The instant that eye descended from the clouds, the sky went utterly black-not the darkness of clouds blocking the sun, but darkness from light being forcibly sucked away, so oppressive it made people's chests tighten with dread.
Every torch, every lantern, and even the chakra light the ninja had kindled went out, without so much as a spark remaining.
Across the entire world, only that pale purple eye remained, suspended in midair, perfectly round, staring fixedly at the shabby shelter below, at the three things huddled in its doorway, and at Shuo, who had just walked out.
"Fuck," Shuo cursed under his breath, swallowing the half-chewed candy in his mouth. The sweetness still clung to his tongue, easing some of the gloom in his heart.
He took a step forward, and the three things immediately followed, though they were trembling badly-Hand Princess Big's fingers were stretched rigid, shaking uncontrollably; Hand Princess Small kept blinking, fear showing in those eyes; Hand Princess Three's toes tapped rapidly against the ground, like an ant on a hot pan.
"Scared?" Shuo turned to look at them, his voice level, though it held a barely perceptible hint of reassurance.
Hand Princess Big nodded hard, voice trembling. "She... she's my mom. My real mom..."
Shuo looked up at the eye suspended in midair. She was staring at him too, with little emotion in her gaze, yet exuding an oppressive presence.
"Your mom," he scoffed. "Looks pretty scary. Even more outrageous than I imagined."
The eye blinked lightly, and a cool, resonant voice drifted from within, carrying unquestionable authority. "My children... come here."
Hand Princess Big did not move, feet rooted to the spot. Hand Princess Small huddled closer to Hand Princess Big, while Hand Princess Three even took a step back, clearly frightened and not daring