The entire village gathered that night, their faces pale, their eyes hollow with fear. One by one, people fell at Zavrion's feet, their voices trembling as they begged,
"Please… save us. Only you can protect us from this curse. Only you can stand against them."
The weight of their desperation pressed down on him, but Zavrion held himself firm. He looked at them—men, women, children clutching their mothers' hands—and spoke in a steady voice.
"Don't break down like this. Listen to me. Demonic power attacks when it is at its weakest… or when it is most aggressive. If we want to survive, we must stand strong together. We must stay united. Fear is exactly what it feeds on."
The villagers clung to his words, nodding, though their fear still lingered in their eyes. Zavrion raised his hand, commanding silence.
"For now, go back to your homes. No one… I repeat, no one must go near the forest. No matter what happens, do not step toward it. Promise me this."
The crowd reluctantly dispersed, whispering prayers under their breaths.
That night, Zavrion returned home with Kin, Kenny, and Vixen. A fragile calm seemed to settle over the village, though the shadows outside felt heavier than ever.
Days passed. The air still carried unease, but strangely, no new attacks occurred. For a while, it almost felt like the village could breathe again.
Then came the day of Zavrion's exam. Despite everything, he had studied hard—and when the results were announced, he had scored brilliantly.
Kenny's eyes lit up as he bounded toward him, a proud smile tugging at his lips.
"So, who taught you, huh? Come on, say it! It was me, wasn't it? Of course you scored well—because I was the one who made you study!"
Zavrion chuckled softly, the tension in his chest easing for the first time in weeks. Kenny puffed his chest, proud like a child seeking recognition, and the small burst of laughter in the room pushed away the shadows for a brief, precious moment.
For a little while, despite the lurking horrors, life felt normal. For a little while, they could just be themselves.
Continue....