The attack came at dawn, when the city was still sleeping.
Michael was in his study, reviewing reports from the Alliance about the aftermath of the First Shadow's containment. The continent was finally at peace—or so he had believed. The explosion shattered the morning silence, throwing him from his chair and sending papers flying across the room.
He ran to the window. Smoke was rising from the eastern quarter, where the new residential district was still under construction. Flames licked at the sky, and the sounds of screaming echoed through the streets.
Mira burst through the door, her face pale. "They've hit the eastern quarter. Multiple explosions. We don't know how many casualties."
"Who?"
"We don't know yet. But they left a message." She handed him a piece of paper, the words sc
