Arin startled up, a strange chill spreading across the air, their skin prickling. They couldn't breathe for a heart-stopping minute as their eyes strayed to the window. The sky was bleeding black and red, rippling over the horizon like vengeful bruises. There was a strong metallic taste in the air, and the city and Earth itself seemed to be under the influence of an invisible power. This was the start of the end.

Bit by painful bit, via broken dreams full with glimpses of this new reality, the visions had warned them. Dreams that had earlier appeared surreal had whispered to prepare for impending calamities. But even in light of this, the enormity remained staggering. The world was collapsing into itself.

Arin shot to his feet, carrying out the actions they had repeatedly rehearsed. They understood that supplies wouldn't last forever, so they kept enough goods in their "go-bag" at the door to get them through the first few days. They had prepared refuge spots and had stashed stores of food and water across the city. Every stride seemed like a custom, a reassuring reminder that they were, if not quite, ready.

Thud.

Their feet almost lost their equilibrium when the ground trembled underneath them. Outside, the ground was torn asunder by a massive rift that opened up like a dungeon on the outskirts of the city, unleashing monsters that belonged only in nightmares. The creatures moved with a sickening, unearthly elegance that belied their horrific twist. Claws shining, dark, sinewy limbs unfolded as they ransacked the streets, swooping down on anything and everyone they could find.

The shouts were so loud that Arin hardly saw them until they were running down the stairs and into the mayhem. Every sense was on high alert, and every move was made more acute by the intense worry that even the smallest delay may result in death. People with wide-eyed dreadhurried by in a desperate panic. Arin maintained their concentration, automatically searching for threats, hiding places, and anything that would aid in their survival.

"Ugh!" A sharp crash followed by a cry penetrated the surrounding air. Arin turned to see a beast with its slavering jaws agape, ready to strike, hovering over a group of survivors huddled inside an overturned automobile.

Before Arin could respond, there was a silver flash that flew by them, slicing through the animal at a speed that was blindingly fast. The creature collapsed, quivering with the impact, revealing a man standing over its torso. The man was wearing black, battle-worn armor, and he exuded strength. A mass of silver hair poured out from behind the helm, catching the strange, weak light of the scarlet sky.

Cassio.

As soon as they turned and met Arin's eyes, everything seemed to slow down. Something electric and powerful jolted Arin; it wasn't exactly relief nor dread. Despite their little acquaintance, there was an unmistakable bond between them, as though their destiny were inextricably linked.

"Descend!" Through the commotion came Cassiel's voice. With instinct, Arin dodged when another beast pounced with its claws extended. Cassiel was a flicker of movement, cutting through the being with a smooth elegance that contradicted their might.

Heart racing, Arin raced to their feet to take in the scene. Cassiel appeared to be a force of nature, an anchor amid the turmoil, and to challenge everything Arin understood about reality. Something about Cassiel's presence was unsettling and comfortable at the same time, but this wasn't the place or time for questioning. They seemed to be partially human because of the vigor they exuded. And they could be the only people Arin could trust in this monster-infested planet.

"Remain in close proximity," Cassiel remarked, glancing at Arin. "If you stray, I can't keep you safe."

Arin nodded and followed Cassiel's lead as she ran quickly, slicing through the pavement with an almost deliberate accuracy. Every time they turned to look back, Arin could see Cassiel's hesitancy and glint of worry on his face. Even though they were strangers, there seemed to be a silent understanding and a shaky trust developing between them—the beginnings of something that may just be resilient enough to endure the ordeal that lay ahead.

Arin came to the realization that maybe survival was feasible after all as they battled their way to safety.