Time chose to hold its breath.
As though a cosmic hand had swept down to stop the relentless hands of a cosmic clock, everything ceased. There was no movement, no sound, no hint of life. All that existed was an oppressive silence, pressing down on creatures like a tangible force.
In that surreal silence, Zed found himself alone.
His gaze frantically searched for Lucy, but all he met was emptiness. There was no trace of her, no residual warmth, no lingering smile. She had dispersed like a whisper in the wind, leaving him alone amidst the chaos.
Desperate, Zed extended his hand, hoping to summon the Vampire Blade. But instead of the familiar cool touch of the weapon, there was nothing but the icy grip of dread. His fingers clenched into a fist, nails biting into the palm. The weapon had dispersed along with Lucy, leaving him bereft and helpless.
