The cries of the elders never sleep.

And the children are asking why the sun doesn't rise.

When it does it burns holes into the paper skin of the creatures, and prepares a meal for the cannibals.

The sound of the ocean is then overtaken by the gushing of blackened blood.

The ones that are hidden are reaping the rewards of staying intact.

But they will pay the price for their cowardice.

A sliver of sunlight cracked the pale sky.

Wind swept the blemish and the world gave way to gray.

Off the bank of Scorched Hill, dandelions flew above a shrinking crowd.

Fog seeped into the church and into the homes of townsfolk.

In his bed, the butcher's son looked out his window into the surrounding forest.

The leaves were gone yet the ground was barren.

Bark turned black.

He heard weeping and motioned to hide beneath his covers, but he glimpsed shadowed limbs holding three lanterns.

They remained bright through the night.