The night sky lit up like fire as masses of unholy magic blazed over the screams of the people. They had been awakened from their peaceful slumber by creatures from the darkest depths of shadows. Their barriers were broken; the beasts had crossed; now all they could do was fight back. The bodies of person after person fell busted to the ground, with every scream and tragedy witnessed by the violet eyes of a teenage girl, hidden in a wooden crate by her grandfather as a last attempt to save his only kin.
No amount of training could have prepared her for a battle like this; outnumbered and overpowered, every member of her clan unable to stand long. Fallen comrades within view no longer looked recognizable; all familiar definition had gone from their faces. Soon her clan disappeared from the fight altogether and only these demons remained. Some walked like men with the fangs and claws of monsters. Others were more deceiving and could only be distinguished by the glowing tinge in their eyes.
The girl watched as the creatures confirmed the death of every person, some taking trophies with them, others just pleased with the kill. She held her breath as one grew near to check the body of her former playmate. As it leaned down she could see the scales on its face, not quite like a reptile but more like that of a pine cone; it looked as though it was made up of the forest itself. It suddenly cocked its head and sniffed the air. It moved away from the body and stepped closer to the crate. It continued to sniff, and the girl realized that the creature had picked up her scent. She couldn’t run without bringing further attention to herself, all she could do was wait it out and hope the beast gave up its search. It stepped closer to her, and she saw its glowing red eyes settle on her crate. She knew then that it was aware of her presence; there would be no more hiding.