In the distance, streaks of lightening lit up the darkening sky and a harsh wind ripped through the valley. Trees rattled in response, creating a symphony of shaking leaves and groaning branches. A thick, supercharged air settled over the village as overhead black clouds raced with ferocity across the sky and ate up the last bits of daylight.

Jaxx’s hair whipped in the wind, encircling her face before she brushed it aside and pinned it up. Her eyes surveyed the horizon from ...