The darkness seemed thicker around Johan as he knelt beside Robert, feeling the palpable tension of the scene. The cold cobblestones bit into his knees. "Robert? Can you hear me?" Johan's voice wavered just a bit, betraying his concern. The rest of the villagers, alerted by the commotion, started to gather around the two, their murmurs like the buzz of disturbed bees.
Robert's eyelids quivered, his lips dry and cracked. "Wha... What happened?" He rasped, every word sounding painful.
Johan's fingers closed around Robert's wrist, feeling for a pulse, reassuring himself. 'He's alive, at least,' Johan thought, trying to push away the cynical voice in his head that added, 'For now.'
Anna approached, her voice tinged with panic. "Who would do this?"
Johan's gaze was distant, already formulating a theory. 'Everyone has secrets here,' he contemplated. 'Perhaps Robert found one he shouldn't have. Well. it's time for a prank.'
