...Before the Awakening 3

The forest wasn't peaceful—it felt wrong, like the air itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to snap. Trees stood like frozen giants, their shadows sharp and long under the fading light. Every leaf, every gust of wind whispered of violence. The ground still pulsed with the aftershocks of something brutal.

Maya, Anabelle, and Evelyn weren't just three girls in high school uniforms anymore. No giggles, no playful side-eyes. Just sharp eyes, focused breathing, and that lethal energy wrapping around them like armor. They moved like predators, tearing through the forest with every muscle wired tight, every footfall hitting the earth with purpose.

Warriors first, teenagers second.

They hit the clearing—and the damage was obvious. The whole damn place was soaked in chaos. A few trees were ripped apart like paper, the ground scarred and torn open like something massive had just lost it. The air still stank of burnt ozone and blood, sharp and metallic.