The unease within the forest clung to everyone present more than before.
Their leader fell unconscious before anyone could understand what happened. No one knew if the monster and their leader had come to an agreement, if they were saved… or if they were only being spared for now.
The silence was their only saving grace. Silence meant they were safe for the time being, but that silence was also torture.
Each breath felt louder than it should be. The humans' eyes darted between the monster and the creatures around it.
Noah still said nothing. He didn't move, didn't even glance at them. His calm was more terrifying than any threat could have been. The longer it stretched on, the more unbearable it became.
Finally, one of the younger women could take no more. Her voice cracked as she whispered, "Amara… please wake up."
But she didn't stir. Her father just held her in his arms while he awaited the monster's decision.
