The morning sun rose over the mountains, painting the valley in shades of gold and amber. The birds were singing. The breeze was gentle. The world was peaceful.
But for Ethan, peace was a luxury he could no longer afford.
He stood on the porch of the community center, watching the light spread across the buildings below. It had been three weeks since the shadow had revealed the darkness lurking in the Frequency. Three weeks of preparation. Three weeks of fear. Three weeks of waiting. Three weeks of watching the tension build like a storm on the horizon.
The community had rallied. Defenses were strengthened. Patrols were increased. The global network was on high alert. Every region had been warned. Every Receiver had been prepared. But the darkness was still out there. Watching. Waiting.
