Luiz Fernando could still feel his heart racing. The blue glow in his hands was slowly fading, leaving behind only the unsettling silence that now filled the destroyed house.
He took a deep breath, trying to process everything that had just happened. Dark dogs, energy coming from his body, a power he still didn't understand... It was all real.
He leaned against the wall, running his hand over his face.
— "This can't be happening... But if those monsters attacked me, then... who sent them?"
He knew he didn't have time to dwell on that question. If those shadow creatures came back — and he was sure they would — he needed to be prepared. But how?
Before he could think of an answer, a sound echoed through the house.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Someone was at the door — or rather, what was left of it. Luiz quickly turned, his breath caught in his throat.
"Another enemy?"
He clenched his fists, ready to fight again. But then, a familiar voice came from the other side.
— "Luiz? You there?"
It was Ted.
The neighbor peered through the entrance, furrowing his brow at the sight of the destroyed house.
— "What the hell happened here, man?! It looks like a tornado hit this place!"
Luiz hesitated. Should he tell the truth? No. Ted probably wouldn't believe him.
— "It was... a robbery," he said, improvising. "Someone tried to steal from me."
Ted's eyes widened.
— "Seriously? Did you call the police?"
— "No need. I handled it."
Ted looked at him skeptically. His gaze swept over the wreckage, and then he noticed something.
— "Hey... what's that on your hand?"
Luiz looked down and held his breath. A faint blue glow still flickered at the tips of his fingers.
— "Nothing!" — he quickly said, hiding his hand behind his back.
Ted studied him for a few seconds, but then shrugged.
— "You're acting weird, man. Anyway... I just wanted to say I saw something strange on your roof last night. A giant dog. I don't know what's going on here, but if you need help, just let me know."
Luiz nodded, trying to hide his nervousness.
— "Thanks, Ted. I... I'll handle it."
The neighbor shrugged and left. As soon as he walked away, Luiz let out a heavy sigh.
He knew he couldn't keep this a secret forever. Something bigger was happening.
And miles away, someone was watching him.
From the top of a building, a hooded figure watched him from a distance. Their eyes glowed with an intense golden hue.
— "He's awakening," the dark voice murmured.
— "But is he ready for what comes next?"
The war had only just begun.
TO BE CONTINUED IN EPISODE 7