Alexander arrived at the Mek-Tek branch lab on the outskirts of Pendragon City. The building was much smaller than the main headquarters but still housed an impressive array of robots and machines. He approached one of the evening supervisors, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a kind smile.

“Hey, I’m here to do some extra work,” Alexander said, trying to sound casual. “Just kinda wanted to clear my head a bit.”

The supervisor nodded. “Sure thing, Alexander. Feel free to use any of the equipment.”

“Will do. Thanks,” Alexander replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

For the next few hours, Alexander immersed himself in repairs. The rhythmic clinking of tools and the hum of machinery were therapeutic, helping him push the events of Saturday night to the back of his mind. He felt at ease, almost as if the horrors he had witnessed were nothing more than a bad dream.

As the normal staff began to leave, Alexander approached the supervisor again. “Mind if I stay a bit longer? I can lock up.”

The supervisor smiled. “No problem. Just don’t overwork yourself.”

As the sun set and darkness descended on Pendragon City, a group of winged creatures gathered on the rooftop of a tall building. They had abducted several panicked citizens, including an engineer from Mek-Tek. The creatures hissed and screamed, their voices echoing through the night.

“Bellmont!” one of them screeched, its voice filled with rage.

The citizens cowered, not understanding what the creatures wanted. The Mek-Tek engineer, trembling, recognized the name.

“D-do you mean Alexander Bellmont?” he asked, his voice shaking.

The creature hissed back, “Where is he?!?”

The engineer had overheard Robert on the phone with Alexander earlier in the day. He recalled Robert mentioning something about one of the smaller labs. “He’s at one of the branch labs,” he stammered, pointing towards the lab in the distance. “P-please, will you let us go now?”

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One of the creatures signaled to the others. “Feed!” It commanded, and the citizens’ screams filled the air…

Back at the lab, Alexander was starting to feel tired. He decided he had done enough work, and it was time to close up and head home. As he followed the closing procedures, the power suddenly went out, plunging the building into darkness.

“What the hell?” he muttered, trying to locate the breaker box. He fumbled in the dark, his nerves on edge. Shadows moved outside the windows, illuminated by the streetlights. Panic set in as memories from Saturday night flooded back.

He started to run for the main door, but just as he reached it, it flew open, knocking him to the ground. A creature stood in the doorway, hissing, “Bellmont!”

Alexander tried to scream, but no sound came out. He scrambled to his feet and ran towards another door, but more creatures burst in, shattering the windows and doors. He dropped to the ground, hiding under a nearby desk.

“Bellmont must die!” The creatures screeched; their voices filled with malice.

Alexander trembled, tears of anger, frustration, and fear forming in his eyes. Suddenly, he realized the man from Saturday night had been talking about him. These creatures, they were looking for him.

The creatures began flipping desks, their freakish strength sending them flying across the room. They smashed equipment and machinery, searching for him in the dark lab. Alexander panicked, knowing he was trapped. He grabbed a nearby robot leg and, summoning all his courage, slammed it into the nearest creature with as much strength as he could muster.

The creature barely flinched, slowly turning to face him. Alexander’s courage vanished as the creature shrieked and he stumbled back to the ground. It stood over him, a sickening grin on its face.

Alexander tried to get up, but the creature planted its foot on his chest, pinning him in place. He struggled, thinking this was the end. Just as the creature was about to strike, a flash of light illuminated the area. Heat washed over him, and a stream of flame incinerated the creature, its screams filling the air as it burned.

Alexander was pulled to his feet and turned to see a woman with long blonde hair and golden eyes. She wore a white headband and white armor, carrying a sword and shield. She exuded confidence and gave him a sly smile.

“Lord Bellmont, we’ve found you,” she said.

Alexander was confused. “W-who are you? W-what the hell’s going on!?”

Off in the distance, he saw another woman who looked very similar. She had the same golden eyes and long blonde hair but wore dark robes with a blue cloak. Her expression was much softer and kinder.

The woman in armor stepped closer. “We are here to protect you, Lord Bellmont. Now stay close!”

Alexander’s mind raced. “Protect me!? From these things!? Why do they want me!?”

The woman in robes approached, her voice gentle. “All will be explained in time. For now, you must come with us.”

Alexander, still in shock, nodded slowly. The choice of whether to stay with the murderous monsters or go with these two women seemed an easy one to make. “O-okay….”

The woman in armor gave him a reassuring nod. “Let’s get you out of here first. We’ll explain everything once we’re safe.”