Elowyn's breath came ragged, every inhale sharp as a blade. The dream wrapped around her like a snare, so vivid it felt carved into her bones.

The ground beneath her bare feet was slick with mud, each step sinking, sucking at her heels as she ran.

Behind her, the sound came-harsh, heavy, merciless.

Axes striking stone, then earth, then ringing against shields as if the night itself had taken up arms against her.

Shadows leapt in her periphery.

Men, faceless, their eyes glowing like coals. ...