Chapter 4: Steps Towards the Forbidden
Chief James walked into the village hall, his posture calmer now, carrying a composed air as he looked around.
"Alright, everyone, let's calm down. There's nothing to be too worried about—it's already died down." He gave a short hiss through his teeth, then continued. "I'm sure everyone's exhausted. Normally, duties would have started today, but given what's happening, we'll begin tomorrow instead. Go home and rest up."
"Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir!" came the chorus, before the room grew rowdy again with scattered chatter.
"Quietly, please," James said, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
Meanwhile, Val and Sydney approached.
"Dad, what was that? First of all, are you alright?" Sydney asked, concern plain on her face.
James gave her a faint smile before it vanished. "Yeah, I'm alright, my love. And as for what that was… we don't really know yet."
"James, whatever we just felt, it might be worse than we think. I felt it—no, I saw it. The cracks, the rumbles… they were coming from the forest," Val said, his eyes drifting toward the treeline beyond the hall.
"Yeah, son, I thought so too," James admitted. "But right now, the most important thing is to keep panic out of people's minds. So I'm asking you—don't go spreading rumors this time." His side glance carried the weight of distrust.
"What? Panic? That's the thing—we're meant to panic! Whatever that was, we should be preparing, finding ways to enter the forest and—"
James's tone cut sharp as a blade. "No one—and I want to make myself clear, son—no one enters the forest. No matter what happens out here, sending anyone in there would be more dangerous than anything else we'll ever face. Dismiss these thoughts immediately, Val. I won't warn you again." He turned to leave.
"Yes, sir…" Val muttered reluctantly as he and Sydney began walking off.
James stopped, glancing back. "Oh, and Val—that's Chief to you. Take Sydney home. That's the one thing I can at least trust you with."
"Don't worry, Chief. I'll take good care of her," Val said as they moved away.
Sydney blushed faintly and jabbed him on the shoulder. "Yeah right. If anything, I'm the one taking care of you. So… what are you going to do? I suppose you won't be listening to him—as always?"
Val smirked. "Aww, you know me too well. Let's go find out what that was… hehe."
He took Sydney's hand and pulled her along, slipping out of the hall and toward the one direction they shouldn't—the forest.
"Wait, wait, wait—you're not seriously planning to go into the forest now, are you?" Sydney yanked him to a halt.
"Oh no," Val said smoothly. "I just want to watch the investigation. See for myself how much they know. Don't worry, I'll make sure I'm not caught."
Sydney facepalmed. "Why can't you just listen to him? You know he only wants to keep everyone safe. Why make this a hassle?" She sighed, then added, "Alright. I want in. What's the plan?"
Val turned, wagging his finger. "No, no, no. That's not happening. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt because of something I'm doing. You, my friend, are going home."
Sydney didn't take that well. She stomped hard on his foot.
"Ow! What was that for?!" Val yelped.
Arms folded, she glared at him. "What are you now, my dad? I don't recall asking you to keep me safe. I'm going, and that's final. Is that clear?"
Still bent over his foot, Val groaned. "Sydney… I promised your dad I'd take you home."
"Humph. Since when do you keep promises—especially to my dad? I'm going, and unless you want the other foot down, you'd better agree." She raised her leg threateningly.
Val jumped back instinctively. "Okay, okay! You can come too! Ow… you've got a mean stomp."
Sydney smirked. "Yeah, sorry about that. Now don't keep me hanging—what's the plan?"
Val grinned. "Alright, come in close. The plan is…"
Sydney swallowed nervously. "Oh no…"