It had been days since the incident in the forest, and the village still felt the weight of what had transpired. The once lively paths seemed quieter, with whispers of fear hanging in the air. Maeve stood at the window of her small home, gazing out at the edge of the village, where the forest loomed ominously. Her thoughts were filled with worry for her brother, who was safely away at their grandfather's, and for the children who had disappeared.

A knock on the door broke her reverie.

Maeve turned, her heart skipping a beat. She hadn't been expecting anyone. Cautiously, she approached the door and opened it, revealing a tall figure clad in a white and red coat. His cat-like ears twitched as he looked down at her with sharp, green eyes. The soldier had a certain presence, one that immediately commanded attention. His name was Edylle Greyrat, a member of the elite guard, known for his prowess in battle and his feline grace.

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"Good afternoon," Edylle greeted, his voice smooth but firm. "I'm Edylle Greyrat, sent here to investigate the strange occurrences in the forest. Is there someone I can speak to?"

Maeve hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside, allowing him into the modest home.

"There's no one here but me. My brother... he's away, and my parents are... gone. What is it that you need?"

Edylle's eyes softened slightly at her words, and he nodded. "I've been informed that some children have gone missing. I was hoping you could tell me what happened."

Maeve took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she relived the events.

"They went into the forest a few days ago.

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My brother's friends... they didn't come back. I don't know much more than that. We were all warned about that place, but kids... they're curious."

The soldier's gaze sharpened at her words.

"Your brother, he's safe, then?"

"Yes," Maeve confirmed, her voice steady despite the anxiety gnawing at her. "I sent him to our grandfather's village after the others didn't return. I was afraid... afraid that whatever took them might come back for him."

Edylle nodded, his expression serious.

"Smart move. But now we need to find those children, or at least find out what happened to them. Would you be willing to come with me? Show me where they went?"

Maeve's heart pounded in her chest, but she knew she couldn't refuse. "Of course. I'll do whatever I can to help."

Together, they set out towards the forest.

The air was thick with tension, the trees casting long, foreboding shadows across their path. Edylle walked with purpose, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, his ears twitching at every sound. Maeve followed closely, her eyes darting around nervously.

As they walked, Edylle glanced at her, trying to ease the tension. "You care a lot about your brother, don’t you?”

Maeve nodded, her voice quiet. "He's all I have left. After our parents died, I had to look after him. He's a good kid, but sometimes... he gets these ideas."

Edylle chuckled softly, his tone lightening.

"I've met plenty of kids like that. They think they're invincible until they come face to face with something they can't handle."

A silence fell between them, the gravity of their task weighing heavily. The forest grew denser as they approached the old mill, the place where the children were last seen. The ancient building stood like a sentinel at the forest's edge, its walls covered in ivy, and its windows dark and empty.

"This is where they went," Maeve whispered, her voice barely audible.

Edylle nodded, his expression grim. "Stay close. We don't know what's out there."

They ventured deeper into the forest, the light fading as the canopy closed in above..