The village slowly returned to normal.
People spoke again.
Children ran past.
But the feeling didn't fade.
Lira still felt watched.
She stayed close to Kael, fingers locked with his.
"Kael… I don't like this place anymore," she whispered.
He felt her unease through the bond.
Me neither, his intent replied. But we can't run too fast.
The Seer looked around carefully.
"The Whisperer's words were chosen for a reason," he said.
"The heir wants you to stay."
Lira frowned.
"Why would he want that?"
"Because staying creates pressure," the Seer replied.
"Pressure forces mistakes."
Kael's jaw tightened.
Lira suddenly noticed movement near the well in the center of the village.
A small group had gathered.
Voices were raised.
Angry. Afraid.
"What's happening?" she asked.
They moved closer.
A man was shouting, panic clear in his voice.
"My son hasn't come back! He went toward the old road!"
Another villager spoke quickly.
"People have gone missing there before. After sunset."
Lira's heart sank.
She felt Kael's reaction instantly.
He was already deciding.
We can help.
She grabbed his arm.
"Kael… this could be the test the Whisperer warned about."
He looked at her.
She felt his conflict clearly
the need to protect her
fighting the need to act.
"If we go," she said softly,
"we expose ourselves."
Kael nodded.
And if we don't, his intent answered, someone else suffers.
The Seer watched them closely.
"This is the choice," he said.
"Help… and risk being seen.
Or leave… and stay hidden."
Lira took a slow breath.
She stepped closer to Kael.
"We didn't come this far to look away," she said.
Kael felt her resolve strengthen his own.
He turned to the villagers.
"Where was the boy last seen?"
The man looked up, desperate.
"Near the old road. Past the broken stones."
The Seer's eyes darkened.
"That area is dangerous after dark."
Kael squeezed Lira's hand once.
Stay behind me.
She nodded.
Always.
They started toward the edge of the village.
The Seer followed, silent but alert.
As they passed the last house, Lira felt the bond tighten again.
Not fear.
Warning.
Something was waiting.
She whispered,
"Kael… we're being led."
He felt it too.
I know.
The road ahead was quiet.
Too quiet.
The sun dipped lower.
Shadows stretched long.
And somewhere beyond the broken stones
The real test was already watching them approach.