Chapter 64: A Fractured Silence

The group returned to New Haven just as dusk began to settle over the town. The setting sun bathed the valley in golden light, but the warmth did little to ease the tension lingering in the air. George and his team were met at the gates by a small crowd of townsfolk, their expressions a mixture of relief and unease.

Marcy was the first to approach, her eyes scanning the group for signs of injury. "Everyone alright?" she asked, her voice calm but concerned.

"We're fine," George assured her, though the weight in his tone hinted at the truth, fine was relative, and the battle had taken its toll. "But we've got trouble. Those things we faced in the mountains, they're spreading."

Marcy's brow furrowed, her hand tightening on Frank's arm. "Do you think they'll come here?"

George nodded grimly. "It's only a matter of time."