Jude stepped back instinctively, his heart pounding. Sophie clutched his arm. Rose's smile faltered. Lucy had her blade drawn before anyone could breathe. Zoey cursed. Scarlet gasped. Emma was already moving to the edge of the platform. Susan and Grace clung to each other, while Natalie and Stella huddled close.
The hum became discordant, sharp. The spiral pulsed, almost frantic now.
Jude's voice was barely a whisper. "What is that?"
No one answered.
But the thing in the mist did not move. It only… waited.
Watching them.
The spiral's call had brought them here.
But they were no longer sure who was leading who.