POV: LUNA
The creature retreated at dawn.
Not because it was defeated. Because it chose to. Like it had made its point. Tested the defenses. Found them wanting.
Luna watched from the library window as the massive shadow melted back into the forest. The rogue army following. Coordinated. Disciplined.
Unnatural.
Faculty secured the wards. Reinforced weak points. Pretended everything was under control.
But Luna saw Professor Thorne's face. The worry lines. The way his hand shook slightly when he thought no one was looking.
They weren't ready for another attack. And everyone knew it.
Classes were cancelled. Students confined to dorms. Emergency protocols in effect.
At noon, Luna's phone buzzed. Text from an unknown number.
"Abandoned classroom. Third floor west wing. One hour. Come a
