The teacher's stern voice echoed across the classroom, scolding the students for their inattentiveness when a deafening scream shattered the usual serenity of the skies above the Heavenly Academy.
The sound was so jarring that everyone froze. Heads turned upwards in unison, searching for the source in the otherwise empty sky.
"Is that a Shadeclaw?" a mermaid stammered, her voice trembling with fear.
¹ Shadeclaw: A nocturnal predator that hunts by enveloping its prey in darkness.
"It can't be," a demon replied, though the disbelief in her voice faltered.
The scream came again, louder, longer, and more agonizing than before. Then, out of nowhere, a small black blur shot from behind the towering spires of the academy.
"It is a Shadeclaw!" Elara exclaimed, her usual boldness replaced with sheer disbelief.
Rose clutched her hands to her mouth, her heart pounding as shock rendered her speechless.
