The Hunt Begins

"We can't hide forever," Kael growled, his voice thick with frustration. "They're closing in."

The village was on edge. The discovery of Dominic's healing abilities had sent shockwaves through the forest, and now, the echoes of that revelation were coming back to haunt them. Every rustle in the undergrowth was a potential threat, every shadow, a lurking danger.

"We need to move," Anya insisted, her voice trembling slightly. "We can't risk staying here."

Julie's heart ached. She understood Anya's fear, but leaving their home was not an easy decision. It was here they had found solace, safety, and a sense of community. Leaving would be like abandoning a part of themselves.

"We can't run forever," she replied, her voice steady. "We need to find a way to protect ourselves here."

A tense silence fell over the room. They were trapped, cornered by fear and uncertainty. The world they once knew was crumbling around them.