Evolution (Book 1 of POE chronicles)

The blaring Amber Alarm ripped through the familiar hum of school life, instantly turning casual chatter into terrified silence. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage. This wasn't a drill. This was a Legre invasion, and the fear etched on my classmates' faces mirrored my own.

Clutching Elizabeth's clammy hand, we joined the single file, heading towards the designated evacuation route. Every step was heavy, every breath shallow. London, supposedly safe within its formidable walls, was under attack. The air hummed with an unspoken question: What kind of Legre could breach our defenses?

We were still a good distance from the manhole, our only escape, when a chilling howl echoed through the deserted street. My blood ran cold. A terrifying, wolf-like creature, far larger than any animal native to England, stood at the street's end. Paralyzed by terror, I watched as it charged, a blur of muscle and malice. Our school officer, Viktor, a mere boy, raised his rifle, aiming to buy us precious seconds. As he opened fire, a primal instinct surged through me. Without thinking, I raised my hand, and with a silent surge of will, flung the beast backwards. My secret was out.