Adrian sat in his room, the weight of his recent actions pressing down on him like an iron shroud. He could still see the lifeless eyes of the villager he had killed, and the shadow's voice whispering in his ear. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he fought against the rising tide of guilt and fear. He had to stay strong. He had to keep moving forward.
The next day, the village was still reeling from the recent murder. Whispers of fear and suspicion hung in the air like a fog, and the villagers cast wary glances at each other, wondering who among them could be the killer. Adrian kept to the shadows, avoiding eye contact and staying out of sight. He couldn't afford to draw attention to himself.
As the sun set and the village settled into an uneasy slumber, Adrian received another letter. His heart pounded in his chest as he unfolded the parchment, dreading what the shadow had in store for him next.