The first sign of danger came as delicate black rose petals began drifting through the sealed windows of the Ouroboros Guild headquarters, their dark beauty carrying an otherworldly elegance that immediately set everyone's magical senses on edge. The petals moved with unnatural purpose, flowing through the conference room like living shadows that seemed to absorb light rather than reflecting it.
"Everyone get back," Rachel commanded with authority, golden light beginning to manifest around her as she recognized the hostile nature of the intrusion. "Those aren't natural flowers."
Rose shot to her feet with expression of dawning horror as she recognized the distinctive magical signature emanating from the floating petals. "Mother," she whispered, her voice carrying a mixture of fear and resigned recognition that made everyone else in the room understand they were facing something far beyond normal magical threats.
