"Village chief, danger!"
The two young men who had been spying on Nolan as he entered Claire's house rushed toward a stern-looking old man.
He was short and dressed in simple, unremarkable clothes. His brown hair had already turned almost completely white.
Seeing the two men approaching, his eyes narrowed in anger.
"What is it?" he demanded sharply.
The two men trembled but tried to steady themselves. One whispered urgently, "Chief, we're in danger! The witch has brought a man to her house. It looks like they're planning something big—something that could threaten the village!"
The village chief's face went pale. He panted heavily, his fists clenching tightly.
"Damn it! How dare she? Not only has she disturbed this village with her presence, but now she's plotting to destroy us? I've been too lenient with her. Gather the villagers—now! We'll catch them before they can carry out their plan!"
The two youths nodded quickly and sprinted off toward the gathered villagers.
***
