It all happened suddenly.
There was no time to react, to think, or even to move.
It... just happened.
First came a deafening roar that shook the ground.
The trees trembled. The wind howled. And the endless grey sky... turned black as if snuffed out by some invisible hand.
Azriel's heart hammered in his chest, his breath stilled, and the world held its breath. The group stood frozen, silence swallowing them whole, as if the very air demanded reverence.
Then, another roar.
Azriel collapsed to his knees, hands pressed against his ears, groaning. The others were brought down the same way, except for Amaya and Mira, who somehow remained standing.
A dread so pure it felt ancient washed over him, and he forced himself to look up. Whatever unholy nightmare had made that sound lurked above, hiding in the pitch-dark clouds.