That night was unusually dark. In the village of Anga, people normally avoided going out after sunset—but today, they had retreated into their homes even earlier than usual. Doors and windows were tightly shut, children were forbidden from playing outside, and even the doors to the religious altars had been locked.
The entire village felt abandoned…
Amid this eerie stillness, a loud voice echoed through the silence:
"Stay alert!"
"All is well!"
"Check your protection wards!"
This voice rang out at regular intervals. It belonged to Rai, the man who had volunteered to act as the villagers' watchman.
As time passed and the darkness deepened, the village began to resemble a city of the dead. No sound pierced the heavy silence, except Rai's unwavering warnings.
The wind blew cold and sharp, weaving through the empty streets with a soft, swooshing sound.
