Heidi's tired feet drag across the dew-kissed grass. The cool morning air seeps through the open collar of Amias's jacket, and the heavy fabric, reeking of him is a comforting, yet suffocating, compensation. She holds her breath, heart pounding, as she approaches the dorms. The windows are still dark and silent, but she knows better. The first glimmers of dawn are here, and with them, a new day of dread.
As she gets closer, the sight that greets her confirms her fears. The front of the Moon-blessed dorm is a hive of activity and a gathering of the damned. They stand in small, frightened clusters, their faces pale and drawn in the pre-dawn gloom. They are all changed from their ceremonial attire. Now everyone wears sweats, joggers, hoodies, and expressions of dread.
They whisper like it's contagious, like panic could spread if anyone dares to breathe too loud.
