They had come during the night, tearing children from their beds. Their cold metal eyes stared into the souls of their victims. Their cold metal voice, a sting in the ear, as they force them from their houses. Their faces were a silver void of emotion. They showed no compassion. No remorse. One young boy tried to run in fear, but the red glow from their wrists caught him fast. He fell to the ground. Lifeless. They stomped in unison as they fled into the darkness.
The isolated village lay hidden in a vast valley surrounded by a sinister forest. Alone. Miles away from any civilisation. Their only company each other. No one could leave the village as all who dared to journey in to the gloom of the forest never returned. The forest was a deep and dangerous labyrinth. Paths changed constantly, winding in circles. Colossal trees tower over all, swaying in an icy wind, blocking out all light. Shadows terrorise the mind, leading it astray. Darkness fills the hearts of all who enter, sacrificing their souls to the shadows. They stand, defenceless, as their life force is stolen in their final breath.
At first only a few were taken but the numbers increased as more were taken. Taken by the silver shadows… The body been found at the edge of the town. An empty vessel. Limbs replaced by metal. A once gentle face now a metallic shell. They were experimenting. Learning.
Weeks after the initial disappearances, disfigured corpses began appearing throughout the rural community. The carcass of a young girl was found – her heart ripped from her chest – replaced by wires. The towns folk rested the corpses of their children on the frost bitten ground. Their bodies mangled. Their faces bare of emotion. They filled with fear and pain. A fear that would soon be gone. Along with all emotions.
