The ruins of Sodom loomed like a graveyard of forgotten dreams. Cracked buildings leaned against each other, windows shattered, silence thick in the air. Riot and Stuart led the way, darting through alleys like they'd done it a hundred times.
They stopped at a crumbling hospital, its walls stained with age and ash. Riot glanced around nervously.
"We gotta be quick. If someone sees us…"
He and Stuart pried open a rusted sewer hatch. Riot jumped in without hesitation.
"Come on!"
Ice stared down.
"You can't be serious."
Luke smirked.
"Ay, we've been through worse."
Ice sighed.
"You're right about that."
One by one, the heroes dropped into the darkness.
The Raven fluttered down, landing on Luke's shoulder.
"Caw caw! Stinks! Caw caw!"
Luke chuckled.
"You got that right."
The bird nestled in, oddly comfortable. It had grown fond of Luke.
As they trudged through the damp tunnel, Sophie asked,
"How many survivors are down here?"
Riot shrugged.
"Hard to count. We've got a school, a hall for meetings and dinners…"
Stuart added,
"A library too."
Sophie's eyes lit up.
"You like to read?"
Stuart nodded, eager.
"Yeah. My favorite's Demon Hunters."
Sophie blinked.
"You've read that?"
"All seven books," Stuart said, shy but proud.
Sophie was stunned.
"Seven? I've only read one. Blaze was reading it too…"
Ice, quiet until now, leaned in.
"Stuart, how does it end?"
Before Stuart could answer, Luke cut in.
"Don't."
Everyone turned, surprised by his tone.
Luke gave Ice a knowing smile.
"I want to be surprised."
Ice grinned.
"You're right. Why spoil the ending?"
The group fell silent, each lost in thought except Riot and Stuart, who exchanged confused glances.
Then the tunnel widened.
They stepped into a hidden village mud and straw huts, wooden fences, clotheslines swaying gently. Children ran barefoot, laughter echoing. Adults greeted each other with warmth. It was medieval, humble, alive.
The heroes stood in awe.
Luke whispered,
"Humanity… there is hope."
Riot and Stuart ran ahead.
"We brought new friends!"
The villagers welcomed them with open arms offering food, fresh clothes, and a place to clean up. Sophie sipped hot chocolate, smiling for the first time in days. Ice relaxed, chatting with locals. Luke spoke with the mayor, a red-haired man named Fred, whose kindness radiated like firelight.
"You're welcome to stay as long as you need," Fred said.
Luke nodded.
"Thank you. But we have friends to retrieve."
Fred smiled.
"Bring them here. We'll make room."
Luke turned to Ice and Sophie.
"You two stay. Rest. I'll go get Ace and Thomas."
Ice offered,
"I can come with you."
Luke shook his head.
"You deserve a break. I'll be back fast."
Sophie nodded.
"Shout if you need help."
Luke smiled.
"I will."
He slipped back into the tunnel, footsteps quiet. The Raven followed, perched on his shoulder once more.
Luke's thoughts raced.
Ace… I hope you haven't fallen asleep. You're strong. That's why I trust you to protect Thomas. I need to get to you fast.
He picked up speed.
Then the Raven shrieked.
"Caw caw! Luke! Demons! Caw caw!"
Luke froze.
"What?"
"Caw caw! Demons close! Caw caw!"
Torchlight flickered ahead dozens of them. Shadows danced. Growls echoed.
Then, from the gloom, a figure emerged.
A Sloth. Towering. Silent. Holding a staff made of gold and bone.
Without a word, the Sloth raised its hand.
From the depths, a monstrous demon worm erupted its jaws wide, its body coiled with rot and rage. It lunged, grabbed Luke's arm with his mouth , and dragged him screaming into the black.
Silence returned.
No trace. No sound. Just the echo of the Raven's final cry.