The world exploded into chaos.
We ran toward the eastern border, toward the sounds of battle—snarls and screams and the clash of steel. The air was thick with the copper scent of blood, and the ground shook with the fury of war.
Caleb kept me close, his hand wrapped around mine, pulling me through the chaos. Warriors streamed past us in both directions—some rushing to join the fight, others stumbling back, wounded and broken.
"Stay behind me!" Caleb shouted over the din. "Whatever happens, don't put yourself in danger!"
I wanted to argue, wanted to tell him I could help, that my healing would be needed. But there was no time. The battle was upon us.
We burst through the tree line into hell.
The eastern clearing, usually peaceful and green, had become a nightmare. Bodies lay everywher
