Pre-dawn was a weird time of day; it almost felt as if the town itself was holding its breath. High above the manor, Alex gazed at the circadian landscape and inhaled a tide of tension building in the air as his heart pounded with expectation. The elite warriors from the demon king would arrive any minute, and a fight over the town would start.
The momentary closing of his eyes ushered in a deep, preparatory breath. Little room was there for fear. He had confronted adversity many times before, but this battle would try him in ways he had yet to imagine. These were not common warriors but battle-hardened killers with no mercy, each fuelled by dark magic. He must win-for the people now dependent upon him, his friends, and self.
"Alex," Mara sliced through the silence. She approached him, her features ashen but certain. "They're coming. We're ready."
Alex opened his eyes and nodded. "Good. Everybody in place?"
