[…]

"Let's find the children," Edylle said, his voice firm despite the pain. "We need to make sure they're safe."

Maeve nodded, and together they began their search.

It wasn't long before they found the first of the children, huddled beneath a large tree, scared but unharmed. One by one, they gathered them, leading them out of the forest and back to the safety of the village.

All except for Teris.

Maeve's heart sank when they reached the spot where Teris had last been seen. There was no sign of him, no trace except for a small piece of bloodied cloth caught on a branch. Maeve clutched the cloth tightly in her hand, tears welling up in her eyes.

Edylle placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll keep looking. We won't stop until we find him."

But as they scoured the forest, it became clear that Teris was gone. Whether taken by the monster or lost to the dark depths of the forest, they couldn't say. All they had was the bloodied cloth and the heavy weight of loss.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

When they finally returned to the village, the sun was beginning to rise, casting a pale light over the weary group. The children were returned to their families, safe but shaken. Maeve, exhausted and heartbroken, stood at the edge of the village with Edylle.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."

Edylle nodded, his expression solemn. "It's not over yet. There's still more to uncover about what happened here. But for now, you should rest. You've been through enough."

As Edylle turned to leave, Maeve looked up at him, her voice trembling with a mixture of gratitude and fear. "Will it come back? The monster?"

Edylle paused, then looked back at her, his eyes serious. "If it does, I'll be here. I promise.” He’d wrap around his ear and finger a bandage. He’d put his hair back into place then look at Maeve.

“In the morning, we will bring your brother back to the village. Now that we know the forest is potentially dangerous, the royal court will put up flyers and a barrier around it. This is all thanks to you, Maeve.”

She’d look at him in shock, and her eyes would water.

“Thank you.. Thank you so much.”

She’d weep while wiping her tears. Edylle would smile affectionately , then soothe her by patting her back. They’d both walk out of the forest.