As they approached, Arnaud studied the twinkling lights cautiously. He knew they couldn't just walk into town, they would need to sneak in unnoticed.

"Little Ar," he said softly. "We cannot be seen entering openly."

Arturo nodded solemnly. "I understand, Ar."

Arnaud felt a pang of guilt. The child trusted him completely, but he would likely need to steal food and supplies to properly care for him in this new place. He hoped Arturo wouldn't think less of him.

"We may need to...acquire certain things without payment, little one," he admitted hesitantly. "I do not wish to take what is not ours, but you require provisions."

To his surprise, Arturo simply shrugged. "If we need it to survive, Ar, then we'll take it. The bad men tried to hurt us, this is no different."

Arnaud smiled sadly at the boy's pragmatic view of the world. So young, yet forced to grow up so quickly.

A thought struck him then. "Perhaps...if we give a fresh animal carcass, I could leave as trade?" He looked at Arturo hopefully. "Would be fair exchange?"

Arturo thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I think the townspeople would appreciate that. Grandma Maria said fresh meat was precious."

Relief washed over Arnaud. With care, perhaps they could get what they needed without seriously wronging anyone.

♢♢♢♢

Night had fallen over the small town, enveloping the streets in an almost supernatural stillness. Lola, the young police officer, finished packing her suitcase in what had been her childhood bedroom. The next morning she would depart for the city, ready to begin a new stage in her career far away from that forgotten corner of the world.

With a tired sigh, she closed the suitcase and looked around. The bare walls and empty shelves gave the room a desolate air. She could almost feel the house's sadness at losing its last occupant. Shaking her head to dispel those melancholic thoughts, Lola prepared to go downstairs to bid farewell to her parents' portraits before bed.

Suddenly, a faint creaking sound from the ground floor brought her to a halt. She frowned and strained her ears, but all fell silent again. Perhaps it had just been one of the old floorboards settling. Still, a chill ran down her spine.

Slowly, very slowly, she began descending the stairs, alert to the slightest unusual noise. The house remained in semi-darkness, illuminated only by the dim light filtering through the curtains. Lola held her breath as she reached the bottom step, squinting into the living room.

Then, a flash caught her eye in the kitchen. Something moved among the shadows, reflecting the scant light in an almost... supernatural way. Her heart leapt in her chest as two glowing points, like eyes, fixed on her from the dark recess.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

A guttural growl escaped from the shadows, freezing her blood. Lola took a stumbling step back, fumbling for her service weapon. A wild animal snuck into the house? A burglar? Whatever it was, it didn't seem friendly at all.

The eyes glinted again and a dark figure began emerging from the kitchen shadows. Lola stifled a scream, finally closing her fingers around the familiar weight of her pistol. The creature advanced slowly, slinking almost like a predator stalking its prey.

In one fluid, chilling movement, the creature shifted into a more relaxed posture, straightening to an imposing height. Its eyes, however, remained fixed on Lola's with a scorching intensity that left her breathless.

With trembling hands, the young officer flicked off the safety and aimed at the dark silhouette. Her breathing was ragged, fear pressing on her chest like a leaden weight.

"S-stay back! Police! Don't move!" she yelled in a quavering voice, grateful her parents were no longer home to witness whatever was about to happen.

A deep, guttural sigh was the response she got. A chill of pure terror ran down her spine at the almost... inhuman note in that mocking sneer. The creature backed away unfazed, the shadows distorting its form into something unfathomable.

Lola's heart hammered in her ears as she tightened her grip on the gun. Cold sweat beaded on her brow, blurring her sight. When the thing got close enough, she aimed straight for those glinting eyes and shouted:

"Identify yourself or I'll shoot! I swear!"

The shadow raced toward the window at blinding speed. And then, for a moment, the creature stepped out of the shadows into the dim candlelight and window glow.

A pale, humanoid figure with sharp features, its mouth revealing predator's fangs. Its eyes shone with an unnatural luster, reflecting the light in an unholy way.

Lola wanted to shoot, but doubt made her pause - was it human? She remained motionless, staring at the strange being, unable to react. Something in the creature's eyes petrified her. Until in one leap, it was out the window.

After a few seconds, Lola managed to stand up and saw there was something on the table. She approached cautiously, prodding it with her gun. To her horror, it unrolled to reveal some kind of bundled wrapped in a skin. The stench of fresh meat and blood flooded her nostrils, making her gag.

♢♢♢♢

The night was cool and peaceful when Arnaud returned to the small forest clearing where they had decided to camp for the night. Arturo dozed by the campfire, bundled in a tattered blanket. Seeing his friend's familiar silhouette, the child sat up rubbing his eyes with his little hands.

"Ar! How did it go?" he asked with barely contained excitement.

Arnaud smiled and knelt beside him, affectionately ruffling his hair. He couldn't tell the grisly details of what happened at that home, how the young woman had mistaken him for a monster and aimed a firearm at him.

"All went well, little Ar. The good townspeople gratefully accepted my gift," he lied softly, hating himself a little for deceiving the innocent child.

Arturo's eyes shone with delight.

"Really? That's great! What did they give us in return?" he inquired curiously.

Arnaud swallowed hard. The truth was, after the initial misunderstanding, he had had to flee that home without obtaining more than some strange cans in exchange. But he didn't have the heart to disappoint the boy. So he broke into another house and stole some extra blankets and food.

Fortunately, Arturo never suspected, and that night he was very happy, sampling the new flavors and sleeping warmer than before.