The sun was beginning to set over Valecrest Village, casting long shadows across the empty streets. Louis and Betty stood in front of Eldrin Vale, the village head, who had just issued them a chilling warning.
"Because when night falls… the shadows come to take us."
Betty folded her arms, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. "Shadows? You mean a monster?"
Eldrin hesitated before answering. "I don't know. All I know is that people disappear without a trace. Those who have seen it say it moves through the darkness, faster than the eye can follow."
Louis frowned. "That doesn't give us much to work with."
Eldrin sighed. "Come with me. I'll explain more inside."
---
The Village's Secret
They followed Eldrin into his home—a sturdy wooden building, slightly larger than the others. Inside, a fireplace crackled, providing the only warmth in the cold and quiet house.
Eldrin sat at the table and gestured for them to do the same. "About three weeks ago, a farmer vanished. His tools were left in the field, his house undisturbed. We thought maybe he got lost, but then more people disappeared. At night, we started seeing… things."
Betty leaned forward. "What kind of things?"
Eldrin's face darkened. "Shadows moving where there shouldn't be any. People whisper of glowing eyes in the darkness, of whispers calling them outside. Those who ignore it are safe. Those who investigate… never return."
Louis felt a shiver run down his spine. "Have you seen it?"
Eldrin nodded. "Only once. A dark shape with red eyes. It stood at the edge of the village, just watching. When I looked away for even a second, it was gone."
Betty exhaled. "This doesn't sound like a normal beast."
Louis agreed. "And if this thing only comes out at night, we won't find anything right now." He turned to Eldrin. "Where are the missing people's houses? We should check for clues."
Eldrin hesitated, then stood. "I'll take you to one."
---
A House Abandoned
The house they were led to belonged to Jonas Fennel, the village's blacksmith who had disappeared just five nights ago. The door creaked open as they stepped inside.
Everything was intact—tools on the workbench, a half-eaten meal on the table. It was as if Jonas had simply stood up and walked out, never to return.
Betty examined the floor. "No signs of a struggle."
Louis moved toward the window. "The glass isn't broken. If he left, he opened the door willingly."
Eldrin nodded. "The same thing happened with the others."
Louis sighed. "Then we have no choice."
Betty glanced at him. "What do you mean?"
Louis turned to them. "We'll have to stay outside tonight and wait for the shadow to come to us."
---
The Night Hunt Begins
As the last light of the sun faded, Louis and Betty took positions in the village square. Eldrin and the remaining villagers locked themselves inside their homes, leaving the adventurers alone under the dark sky.
The wind howled through the empty streets.
Then, the whispers began.
Louis's ears twitched. It was faint, like a voice carried on the wind. He turned to Betty. "Did you hear that?"
She nodded, gripping her bow. "It's close."
A shadow flickered at the edge of his vision. Louis spun around, but there was nothing there.
Then, from the darkness of an alleyway, two glowing red eyes emerged.
The hunt had begun.
To be continued.....