As the morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the cottage, Eiran awoke and began his usual morning routine. However, he couldn't help but notice that Lira hadn't stirred from her slumber. Normally an early riser, her absence from the bustling sounds of the cottage sent a pang of concern through Eiran's heart.

Assuming that Lira must be exhausted from the recent events—their journey, Eiran's injuries, and the emotional upheaval—Eiran decided to take matters into his own hands. He knew just the thing to rejuvenate her spirits: her favorite breakfast, buttermilk pancakes. Determined to surprise her, he swiftly made his way to the kitchen.

Eiran gathered the necessary ingredients—a sack of flour, a bottle of buttermilk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. With practiced ease, he sifted the flour into a large bowl, creating a fluffy mound. In a separate bowl, he cracked the eggs, whisking them until they formed a smooth, golden mixture. Gradually, he poured in the buttermilk, its tangy aroma filling the air, while the salt added a subtle hint of flavor.

With the batter prepared, Eiran heated a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet on the stove. He added a dollop of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface. Then, using a ladle, he carefully poured the batter onto the sizzling skillet, creating perfectly round circles that soon transformed into golden pancakes. The kitchen became filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked breakfast, promising warmth and comfort.

Eiran deftly flipped the pancakes, revealing their lightly browned underside. He repeated the process, relishing the rhythmic sizzle as each new batch cooked to perfection. Finally, he stacked the warm, fluffy pancakes on a plate, their golden hues tempting even the most stubborn of morning appetites.

With a satisfied smile, Eiran glanced at the clock. He hoped to finish before Lira awoke, wanting to surprise her with this small gesture of care and love. He set the table, placing the plate of buttermilk pancakes at the center, alongside a jar of maple syrup and a bowl of fresh berries.

As the minutes ticked by, Eiran's anticipation grew. But as the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting its warm rays over the cottage, he realized that Lira had still not emerged from her room. Concern gnawed at his heart, replacing the excitement of the surprise.

Eiran approached Lira's bedroom door and gently rapped his knuckles against the wood, hoping for a response. Silence greeted him. His worry deepened, and without further hesitation, he resorted to knocking harder, desperation driving him to act.

With each forceful knock, Eiran's dread intensified. Panic seized him, overriding any thoughts of privacy or decorum. He made a decision. Summoning all his strength, he lunged at the door, his shoulder crashing against the wood, splintering it open.

The sight that met Eiran's eyes froze him in his tracks, terror coursing through his veins. Lira's bedroom was empty, devoid of her presence. His gaze shifted to the disturbing symbol on the wall—a stylized eye with a single tear, drawn in ominous crimson. It was unmistakably a sign of dark intentions, sending chills down his spine.

Fear mingled with determination as Eiran's mind raced with questions. Where was Lira? Who would dare to harm her? The search for answers ignited within him, propelling him into action.

A wave of anguish and anger washed over Eiran, his heart heavy with sorrow. Why did fate seem determined to test them at every turn? He felt a surge of fury rise within him, directed at the cruel hand of destiny. His usually bright blue eyes transformed, glowing scarlet as raw magic energy crackled around him.

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In that moment, Eiran's resolve hardened. He would not let Lira fall prey to the forces that sought to tear them apart. With determination coursing through his veins, he dashed out of the house, his mind set on seeking help from his friends, Rael and Joren.

Eiran's feet carried him swiftly through the familiar streets of their village. His heart pounded with a mix of urgency and fear as he neared Rael's dwelling. Bursting through the door, he found Rael hunched over a table, engrossed in a pile of parchment and ink.

Startled by Eiran's abrupt entrance, Rael looked up with wide eyes. "Eiran, what's wrong?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with concern. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Breathing heavily, Eiran fought to steady his voice. "Lira... she's missing," he managed to say, his words weighted with anxiety. "I found her room empty, and there was a symbol on the wall—a sinister eye with a single tear."

Rael's eyes widened in shock as Eiran revealed the distressing news. His mind raced, connecting the dots and realizing the gravity of the situation. "Eiran," he said, his voice tinged with urgency, "I've seen shadowy figures lurking around the village recently. I think we need to find Joren immediately. He's the smartest among us and may have insights on what's happening."

Eiran nodded, a mix of concern and determination etched on his face. Without wasting another moment, they hastened towards the Village Hall, where Joren often spent his time immersed in research and knowledge. They traversed the familiar streets, their senses heightened and hearts pounding with a sense of urgency.

As they approached the grand doors of the Village Hall, a surge of hope blossomed within Eiran. Joren's wisdom and analytical mind were their greatest assets in times of uncertainty. With a sense of purpose, Eiran pushed open the heavy doors, revealing the sight of Joren engrossed in ancient tomes, surrounded by a labyrinth of knowledge.

"Eiran, Rael, what brings you here?" Joren asked, glancing up from his books, his eyes glimmering with curiosity. The urgency in his friends' expressions did not go unnoticed. "Something troubling has occurred, hasn't it?"

Eiran stepped forward, his voice trembling with concern. "Joren, Lira is missing," he said, his words heavy with worry. "We found her room empty, marked with a symbol—a haunting eye with a single tear."

Joren's brow furrowed as he absorbed the information, his mind working swiftly to assess the situation. "This is gravely concerning," he replied, his voice tinged with a mix of determination and caution. "The symbol you described is associated with a dark and secretive group that delves into forbidden magic."

Rael interjected, his voice filled with urgency. "We've noticed shadowy figures lurking around the village," he explained, his words rushed. "Eiran and I fear that Lira may have fallen victim to them."

Joren's sharp mind quickly processed the information, drawing connections between the shadowy figures and the reports of missing livestock. A plan began to form in his head, a risky but calculated strategy to uncover the truth and rescue Lira.

"Before we proceed," Joren interjected, his voice firm with determination. "There appears to be a connection between these shadowy figures and the reports of missing livestock. It seems that the cult members have a vested interest in our village's livestock."

Eiran and Rael's eyes widened with realization, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

"Listen carefully," Joren began, his voice focused and resolute. "We will use a sheep as bait, strategically placing it in an area where the cult members are likely to strike. When they attempt to steal the sheep, we will be ready to ambush them."

Eiran and Rael nodded, their eyes fixed on Joren, eager to hear the details of the plan. Joren continued, outlining each step with precision.

"First, we'll choose a remote location on the outskirts of the village," Joren explained. "It should be an area known to have been frequented by the cult members. We'll set up surveillance, ensuring that we remain hidden and undetected."

Eiran interjected, a hint of concern in his voice. "But how do we ensure that we catch the cult members and find Lira?" he asked, worry evident in his eyes.

Joren understood Eiran's concern and responded with a reassuring tone. "To ensure our success, we'll position ourselves strategically around the area. Rael and I will hide nearby, ready to spring into action when the cult members take the bait. Our primary objective is to capture one of them and extract the information we need."

Rael chimed in, his voice filled with determination. "We'll be equipped with weapons and restraints to immobilize them," he added. "Once we have a cult member in our custody, we'll gather the information about Lira's location."

Eiran nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "What if the cult members are more powerful or numerous than we expect?" he asked, his concern palpable.

Joren's eyes locked with Eiran's, exuding unwavering confidence. "Keep in mind, Eiran, you have become stronger," he reminded him. "Your magic has developed. Based on the reports, the cult members are typically seen alone or in pairs. With three of us working together, we have the advantage of numbers and your newfound abilities. While we cannot anticipate every aspect of the situation, our combined strength and strategic approach will overcome any challenges. We will rescue Lira, and nothing will stand in our way."

Eiran's worry eased, replaced by a renewed sense of trust in their collective strength. They had carefully considered the information they had gathered, allowing it to guide their plan.