"I know how that sounds."
Lee forced a smile.
"It's probably nothing."
"You always say that."
"Because most things are nothing."
She didn't seem convinced.
After a few more minutes of conversation, she left.
The door closed behind her.
Kai looked at Lee.
"You don't believe it's wolves."
Lee sighed.
"No."
"Because of Elrick?"
Lee nodded.
"Because of Elrick."
The room fell quiet again.
Then Lee suddenly stood.
"Well."
Kai looked up.
"Well what?"
"No point worrying about it tonight."
Lee stretched.
"You should get some fresh air."
Kai blinked.
"What?"
"You've been sitting inside all day."
"I woke up in a forest."
"Exactly."
Lee pointed toward the door.
"Go explore the village."
Kai considered arguing.
Instead, he stood.
A walk sounded preferable to sitting around thinking about dead messengers and mysterious monsters.
---
The evening air felt cool and refreshing.
Villagers moved through the streets carrying lanterns.
Children played near the well.
Several merchants packed away their goods for the day.
For the first time since waking up, Kai allowed himself to relax.
Just a little.
The village wasn't large.
Perhaps fifty houses in total.
Everyone seemed to know everyone else.
A strange feeling stirred within him.
Jealousy.
Not because of the buildings.
Not because of the village.
Because of the people.
They belonged somewhere.
He didn't.