The thawing snow of early spring brought new life to Lornwood, but as Emily stepped into the square, an unsettling feeling gnawed at her. Despite the vibrant blooms and the buzz of activity, something felt amiss. The townspeople were unusually quiet, their smiles strained, eyes darting with unease.
### Whispers of Dissent
As Emily approached the community board, she noticed a gathering near the edge of the square. A small crowd had formed, faces tense, whispering urgently. She pushed through, heart pounding. What was going on?
Aiden was at the center, gesturing animatedly. "We can't ignore it any longer! The supplies are disappearing—food, tools, even seeds!" His voice carried an edge of desperation.
Thalia, standing beside him, added, "People are saying they've seen figures moving around the outskirts at night. They think someone is watching us."
