Chapter 56: Shadows of the Past
The sun was beginning to set when Tara finally returned to the clearing, her expression guarded. She glanced at Kazuki, who was still sitting by the river, his head bowed. Elara met her gaze and gave a small nod, signaling that the situation had somewhat calmed.
Tara exhaled slowly, moving to sit on a fallen log. "Sorry," she muttered, not looking directly at Kazuki.
Kazuki didn't respond right away, still staring at the water. After a moment, he spoke, his voice low. "You were right. I could have killed you both."
Tara's jaw tightened, but she forced herself to soften. "It's not just that. I was scared... and angry. I didn't know how to deal with it."
Kazuki finally looked up, his eyes dull and tired. "I don't know how to deal with it either."
Elara sat between them, offering a small, tentative smile. "We're not going to abandon you, Kazuki. We just need to be more careful. We'll find a way to control the Grizzly."
Tara huffed. "Yeah. And until then, maybe don't go all beast mode on us."
Kazuki managed a weak chuckle, grateful for the attempt at humor. "I'll try."
The tension slowly eased, and as the night deepened, they gathered around a small fire. Tara sharpened her daggers while Elara tended to a pot of stew. Kazuki remained quiet, his thoughts a swirling mess.
Just as Elara was about to serve the stew, a rustling sound from the bushes put them all on edge. Tara raised her daggers, and Kazuki gripped his sword, eyes narrowing.
A figure stepped into the firelight — a young man with ragged clothes and wide, fearful eyes. He stumbled forward, collapsing near the fire.
"Help... please..." he gasped, clutching his side where blood seeped through his tunic.
Elara rushed forward, kneeling beside him. "What happened?"
The young man looked up, eyes desperate. "Bandits... they attacked our caravan. My sister... they took her."
Kazuki's eyes darkened. "Where?"
The young man gestured weakly toward the north. "They set up camp by the old watchtower... please... save her."
Tara glanced at Kazuki. "We can't just rush in."
Kazuki nodded, determination hardening his gaze. "We'll scout it out first."
Elara continued to tend to the young man's wounds, her face set with grim resolve. "We have to help."
As they prepared to move, Kazuki couldn't help but notice the uneasy feeling settling in his stomach. He glanced at the young man, wondering if this was a trap. But the man's pain seemed genuine, and his fear was palpable.
"Let's move," Kazuki said, his grip on his sword tightening. "We're not letting anyone else get hurt."