C172 THE SOUND OF WATCHING SHADOWS

The village was silent in a way that wasn’t peaceful – it was like silence kept a secret.

Even the wind seemed hesitant.

Not scattering dust, not bending the long grass — just waiting.

Elara stood at the edge of the eastern wall, arms folded, watching the horizon like she expected it to break open at any moment. Her heart didn’t race, but her senses hummed