The village square buzzed with laughter and cheers. Lanterns floated in the sky. Children ran through the streets, their hands full of sweets. For once, there was peace.
Kaen stood at the edge of the crowd, his eyes distant. The celebration felt strange. Forced. Like everyone was trying too hard to forget the fear.
Elder Rhogar raised a toast. "To our warriors! To the blood that protects us!"
The crowd roared in reply. But Kaen's mind wandered to the edge of the forest — where the beast had fallen days ago. Where the boy had been found.
He hadn't slept well since.
---
Mistress Vaela watched from a high tower balcony, her expression unreadable. She whispered to herself, "The cycle has begun again. And they still think this is peace."
---
Later that night, Kaen found himself under the Crimson Tree once more.
The wind was still.
He placed his hand on the bark. "Who are you?" he asked the silence.
A whisper came, just like before.
"Not yet… but soon."
His heartbeat quickened.
He turned — and saw a figure standing by the academy gate. Tall. Hooded. Watching.
Kaen blinked. The figure vanished.
---