C195 NIGHT THAT CHOSE A VICTIM

The scream did not echo.

It cut.

It tore through the village like something living, pulling people from sleep, dragging fear into the open where it could no longer hide.

Aria felt it in her bones before she heard it properly. Her body reacted first—she was already on her feet when Elara’s hand caught her arm.

“Stay,” Elara said.

But Aria was already shaking her head.

“That was close