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As Ethan stepped into the tavern, the warmth of the fire flickering in the hearth offered a momentary respite from the chill of the night. The room was dimly lit, with wooden beams overhead and rough-hewn tables scattered about, occupied by villagers who paused their conversations to regard him with curious, hungry eyes.
Ethan's instincts kicked in, a sense of unease washing over him as he felt the weight of their stares. It was as if he had just walked into a predator's den. The laughter that echoed off the walls felt forced, lacking the joy of genuine camaraderie.
He approached the bar, where a burly man with a scruffy beard stood polishing a mug. "What'll it be?" the bartender grunted, eyeing Ethan with a mixture of suspicion and interest.
"I… I need a place to stay," Ethan stammered, trying to keep his voice steady. "Just for the night. I'm lost and—"
"Lost, are you?" the bartender interrupted, his smile broadening in a way that sent a chill down Ethan's spine. "Well, you're in luck. We've got room for a few more. We always welcome travelers here."
Ethan glanced around, noticing the way the other patrons leaned in closer, their eyes gleaming with an unsettling hunger. He felt a prickle of dread; there was something off about the way they were watching him. "I don't have much… just a few things," he added, his voice barely above a whisper.
The bartender leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "You'd be surprised what can be shared in this village, especially with someone like you." He gestured toward the villagers, who exchanged knowing glances that made Ethan's stomach churn.
Ethan recalled the figure he had encountered outside the tavern—the one who had invited him inside. That figure had seemed cautious yet somewhat welcoming, warning him about the dangers of the forest. He wondered what had happened to that man, who had just vanished into the crowd. Had he become yet another victim of the village's dark secrets?
"I think I'll just find a corner to sit in for now," Ethan said, stepping back, his heart racing. He scanned the room for a place to retreat, seeking a safe haven amidst the unsettling atmosphere. The last thing he wanted was to become a target for their predatory stares.
"Suit yourself," the bartender replied, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Just don't wander too far from the fire."
Ethan made his way to an empty table in the corner, his grocery bag feeling like a heavy anchor at his side. He took a seat, trying to blend into the shadows while remaining alert. The laughter and chatter around him continued, but now it felt like a dark theater, and he was the unwilling star of a sinister play.
As he sat there, he couldn't shake the feeling that the villagers weren't just interested in robbing him. They were sizing him up, and that realization sent a shiver down his spine. Ethan knew he had to stay vigilant. He needed to find a way out of this situation before it turned dire.
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What do you want to happen next? Should Ethan overhear a conversation that reveals more about the villagers, or perhaps attempt to leave the tavern unnoticed?