[Kieran's POV]
I watched the sudden shift from the crowd, whose whispers of suspicion silenced as all that echoed in those moments was the breeze in the forest.
My gaze remained locked on him, the elder leader, as he stood there, seemingly processing what I had said. I wasn't joking, not the kind who would leave such a bluff. I'm sure he knew better than that.
I wanted answers, and if I had to turn into the monster they feared just to get those answers, then I would.
My eyes trailed through the crowd, who stood trying to avoid glancing at me.
"Could he be among them?" I wondered, thinking about the very same mastermind.
Just then, I watched the elder step forward, managing a breath before he spoke, "Alright, maybe there's been a misunderstanding. We will look into it." His voice was tight, as though he was trying his best to force a calm, one that was never there in the first place.
