During the tumultuous era of the American Civil War, brave men fought for freedom and liberation. Yet, as the conflict raged, a shift was happening, melee combat was fading, replaced by the rise of technological warfare. In 1861, the nation was torn between the Union, which aimed to preserve the United States and liberate its people, and the Confederacy, which favoured a society built on shared labour and rule by the capable elite.

Behind the battles and politics, an unseen world thrived on secret deals, rivalries, and profiteering. Syndicates and gang leaders capitalised on chaos, fuelling the war machine by trading weapons and supplies to both sides. Arms traders grew powerful, their influence reaching into the political and criminal underworld, often oblivious to who they supported. That night, hidden deep within the dense Hanford Forests of California, two factions met in secret. Union arms dealers and Confederate outlaws, each supporting their respective causes but secretly using each other for their own gain.

The Union syndicate was composed of three men, all impeccably dressed in tailored suits and top hats, signifying their unity and status. The leader was positioned in the centre, slightly below eye level, with his two more domineering followers, one of whom was notably chubbier.

Meanwhile, the Confederate representatives approached, visibly fierce and intimidating. Their appearance was less uniform; their leader alone wore a distinctive hat, standing prominently among his men. Their intent was clear, they were here to negotiate a clandestine arms deal.

“So, you guys came. I didn’t think you’d show,” the Union boss greeted, his tone calm but guarded.

“About the terms we discussed… we have a deal,” replied the Confederate leader straightforwardly.

“Good. I’ll make the preparations,” the Union boss nodded, then outlined the plan: weapons would be exchanged in the Southern States, with profits fuelling both sides’ ambitions. He emphasised strict conditions for security, and both leaders agreed.

As the Confederates prepared to leave, the Union faction’s men whispered doubts among themselves.

“Boss, is it really okay to sell weapons to those Confederates?” one asked, concern creasing his face.

“They’ll use them against our own,” another added angrily.

The Union boss held up a hand, asserting control. “In the shadows, there are no rules. We’re just arms dealers, nothing more.”

They looked at him with uncertainty, but he quickly soothed their doubts.

“Ever heard of the Golden Rule?” he asked with a sly smile. “He who has the gold makes the rules. To win this war, we need money. The Confederates are practically selling out their cause giving us even more power.”

One of his men nodded slowly. “So, it’s a sacrificial victory… knowing our actions put blood on our hands?”

“Exactly,” the Union boss replied, eyes gleaming with ambition.

Suddenly, distant screams shattered the tense atmosphere. The men froze, listening to agonised cries that echoed through the woods loud, guttural growls, and the sounds of flesh being torn apart.

“What’s going on there?” the Union leader demanded, alarmed. Anxiety crept into their minds that perhaps the authorities had caught wind of their dealings.

Suddenly, a hulking, shadowy figure emerged, moving with unnatural speed. Its dark fur and glowing eyes cut a terrifying silhouette as it charged at them, an enormous, wolf-like beast ripping into its prey with savage ferocity.

The creature, a towering, muscular beast with burning heat emanating from its body, was unlike any ordinary animal. Its supernatural presence made the air around them shimmer with heat and menace. The beast’s roar echoed through the forest as it slaughtered one of the Union men, who was pulled into the shadows, screams echoing in pain.

“Gyaaah!” one of the Union men cried out, witnessing the horror.

“The Navajo skinwalker…” the Union leader gasped, recognising the myth but seeing it in terrifying reality. “I thought it was only legend…” The creature was twice the height of a man, with bulging muscles and feral speed. Its supernatural aura chilled them to the bone, a deadly force that seemed to bend reality.

Standing frozen, they wondered if they would survive this nightmare, or fall prey to the beast’s wrath? As the beast roared again, it was clear that their night had just turned into a fight for life.