Eira's heart pounded in her chest as Merlin, bloodied and exhausted, shouted, "Run! Now!"
No one hesitated. Even in their fear-stricken state, their survival instincts kicked in. Eira, still cradling Junior, began sprinting alongside the others. Emma and the children stumbled but pushed forward, driven by sheer terror. Zyrith, pale and trembling, ran as if death were at her heels.
Merlin cast protective wards behind them as they fled, his mana reserves dwindling dangerously low. "Keep moving!" he yelled, his voice strained.
But the oppressive darkness loomed closer.
Back at the smoldering ruins of the orphanage, a figure emerged. His entire body was cloaked in shadow, writhing like a living void. The only distinguishable features were his cold, piercing eyes that glowed faintly in the darkness.
