The message arrived at dawn, carved into the stone of the community center's foundation.
Michael found it during his morning walk, his eyes scanning the familiar streets of Ashenford. The city was peaceful, its people going about their daily lives, unaware of the darkness that was gathering on the horizon. The carving was deep, the letters sharp and precise, as if etched by a master craftsman.
THE TITAN HAS AWAKENED. THE HOLLOW PUNCH WILL FALL. THE WORLD WILL BURN.
Michael ran his fingers over the cuts. The stone was cold, the edges clean. Whoever had done this was skilled, patient, and utterly without mercy.
Mira appeared beside him, her face pale. "The Titan? I've never heard that name before."
"Neither have I." Michael stepped back, his jaw tight. "But whoever he is, he knows about
