The priest returned with the map, carefully unfolding it on the table.
"All the children vanished three days after their baptism, always at night."
His fingers smoothed out the worn parchment, revealing a detailed depiction of the region.
"No one ever saw the culprit. Whoever it was snuck in without a sound, left no clues, and took them away like a ghost."
Layla frowned.
"That's ridiculous! No footprints? No dragged furniture? No one sign of forced entry?"
The priest shook his head.
"Nothing. It was as if the kids just ceased to exist. As you know, we reported this to the Faraja, but they refused to help. Claimed the children must've run away... that we weren't taking good enough care of them."
Malik let out a snicker, shaking his head.
"That's almost hilarious... So the church is just telling you to shut up, huh?"
The priest sighed, his shoulders slumping.
"That's what it seems like."