Over the next few days, the strange behavior continued. His father came home later than usual, his face more haggard each time, and his mother's nervous glances toward the door became more frequent. Michael felt the tension growing, pressing in on him like a weight he couldn't shake.
One afternoon, while helping his father in the yard, Michael finally asked the question that had been gnawing at him. "Dad, what's going on? You and Mom… you're acting different. You're scared of something, aren't you?"
Emmett stopped what he was doing and looked at his son, his usual calm demeanor cracking just a little. He sighed deeply, wiping his hands on his trousers before placing them on Michael's shoulders.
"There are things in this world that we can't always explain, Michael. Things that can't always be avoided, no matter how hard we try. But what you need to know is that no matter what happens, your mother and I… we love you and Thea more than anything. And we'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
The words were meant to be comforting, but they only made Michael's heart sink further. His father's eyes, usually full of strength, now held something that looked a lot like fear.
That night, the strange knock at the door came.
The village was quieter than usual, a strange calmness hanging in the air. The night sky stretched endlessly above, the stars barely visible through the thick clouds. Inside their small home, Thea was sitting in the living room, absentmindedly flipping through her book, while Michael was in his room, lost in his thoughts. Their mother was in the kitchen, preparing dinner, and their father had just come home from work. The world outside seemed peaceful, but that illusion shattered in an instant.
It started with a knock at the door—soft at first, almost timid, but it quickly grew louder and more insistent. Their father, hearing the noise, approached the door cautiously. "Who is it?" he called out, but there was no response. The knocking became more forceful, each hit sending shivers down his spine.
Emmett froze in his tracks, his eyes darting toward the door. Lila dropped the spoon she was holding, her face going pale. Without a word, Emmett moved toward the dagger he kept hidden near the front door, slipping it into his hand as the knocks grew louder and more urgent.
"Lila, get the kids," he said, his voice tense but steady.
Lila didn't hesitate. She rushed into the living room, her heart racing. "Michael, Thea, listen carefully," she said, grabbing their attention. "You both have to leave—now."
"Mom, what's happening?" Thea asked, her voice trembling as she clung to her mother.
"There's no time, sweetie," Lila said, glancing over her shoulder toward the door where Emmett stood, bracing for whatever was on the other side. "Your father and I are going to hold them off so you can get to safety."
"But we can't leave you!" Michael protested, his voice thick with fear.
"You have to!" Lila insisted, her eyes fierce with determination. "Your father and I will do what we need to, but you must go now. Go find Uncle Mike."
Tears welled up in Michael's eyes as the weight of their words sank in. "We can't just leave you here!"
Lila knelt down, cupping her son's face. "Michael, this is how we protect you. This is how we fight—for you and Thea. Now you must protect your sister."
Emmett's voice, steady and resolute, came from the doorway. "Go, son. You have to be strong now. Protect Thea and find your uncle. That's your mission."
Michael and Thea were frozen in place, torn between wanting to stay and the desperate need to escape. Finally, with tears in her eyes, Lila kissed them both on their foreheads. "Run, and don't look back. Go to Uncle Mike. He'll know what to do."
Michael took Thea's hand, his heart pounding in his chest. They bolted out the back door, disappearing into the night.
As the door closed behind them, Emmett and Lila stood side by side, ready to face the approaching danger. Emmett tightened his grip on his dagger, while Lila picked up a heavy iron poker from the fireplace. The knocking stopped.
The door burst open.
They were ready.