The announcement spread through Grand Cathia like wildfire.
At first, people thought it was a mistake.
A malfunction of the Nightmare.
A misunderstanding.
Something had to be wrong.
But as the same message echoed again and again within the minds of those connected to the system, doubt slowly gave way to realisation.
It was real.
The sieges were over.
No more beasts crawling out from the fog.
No more desperate defences along the walls.
No more looming dread hanging over the city every two days.
For the first time since the Nightmare had begun, Grand Cathia was quiet.
The change was so sudden that many found it difficult to accept.
Clusters of people gathered throughout the streets, forming small circles of restless conversation. Their voices were low, uncertain, as rumours spread faster than anyone could control.
"Did you hear it too?"
"The announcement. It said the sieges are finished."
"So that means we're safe now, right?"
