The forest.
Several villagers began speaking at once.
The atmosphere shifted from concern to fear.
Lee slowly clenched his fists.
"This is bad."
Kai saw it immediately.
The look in Lee's eyes.
The same look he had when discussing Elrick.
The same look he had when hearing about the livestock.
He already knew.
Whatever killed Elrick might have found the children.
The mothers were crying now.
The villagers stood helplessly.
Nobody wanted to say it.
Nobody wanted to go into the forest after dark.
Kai looked toward the treeline.
The darkness beyond seemed deeper than before.
Watching.
Waiting.
Then he stepped forward.
"I'll go."
The village fell silent.
Every eye turned toward him.
Lee stared.
"Kai."
"Someone has to."
The words left his mouth before he fully thought them through.
Maybe it was foolish.
Maybe it was dangerous.
But he couldn't stand there doing nothing.
Not after meeting those children.
Not after hearing their laughter.
The mothers looked at him as though he were their last hope.
Lee cursed under his breath.
Then disappeared inside his house.
Moments later he returned carrying something metal.
A worn knuckleduster.
He held it out.
Kai looked at it.
"What's this?"
"A lucky charm."
"It doesn't look lucky."
"It isn't."
Kai accepted it anyway.
The metal felt surprisingly heavy.
Lee placed a hand on his shoulder.
For the first time since meeting him, his voice was completely serious.
"Be careful."
Kai nodded.
Then turned toward the forest.
Toward the darkness.
Toward whatever waited within.
And without another word, he stepped beyond the village lights.