Lyra always believed monsters only existed in stories.
Until the night they started chasing her.
Rain slicked streets reflected the dim glow of streetlights. Her shoes slipped, heart pounding. Something behind her wasn't human. Too fast. Too silent. Too patient.
Claws scraped concrete. Her breath hitched. She turned into a dead-end alley. Brick walls towered like a prison.
Then the shadows moved.
Three figures stepped forward. Human? Only barely. Their eyes glowed red. Smiles too wide, teeth too sharp.
"Energy signature confirmed," one said coldly.
Lyra frowned. "What…?"
Another stepped closer. "Subject located."
Subject?
Before she could react, one lunged.
Then—a blur of motion.
Steel-blue light flashed. One creature evaporated into black smoke.
A man stood between her and the monsters. Tall, still, controlled. His blade of glowing energy moved with precise, effortless grace.
"You found her too early," he said calmly.
Lyra stared. "Who… are you?"
"You really don't remember," he said quietly.
Before she could respond, the creatures attacked again. This time, she saw everything. He moved like war itself had shaped him—fast, precise, brutal—but there was pain in his restraint.
The alley fell silent. Only rain remained.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
She shook her head, throat dry. "Why… subject?"
He didn't answer. Instead: "Do you get migraines? Nightmares? Fire? White rooms?"
Her stomach dropped. "How…?"
"I know what you are," he said.
Fear crept back. "What am I?"
"You're awakening."
Pain exploded through her body when he touched her hand. Light surged from her fingertips. Flames danced uncontrollably.
"I… didn't do that…"
"You did," he corrected.
A low growl echoed from the street. More were coming.
"You can come with me… or find out what happens if the Guild finishes what they started," he said.
Her throat went dry. Fear won. She grabbed his hand. That choice changed everything.
"What is your name?" she asked.
"Orion. If they capture you… they won't just kill you. They'll turn you into what you were meant to become."