The day begins with an uneasy hum across the Boiling Isles. Strange, flickering distortions appear in the air—like vertical cracks in reality itself—hovering above forests, streets, and even the Titan’s skull. Nobody knows where they lead. Some collapse into nothing after a few minutes, but others stretch wider and tear fully open, spilling out roaring, shadow-clad creatures unlike anything the Isles has ever seen.

The Covens Against the Throne—or “The Cats,” as they like to call themselves—move quickly to investigate. Under Rain’s leadership, the group works in secret to track the rifts before the Emperor’s Coven notices.

Rain stands at the head of the meeting table in the Cats’ hidden base, magical map glowing with shifting portal locations.

“These things aren’t random. They’re appearing along ley lines—and each time they open, something nasty comes through.”

Darius taps his chin, eyeing the map.

“If these rifts keep growing, we won’t be able to contain them. The Isles will be crawling with beasts that make basilisk look like house pets.”

Eberwolf chitters and growls in agreement, their fur bristling.

The Cats split into small strike teams to monitor and, if necessary, neutralize threats before panic spreads.

But things escalate when one massive portal tears open over the Bonesborough market, spilling out a squad of armored, insectoid creatures that spit acid and move in perfect coordination. Rain’s bard magic sends shockwaves of sound through the air, stunning a few, while Darius uses abomination constructs to block their advance.

That’s when Eda, Luz, King, Hootie, and Lilith arrive—Eda having heard the chaos while on a supply run. Eda grins as she cracks her knuckles.

“You Cats always throw the best parties.”

The combined group fights together—Rain’s haunting melodies disorient the creatures, Luz creates glyph traps that collapse under them, and Darius’ abominations pin them down. Hootie… well, Hootie swallows one and spits it into a closing rift.

After the battle, Rain studies the fading portal energy, frowning.

“These aren’t just random… they’re searching for something.”

Darius looks grim.

“Or someone.”

As night falls, the team regroups in their hideout, more determined than ever. Somewhere beyond the rifts, something is pushing these attacks—and if the Cats can’t stop it, the Boiling Isles may be next.