Dawn was breaking when panic erupted in the camp. Gasping for breath, Zafira stumbled barefoot across the trampled grass, searching for her people among the tents. The red stain on her white nightgown was spreading with terrifying speed.
The bonfire was still burning in the central square, its light illuminating countless motionless bodies and the fierce battle raging around them. Wide-eyed with fear, the girl stared at the elf in white armour at the heart of the chaos.
When their eyes met, the man faltered, but a moment later he was already clashing with another opponent.
Zafira took a few steps towards the maidservant running to meet her, but before darkness swallowed her, she still heard the command:
“Surround the humans…”
