After narrowly escaping the wargs, Alysia and Aragos stumbled into a hidden village deep within the forest. The villagers, wary of strangers, were initially hostile.
"We don't want trouble," Alysia said, raising her hands in surrender.
The village leader, an elderly woman named Elara, stepped forward, her piercing gaze fixed on Aragos. "Trouble follows him like a shadow," she said, her voice heavy with suspicion.
"You know who I am," Aragos said, his tone wary.
Elara nodded. "The cursed king of Izea. Your reputation precedes you."
Alysia felt a chill run down her spine. "What reputation?"
Elara ignored her, addressing Aragos. "Why are you here?"
"We need shelter," he said simply.
"And why should we trust you?" she asked, her tone sharp.
"Because I'm your best chance at survival," he said, his golden eyes flashing.