Nolan and Claire stepped outside and found about a hundred villagers already gathered in front of the house.
They included fifty men, forty women, and ten children. Among them was the little girl who had earlier shown Nolan the way to Claire's house.
When she saw Nolan, she lowered her gaze, her expression filled with fear and guilt.
Claire's eyes shifted to a short, middle-aged man standing at the front. She asked cautiously, "What's wrong, Village Chief? Why have you brought the entire village to my place?"
Her relationship with the villagers had never been good. They regarded her as a witch and treated her as an outcast.
Still, Claire held no grudges. She sometimes gave them food, though it was often refused outright.
The village chief shot Claire a sharp look before turning to Nolan. Jealousy and hatred flickered in his eyes, but he quickly masked it.
Unfortunately for him, he was facing Nolan. Hiding his true feelings completely was impossible.
