Yami and Amber maneuvered their way through the village, slipping between narrow paths and darkened corners, carefully avoiding the few villagers who were still awake.
Slowly, they reached the center of the village and hid within the shadow of a crumbling stone wall.
The village leader's house stood quietly before them.
It looked… ordinary.
Too ordinary.
Nothing about it hinted that something so valuable could be hidden inside. No guards. No protective charms. Just a modest structure sitting in silence, as if daring anyone to underestimate it.
"Did that bastard lie to me?" Yami muttered, his eyes locked on the house.
"I don't think so," Amber replied calmly. "He was in too much pain. I doubt he had the strength to lie."
"But there are no guards."
"Maybe they're hidden," she said, clicking her tongue before turning to him. "So what's the plan?"
Yami tightened his grip around the handle of his axe, his eyes burning with resolve. "We break in and knock out anyone who gets in our way."
Amber shook her head. "That won't be effective." A slow, sly smile curved her lips. "I think I have a better idea."
***
Amber ran toward the house and began pounding on the door with frantic desperation.
"Please—let me in!" she cried, her voice trembling.
Her hair was disheveled, her clothes torn, and tears streamed down her face as she staggered back slightly, looking fragile… helpless.
The door swung open.
A man in his late forties stood there, confusion etched across his face.
"Please, can I come in?" Amber begged, her eyes darting around wildly as though she were being chased. "Please!"
"Calm down," the man said gently, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Who are you? I've never seen you around this village."
"Because I'm not from here!" Amber cried. "I—I saw something terrible. Absolutely terrible! My brother is wounded—he needs help!"
The man steadied her. "Relax. Whatever it is, it won't find you here. Just tell me what happened."
"My brother and I were in the forest," Amber said between heavy breaths. "He cuts trees for a living. We've been staying in the forest for days and I was tired of sleeping on the ground and begged him to take me to the nearest village.I longed for a warm soft bed That's when we saw them…"
She paused, her breathing becoming erratic.
"Bodies. So many bodies. All around the outskirts of the village."
"W-what?!" the man exclaimed. "Are you telling the truth?"
"I swear I am!" Amber replied desperately. "We saw something—something that wasn't human. Maybe… a monster."
The man's face paled.
"It attacked us. We ran into the village, knocking on doors, but no one let us in. My brother was injured." Tears welled in her eyes. "I managed to buy us time with my wind magic, but it's too weak. I don't think it can hold that thing off much longer."
"Where is your brother?" the man asked urgently.
Amber hesitated.
"Don't worry," he said firmly. "I'm the village leader. Nothing will happen to you here."
She pointed toward a dark corner outside. "He's over there."
The man rushed out and soon returned with Yami slung over his shoulder, blood staining his clothes. Yami groaned faintly, panting heavily.
They were ushered inside at once.
The man summoned six trained guards and dispatched them immediately to investigate the outskirts of the village.
"My name is Ray," he said as he shut the door. "You're safe here."
"I'm sure we are," Amber replied softly, offering a small smile—one that felt oddly chilling. She glanced around the room. "I already feel at ease just sitting here."
Her expression shifted again, worry returning. "But… are you sure your men can handle that thing?"
"They can," Ray replied confidently. "They're trained professionals from the royal capital."
"Royal capital?" Amber echoed, feigning surprise.
"Yes," Ray answered without thinking.
"What are royal guards doing here?"
Ray avoided her gaze as he opened a medical kit. "We've had trouble with bandits. We appealed to the king, and he sent some of his best men."
"How considerate," Amber murmured.
Ray knelt beside Yami, who had gone unnervingly still.
"I would've called the healer," Ray said, "but she isn't available. I'll do what I can to stop the bleeding."
"Oh, thank you so much, Ray," Amber said warmly—then stood.
Her smile turned sharp. Sinister.
Ray suddenly felt an oppressive pressure and froze.
"What… what's going on?" he asked, his voice tremblin as he stood up slowly.
"I was just curious about something," Amber said, stepping closer her green eyes turned into pale red. It glistened in the warm glows of the lamp.
Ray backed away until he bumped into something solid.
He turned.
Yami stood behind him.
"Th-this…" Ray stammered.
"Where did you keep the transformation potions?" Yami's deep voice rumbled.
"Tell us, and we'll take them and leave," Amber added calmly.
Ray's shoulders began to shake.
At first, it sounded like a chuckle.
Then he burst into laughter.
Amber and Yami stiffened.
"What's so funny?" Yami growled irritated.
"If you want those potions," Ray said sharply, "you'll have to kill me first."
Yami's axe flew into his hand. "I have no problem with that."
"Yami," Amber warned quietly, her eyes flashing a reminder.
"I'm not making promises," he replied. "This one looks tough."
"I should've known cursed thugs like you would come eventually," Ray spat. "It's a shame I fell for your dirty little tricks."
"Maybe in your next life, you won't trust anyone so easily anymore... Welcoming us into your home is the worst mistake you've made tonight because we won't leave here until we get what we want." Yami replied grinning like he has already won the fight.
Amber watched Ray steadily, The cursed animal Yami used to distract those guards might not last long because there are specially trained from the royal capital. And this village leader is tougher than he's giving out. She could feel it and she knew Yami felt it too.
"Daddy…?"
A tiny voice echoed through the hallway.
Ray froze.
Fear filled his eyes as a little boy stumbled toward them, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
Yami growled low and dangerous.
***
A/N
Who can guess the village leader's magic?