Standing before the village chief's mansion, everyone exchanged uneasy glances.
Some were visibly shocked, others tightened their grip on the hilts of their swords, while a few began chanting spells, faint light gathering around them.
"Should we enter?" Helain stepped forward, the crowd parting to make space for her.
Zayden glanced at her, then turned back to the looming mansion.
"Not sure…" he murmured.
"If the monster led us here, then this place is already compromised," one of the knights whispered.
"Or the traces were planted," another argued. "Luring us in could be a trap."
The mages hesitated, the light around their hands flickering.
"If the chief is involved," one of them muttered, "then the entire village could be at risk."
Helain folded her arms, eyes fixed on the darkened mansion.
"And if he isn't?" she countered. "Then we're about to accuse the man who called us for help. Entering without being sure could turn the villagers against us."
