveer rushed forward and struck the beast down.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then another growl came.
More creatures emerged from the surrounding alleys.
Then from the rooftops.
Then from the darkness between the buildings.
Dozens.
The Mayaveers moved into formation, weapons drawn.
Elemental powers activated.
But the numbers kept growing.
The celebration shattered into chaos.
Inside the Royal Hall, however, the celebration continued.
Nobles discussed trade, harvests, alliances, and the coming year.
Then the doors burst open.
A guard stumbled inside.
“Your Majesty! Rot wolves have appeared throughout the city”
“The Mayaveers on site are trying to control the situation”
“But they have been outnumbered.”
The Queen and Sendrav rose.
There was no panic in their expressions.
Only decision. New chapters come out on g.com first.
“Send every available Mayaveer,” Sendrav ordered.
“Secure the inner routes. Protect the civilians.”
Kairav paced forward and joined his seniors.
The hall that moments ago had held celebration now stood on the edge of war.
The clan representatives of the royal court left their drinks and rushed towards the exit,
All the clan representatives were either third or forth rank Mayaveers and trained in handling such situations.
Mervil remained seated.
His eyes moved slowly across the hall, processing the information.
Then he finally rose.
There was no fear in his expression.
Only puzzlement.
Something about this situation did not make sense.
Outside, the howls continued to spread through the city.
And the night had only just begun.