Chapter 7: Shadows Over the Village
Back in the village, cries of panic echoed through the air. People ran in every direction, trying to find shelter. Those who had never heard of the prophecy—or refused to believe in it—stood rooted to the ground, staring at the strange smoke rising into the sky. Children were among them, gazing in confusion.
"Everyone find shelter! Danger is looming!" one of the village elders shouted.
Even if some didn't fully understand why, their instincts kicked in. It was better to be safe than sorry. Soon, everyone, including the children, responded and rushed for shelter.
Ariella's parents were among the chaos, their hearts pounding in panic. They couldn't find their daughter anywhere. As they frantically searched, Ariella's grandmother—still terror-stricken—appeared and told them she had left to find her friend. They prayed that meant she was safe at Elara's home.
Coincidentally, a similar scene unfolded at Elara's house. Though she had left word that she was going to Ariella's, her parents were restless, unable to sit still with worry gnawing at their hearts.
Far from the village, in the thick of the forest, a dark figure emerged.
"Now that I'm back, the guardians will surely come," the Shrouded One muttered, sniffing the air like a predator. "I can sense their presence."
He turned to the beasts surrounding him. "But the aura… it's different. Not like before. What has changed?"
The creatures, sensing his tension, shifted uneasily. Then, as if understanding, they formed two lines on either side of him. The two-headed beast, carrying the Shrouded One atop, remained in the center. Together, they created a protective corridor, advancing in the direction of the strange aura he had sensed.