The cry for help cut through the glade.
Both Ash and Tholn abruptly turned, spinning toward the direction of the sound, and without a word, they moved quickly to the other side of the platform, looking back towards the children's island.
A ball rolled to a stop, then a rope-swing creaked as it slowed mid-sway, the rhythm of play unravelling piece by piece as laughter of the children immediately faltered.
At first, there was confusion- children looking at one another, brows furrowed, as if unsure whether they had heard what they thought they did.
Then the cry rang out again.
"Help!"
Hearing it again seemed to confirm their worst thoughts.
A few froze where they stood, wide-eyed, before trembling set into their limbs. Others shuffled back a step, then another moving slowly at first, tension growing.
