Dory tightened the straps of the sacks on his shoulders as he stepped closer, the clamor of the crowd fading slightly in his focus. His eyes settled on the girl, who hadn't taken her gaze off him for a second. He spoke first, his voice steady over the murmurs of the villagers.
"Are you looking for me?"
The girl turned sharply toward Elian, her expression a mix of urgency and disbelief. "Is he… the one?" she demanded.
Elian nodded carefully, raising a hand to calm her. "Yes. He's the one we need."
Dory felt a subtle tension in the air. Horg shifted beside him, resting a hand briefly on the cart, watching both the girl and Elian carefully. Maya stepped forward from behind the crowd, her arms crossed, eyebrows slightly furrowed. "What is going on here?" she asked softly, though clearly concerned.
Elian gestured for them to follow. "We need to get somewhere private," he said, his tone carrying a mix of urgency and authority. "Come with me."
