"Let's all just... calm down," he said weakly.
"Nobody needs to call armies.
Nobody needs to throw spears."
He smiled awkwardly, glancing at Tara. Her big eyes were filled with fear and confusion.
He felt something sharp twist in his chest.
He couldn't leave her like this.
Ethan stood up straighter, brushing dust off his sleeves.
The villagers were still tense, staring at Gray and Lilith like they were gods of judgment.
But Ethan didn't look at anyone else.
His eyes found Tara—
standing a little behind the crowd, her small hands clutching the sides of her red dress tightly, her lips trembling slightly.
He took a slow breath, steadying his heart and spoke.
"I won't stay here," he said clearly, his voice carrying across the silent village.
"I'm leaving with my family."
Murmurs broke out among the villagers..Tara's father scowled.
Gray's sharp eyes glinted, ready to move if needed.