The quiet tension in the room is broken by a soft knock on the door. Tobias stiffens, his hand instinctively moving to his revolver. The boy glances nervously at him, his small frame trembling under the weight of the situation.
"Answer it," Tobias whispers, his voice low but commanding. "And remember—keep it calm."
The boy nods quickly, swallowing hard as he steps toward the door. He cracks it open just enough to see who's on the other side. His mother's voice filters through, warm but tinged with concern.
"Dinner's ready," she says gently. "Come down soon, alright? And don't forget to close your window. There's a man being searched for in the village, and I don't want to take any chances."
The boy hesitates, glancing back at Tobias, who gives him a subtle nod. Turning back to the door, the boy replies, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. "I'll come down when I'm done, Mom. I… I'm not dressed yet."
