As Kyle stood to leave the central home, he looked toward the elders and gave a short nod.
"I'll return tomorrow for your answer. In the meantime, I'd appreciate it if you released my companions."
There was a short pause as the elders exchanged glances. Finally, the oldest one nodded.
"Very well. We had no intention of harming them. It was only precaution."
"Understandable. Then I'll see you tomorrow."
Kyle replied, his expression unreadable.
Moments later, Bruce and Melissa were untied.
They dusted themselves off with stoic expressions, and Kyle motioned for them to follow.
As the three of them exited the village, the tense eyes of the watching villagers trailed after them, filled with confusion, wariness, and a flicker of something else—hope.
They didn't speak for a while as they walked down the broken path, but Bruce eventually broke the silence.
"So… what do you think? Will they accept your offer? Or are we wasting our time?"
He asked.
Kyle didn't look back.
