Sirens are already sounding. Windows rattle, phones buzz, and the sky turns the color of bruised steel as a sudden wall of storms races toward unsuspecting neighborhoods. Within minutes, calm streets could be plunged into chaos. Officials warn that this is not a drill and not a routine summer shower. Power lines may fail, roads could become impassable, and entire communities are being urged to seek shelter immediately.

Families rush to close windows and gather emergency supplies. Parents call relatives. Neighbors check on elderly residents. Across the streets, flashing emergency vehicles move through the growing darkness as rain begins pounding against rooftops. Then the phones start vibrating again.

Another emergency alert appears.

This one is different.

Officials are telling residents in several areas to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. Reports are already coming in of flooding, fallen trees, and dangerous winds farther west. The storm is moving faster than expected, leaving some neighborhoods with almost no time to prepare.

Then, just as people begin settling into shelters, the lights suddenly flicker.

Once.

Twice.

Then everything goes completely dark.

Outside, the wind becomes deafening. Something enormous crashes somewhere nearby, followed by screams from down the street.

And then every phone in the room lights up at exactly the same moment.

A new emergency message appears on the screens.

“DO NOT LOOK OUTSIDE.”