Lockwood village stood frozen in time, untouched by the prosperity of surrounding towns. As we approached on horseback, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched from behind weathered curtains and shuttered windows.
"The villagers seem wary of outsiders," I whispered to Alaric beside me.
"With good reason," he replied, eyes scanning the cluster of ancient stone cottages. "This place has survived by keeping to itself for generations."
Captain Orion rode ahead to a crossroads where an elderly man sat whittling outside a blacksmith's shop. After a brief conversation, he returned to us.
"The Sterling woman lives at the edge of the woods," he reported. "The villagers call her the Lore Keeper. They say she's been..." He hesitated. "Different lately. Singing at strange hours, speaking to shadows."
A chill ran up my spine despite the warm afternoon sun. "Did he mention Clara?"
"He confirmed a dark-haired woman visited yesterday. Didn't stay long."
