[Prior to David's journey to Valemir County.]
The leaden sky wept over Thistlebrook village, rain lashing down upon thatched roofs and muddy streets with vengeful intensity. Imperial soldiers moved with methodical precision through the settlement, their armor gleaming despite the downpour, each house methodically searched and then marked with chalk, the bureaucratic efficiency of the Solarian Empire's justice system rendered in stark white against weathered wood.
"Where is she?" The captain's voice carried above the storm's fury, his weathered face tight with frustration as another search came up empty. "Six houses remain. She couldn't have simply vanished."
Behind him, a young lieutenant saluted smartly despite the rain streaming down his face. "Sir, reports from the eastern perimeter suggest no one has left the village since we arrived. The girl must still be here."
