Vael was five now. Ever since that night, he had started noticing things.


    Whispers in the dark. The quiet rustling of footsteps when the village was asleep.


    Tonight was the same. A low murmur came from outside.


    Curious, he tiptoed to the window, pressing his small hands against the wooden frame. His parents—Elara and Soren—stood near the trees.


    But they weren’t alone.


    A hooded figure stood with them, speaking in hushed tones.


    Vael''s breath caught. Who was that?


    Just then, Elara’s gaze snapped toward the window.


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    Vael ducked down, heart pounding. Did she see me?


    He waited, listening. The murmurs continued for a while, then faded.


    After some time, he dared to peek again.


    No one was there.


    —


    The next morning, sunlight streamed into the house.


    Vael rubbed his eyes as the sound of footsteps and cheerful voices filled the air.


    "Vael! Come out!"


    It was Elle and Shlor, his best friends.


    Elara smiled. "Go on. Don’t keep them waiting."


    Vael nodded, pushing aside last night''s thoughts.


    They ran through the village streets, headed toward the shoemaker''s house.


    Their fourth friend, Riven, was always late.


    As they neared, they heard shouting.


    Vael’s eyes narrowed. A group of older boys had cornered Riven near the shop.


    "Give us your money, shoemaker’s brat!" one sneered.


    Riven clenched his fists. "I don’t have any!"


    Vael stepped forward, voice calm but sharp. "Leave him alone."


    The hooligans laughed—until Vael moved.


    With quick, precise strikes, he took them down one by one.


    He grabbed the last one by the collar. "Do this again, and I’ll break your leg in half."


    The boy nodded frantically, scrambling away as soon as Vael let go.


    Riven dusted himself off. "You didn’t have to do that."


    Vael smirked. "Then next time, fight back."


    —


    The day passed in laughter and games.


    By evening, they were on their way home.


    That’s when the gang returned.


    This time, they weren’t alone.


    More boys stood with them, blocking the path.


    The leader grinned. "You had your fun, but now it’s our turn."


    Vael stared at them, unbothered.


    The wind rustled the trees.


    The fight was coming.