FADE IN:
EXT. RIVERBANK — NIGHT (CONTINUOUS)
The moonlight bathes the scene in cold silver. Lyra sits up, water dripping from her hair, eyes locked on Rowan.
LYRA
You're bleeding.
He glances at his shoulder — a jagged cut seeping dark crimson.
ROWAN
Not the worst thing that could happen tonight.
LYRA
(uneasy)
You said I'm in danger. Why?
Rowan's gaze darts to the shadows beyond the trees. The wind carries an odd hum — almost a whispering voice.
ROWAN
There's no time for explanations. They're already tracking you.
LYRA
They? Who's "they"?
Rowan pulls a small dagger from his belt, the blade etched with runes that glint faintly.
ROWAN
The ones who killed your mother.
Lyra freezes, heartbeat thundering in her ears.
LYRA
You're lying.
ROWAN
Am I? Think about the dreams. Think about the mark you hide every day.
Lyra instinctively covers her wrist.
LYRA
How do you know about—
Before she can finish, a piercing cry echoes through the night. The forest trembles.
Rowan grabs her arm.
ROWAN
Move. Now.
---
EXT. VILLAGE OUTSKIRTS — NIGHT
They race through the tall grass, Lyra's breath coming in sharp bursts.
LYRA
Where are we going?
ROWAN
Somewhere they won't find us.
A flash of movement — something leaps from the shadows. It's fast, its body shifting unnaturally in the moonlight. A Hunter, cloaked in black, mask carved with a single slit for eyes.
Rowan shoves Lyra aside, parrying the Hunter's strike with his dagger. Sparks fly as steel clashes.
ROWAN
Run!
Lyra hesitates, torn between flight and helping him. But her legs move before she decides — instinct taking over.
---
EXT. MARKET SQUARE — NIGHT
The village is eerily silent. Stalls stand abandoned, lanterns swaying in the breeze. Lyra darts between them, heart pounding.
Suddenly — another Hunter steps from the shadows, blocking her path.
HUNTER
(smooth, menacing)
You've been hard to find, little mark-bearer.
Lyra backs away, clutching the silver chain around her neck.
The Hunter tilts his head.
HUNTER
That won't save you.
Just as he lunges, Rowan slams into him from the side, sending both sprawling. He yells over his shoulder—
ROWAN
This way!
---
EXT. OLD STONE BRIDGE — NIGHT
They don't stop running until they reach the crumbling bridge at the far edge of the village. Below, the river roars.
Rowan leans against the wall, breathing hard.
LYRA
(angrily)
You're going to start explaining. Now.
Rowan studies her for a long moment, then nods.
ROWAN
You were marked at birth — a bond to an ancient power older than the kingdoms. Your mother tried to hide you, but the Hunters… they've been searching for you since that night.
LYRA
And you? What do you want?
ROWAN
To keep you alive.
He steps closer, voice low.
ROWAN
Because if they take you… they'll wake something the world isn't ready for.
The wind shifts, carrying a faint growl. Both turn — three more Hunters emerge from the fog.
FADE OUT.
-