"Come on, follow me."
The children hesitated, but seeing the expression in Adrian, they slowly followed him. Lily clung to his side, her small hand gripping his tightly. As they walked away from the village, the cries and pleas of the villagers faded into the background.
Adrian led the children through the forest, his heart heavy but resolute. They deserved better than what that village had to offer. He had to find them a safe place.
After what felt like hours of walking, the scenery around them began to shift. The dense forest gave way to a well-trodden path, and the sound of bustling activity reached their ears. Adrian looked ahead and saw the outskirts of a town. Relief washed over him as he continued leading the children forward.
