The evacuation was chaos. Thousands of people streamed through the streets toward the Lunar Temple, carrying whatever possessions they could manage. Children cried for lost toys. Elderly citizens struggled to keep pace. The air reeked of fear and desperation.

From our position on the palace battlements, we watched the dark tide of shadow creatures creeping closer. They moved like living smoke, devouring everything in their path.

"The northern gates are clear," Captain Reed reported. "Last of ...