Chapter 37 The Shift

• The crackling sound of the radio filled the quiet room as Lucy sat by the window, waiting for a message that could guide them. They hadn’t heard anything new for a while, and the radio silence felt suffocating. The news broadcasts had been filled with constant updates—warnings about the freeze, military deployments, and rationing. But tonight, there was a new report.
• "Breaking news from Talawan. A civilian has been found dead near the northern alley. Authorities are reporting signs of a vicious attack—evidence points to a creature of unknown origin. Authorities advise all citizens to remain inside and avoid certain areas after dark. Military and police presence in the area has been increased."
• The report sent a chill down their spine. Lucy had seen enough carnage in their life, but hearing of a civilian casualty, first in days, made the situation real in a way it hadn’t been before. The predator threat had escalated. They were no longer just a distant fear—they were a deadly reality.