The ground whispered first. A small vibration. Almost nothing. But Ironhold had learned to listen. That quiet shift meant one thing.
Something was coming.
The tremor grew. Not a quake—too smooth. Too alive. It rolled through the dirt like a second pulse.
Then the sirens screamed.
Every tower lit up. Red warning glyphs spiraled across holo-screens. Drones zipped from charging docks, weapons blinking active. Defense turrets turned as targeting systems blinked awake.
Guards ran, rifles clutched. Orders flew through comms.
"Creatures inbound! South Quadrant perimeter breach!"
Another voice broke in, louder. Shaking.
"They're here! Too many—too many for a second wave!"
Then a third, one that sounded like it came from someone watching death walk toward them.
"Boneflayers! Grievehowls! Rotback Drudges! And gods—Skynight Harrowers overhead!"
Even the air turned cold.
The Boneflayers hit first.
