The sun had vanished completely.
Joseph moved through the moonlit village beside his guard, both transformed by new clothes—Joseph in a black hooded robe, the guard in fresh armor. In the darkness, they were unrecognizable.
Adrian had promised a second guard by morning, but for now, they walked alone.
Someone's still following me. His sixth sense hadn't quieted since morning. Two days running, and his secret stalker remained patient. Joseph pretended ignorance—for now.
They reached the village center just as shouting erupted into the quiet night. Joseph's lips curled as he slipped behind a bush.
"YOU!! I KNEW IT!! YOU DID SOMETHING TO MY CROPS!!"
Uros, a purple-horned Zott, pointed an accusing finger at his target—Jori, a young human with orange hair.
"What are you talking about?!" Jori shot back.
