(Lina's POV)
I'm wrenched back to reality by David's heavy hand on my shoulder, shaking me out of my stupor. I blink up at him stupidly, but his solemn expression sobers me up fast. He looks around and leans close to whisper,"Lin, there's something going on over there."
He motions to an area near the centre of the village with the most cabins. Sure enough, there seems to be a commotion there—people are milling around nervously and surrounding two men who are engaged in a verbal altercation. So much for being a superior species. I keep my thoughts to myself though and nod at David, reassuring him that I'll be fine. He hesitates, clearly worried about leaving me alone, and I raise my hand in a mock salute.
"Don't worry, I won't try to run away."
He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair—he's so obviously Daniel's kin.
"That's not what I'm worried about."
He reaches into his pocket and takes out something before brushing his hand with mine. The feel of cold metal on my skin makes me look up in surprise. Was it really so dangerous here that he had to sneak me a knife? He gives me a tight nod and runs off towards the centre of the commotion to sort it out.
I lean back onto the bench and stare at the moon above, conflicted about so many things but trying—yet failing—not to ponder over them too much. My head is already pounding enough, thank you very much.
It doesn't take long for the commotion to die down, because by the time I look over to where David went, almost all the people have retreated. A wave of uneasiness spreads through me as David's familiar form is nowhere to be seen.
The wind picks up, causing the windows to creak, and a sinister chill wafts through the air. A shiver creeps down my spine at the eerie stillness, and I can't help but feel that something is dangerously amiss.
I grip the handle of the knife tighter—even though I had no intention of using it when David gave it to me—and stand guard. There is not a soul in sight, and I realise with a startling clarity that this is not normal. I crane my head cautiously towards the direction of Daniel's office and prepare to make a run for it. It should be safer than staying here, waiting for the monsters in the dark to make an appearance.
A rustling catches my attention, and I turn my head frantically—until I realise my fatal mistake.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere, I'm surrounded by darkened figures with nowhere left to run. I open my mouth to let out a shriek, except my throat feels clogged by fear. The figures loom in closer, and I expect to hear chanting, but the man in the middle starts to speak.
"You are going to come with us without making a sound. Obey us, and we might give you an easier death."
His words are sharpened with the edge of a glinting knife that is placed against my throat. I swallow with difficulty, causing the knife to nick my skin—leaving a thin cut.
"Wh-what do you want from me?"
They look at each other and seem to come to an agreement before uttering the words that seal my fate:
"We're going to execute you, to save our Alpha. His actions in the woods were influenced by your witchery, so you must be killed."