It was winter.
The sun didn't rise.
There was heavy fog.
It was day—but it looked like night.
The weather was smoky and dark.
[Footsteps echoing rapidly]
Tara and Zoya rushed toward the auditorium, their breaths visible in the icy air.
Tara: "You have any idea about what happened?"
Zoya: "No. I was shocked after getting up."
Tara: "Rose isn't picking her phone… Where did she go…?"
Zoya: "Don't worry. She can take care of herself."
Tara: "I know… but..."
At the Auditorium
[Students murmuring]
[Heavy tension in the air]
Miss Nyla stood at the center, trying to bring the crowd under control.
Miss Nyla: "Students, please keep silence. Principal Z is coming."
The room tensed. Fear clung to the walls.
Tara heard whispers from the crowd behind her.
Random Student 1: "Did you see the dead bodies? I can't understand why they went outside their room…"
Random Student 2: "I heard the creature came to their room and threw the bodies outside."
Random Student 3: "You mean… the creature climbed over the wall?"
Tara (to them): "Where are the dead bodies now?"
[Door opens sharply — THUD]
Principal Z: "Students."
[Pin-drop silence]
Tara (thinking): Where is Neel? And Arib? They didn't come...?
Principal Z:
"Don't get panicked.
The creatures aren't new. We knew they existed… but only in the deep forests.
Now, they're in our area.
Yes, they're dangerous.
But you are our weapons.
We've trained you.
Now, the door is at your doorstep.
Be ready."
[Shivers. Goosebumps. Students clench their fists. Silence falls again.]
Tara looked down at her hands, heart pounding.
Tara (thinking): If only… I could use my fire to defeat it…
Dr. Han steps forward
Dr. Han: "Hello everyone.
Some of you have seen the creature. Let me show you what you're dealing with."
[Projector clicks — an image flashes on screen]
[Gasp. Students step backward. Panic rises.]
Miss Nyla: "Silence please!"
Dr. Han:
"I want all of you to stay alert.
The creature we've identified has some very distinct—and unsettling—features.
Its nose is unusually long and flat.
The eyes?
Like a premature baby's—wide, undeveloped, eerie.
Almost like what we see in ultrasound scans of a fetus.
Beneath its nose, you'll notice oversized teeth—so large, the mouth is barely visible.
These teeth are for one thing only: tearing into the heart.
When it's hunting, it stands on two legs, like a human.
But when it runs… it shifts to all fours.
It's fast. Very fast.
Remember, the heart is its main target—especially when it's hungry.
But it will attack if it feels threatened.
Stay cautious."
Mr. Cyrus Throne walks in
Mr. Cyrus:
"Hello students.
Those who've seen the creature already know its speed.
If you face it, defeating it will be extremely hard—especially for first semester students.
Anyone can think they're strong.
But they're very wrong about their ability.
So—junior students will not take part in this mission.
You all must remain in your rooms. Lock your windows and doors.
I hope you all remember your self-defense training.
If there's an emergency, try to defend yourselves and call for help.
Third and fourth semester students—report to the training zone immediately."
Tara (thinking): So Arib and Neel will join the mission… I have to meet him before he goes.
[Students murmuring in panic]
Random Student: "I… I don't wanna join…"
Zoya (shrugging): "You don't have to. They're not forcing."
[Zoya smiles faintly]
"War? It'll be fun.to punish someone "
Tara turned to leave and someone grabbed her wrist.
[TO BE CONTINUED…]