Lucian stood at the gates of the village with his hands behind his back, his eyes sharp as he looked at Verus, Luna, and Berry.
"Make him comfortable. The three of you will be spending ti together. Treat him as one of your own."
He said firmly, his gaze lingering on Luna before sliding to Berry.
Luna’s lips twisted into an annoyed scowl, her jaw tight as if she were holding back sharp words.
Verus shot Lucian a pleading look, silently begging him not to force this arrangent.
Berry shifted awkwardly, his hand brushing against his sword hilt as if the weight of responsibility had suddenly doubled.
Lucian, however, pretended not to notice any of their reactions. His expression remained calm, unreadable.
"Have fun."
He said with finality, his tone leaving no room for argunt.
The three of them reluctantly walked off together. The silence between them was almost tangible, Luna glaring straight ahead while Verus kept glancing sideways as though looking for an escape, and Berry’s shoulders tense with unease.
Once they disappeared from sight, Mira stepped out from where she had been watching. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but curiosity glittered within them.
"You must have a good reason to push those three together. You kept ignoring their pleading looks."
She said.
Lucian turned his head, eting her gaze.
"I have no idea what you’re talking about."
His words were flat, evasive.
Mira smirked knowingly, but she let it go.
"Then what about ? Since I’m free right now, do you want to accompany you? You’ve been running yourself ragged, Lucian. You should let soone follow you for once."
Lucian sighed, but the corner of his lips curved slightly.
"Fine. Co with to check the fields. After that, we’ll head to the outpost and et the guards returning from patrol."
Mira’s eyes brightened instantly, her earlier suspicion lting into warmth.
"Gladly. Lead the way, Lucian."
They visited the fields first to check up on the people there.
The fields spread wide, coated in frost yet brimming with life. Carefully cultivated crops pushed stubbornly through the cold soil, a testant to years of hard work.
Lucian walked along the rows with practiced eyes, checking irrigation channels, growth rates, and the protective barriers that had been erected against the harsh winds.
Mira trailed beside him, occasionally brushing her hand against the stalks of grain, admiration glowing on her face.
"It’s incredible. Ten years ago, this land was nothing but frozen waste, and now... it feels like a miracle."
She murmured.
"Not a miracle. Effort. Everyone here poured their blood and sweat into this place. That’s what turned it into what you see now."
Lucian corrected, bending down to inspect a stalk.
Mira’s lips curved into a gentle smile. She looked at Lucian as though he was the miracle himself, though she said nothing.
After finishing their inspection, they headed toward the outpost. The air grew sharper, carrying the faint scent of iron and beasts.
As they approached, Lucian noticed a commotion—guards rushing toward the gates, voices raised in alarm.
Lucian and Mira quickened their pace.
By the ti they reached the entrance, a group of guards had already ford a half-circle around several wounded wolves dragging themselves inside. Blood stained their fur, and their movents were sluggish.
Mira’s eyes widened in horror.
"No..."
She imdiately rushed forward, kneeling beside the largest wolf.
Her hands trembled slightly as she pressed her forehead to its side, whispering words that only the beast could understand.
The wolf whined weakly, its breathing ragged. Mira closed her eyes, focusing, and after a long mont she looked up at Lucian. Her face was pale, her brows drawn tight.
"They were attacked by shadows. Deford beasts, nothing like the ordinary monsters outside. Even the wolves don’t understand what they fought against... but they’re terrified."
She said.
Lucian’s expression darkened. He placed a steadying hand on Mira’s shoulder before addressing the guards.
"Tighten our defenses. Patrols must move in pairs, and increase the watch at night. I don’t care if you think it’s overkill—assu we will be attacked again. And if it happens, we cannot afford to be taken by surprise."
The guards snapped to attention.
"Yes, sir!"
Mira bit her lip, her eyes still on the injured wolves.
"Lucian... this feels different. This wasn’t a random attack. I have a bad feeling about this."
Lucian nodded grimly. He had already co to the sa conclusion.
Far from the safety of the Dawn Village, deep in the snowstorm, a different scene unfolded.
The deford shadow beasts slithered across the frozen ground, retreating into the swirling mist. Their forms flickered and twisted unnaturally, dissolving as they reached the presence of their master.
A tall, elegant figure stood waiting, draped in black robes that shifted like smoke. Long hair the color of midnight spilled over her shoulders, and her lips curled into a knowing smile.
The female demon regarded her servants with cold amusent as they gathered before her, lowering themselves in submission.
"You did well. You found the scent of the outsider."
She murmured, her voice carrying an unsettling softness.
The shadows writhed, pleased by her acknowledgnt.
She lifted her gaze skyward, her crimson eyes gleaming through the storm.
"So... the Dawn Village shelters him. It seems soone has taken in more than he should have."
A sharp laugh escaped her lips.
Turning, she let the storm whip around her, her robe snapping like wings.
"For the sake of my master, Demon Lord Silvanus, I will not let this chance slip away. The key belongs to him—and I will bring it back."
Her hand rose, and the shadows lted back into the snow at her command, leaving only her figure standing against the howling storm.
Her smile lingered, dark and determined.
"The ga has begun."
With a casual flick of her wrist, the demoness summoned a wisp of darkness that twisted and stretched until it took the form of a bird. Its wings beat soundlessly, its body shifting between shadow and smoke as it perched on her arm.
"Fly."
She whispered, releasing it into the storm. The creature darted through the night sky, weaving between snow and wind until it disappeared toward the village walls.
Her smile deepened as she closed her eyes, linking her vision with the bird’s.
"Show their weakness... before I crush them."
The hunt had only just begun.
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