The narrow gorge eventually opened into a vast, snow-covered valley. Nestled against the mountains was a small village, its rooftops blanketed in frost and smoke rising lazily from chimneys.
Kael squinted at the settlement. "Finally, a bit of civilization. I could use a warm meal and a bed."
Lyra studied the village cautiously. "We should be careful. If the Whisperer's corruption reached that beast, it could have touched this place too."
Seris nodded. "Agreed. Stay alert, but don't look threatening. We don't need to cause panic."
Amara clutched the pendant under her cloak, its glow faint but persistent. "Let's hope we can rest without trouble."
---
A Warm Welcome
As they entered the village, curious eyes peered from frosted windows. The streets were quiet, save for the crunch of snow beneath their boots. Despite the cold, the villagers appeared friendly, offering cautious nods and polite smiles.
An older man, bundled in thick furs, approached them. His weathered face broke into a warm smile. "Travelers! It's rare to see outsiders in these parts. Welcome to Frosthaven."
Kael returned the smile. "Thanks. We're just passing through, but we could use some food and supplies."
The man nodded. "Of course. The innkeeper will take care of you. It's the large building at the center of the village. Just follow the lanterns."
Lyra leaned toward Seris as they walked. "Seems peaceful enough. Maybe we got lucky."
Seris frowned. "Maybe."
---
The Frosted Hearth
The inn, aptly named the Frosted Hearth, was a cozy haven from the cold. A roaring fire crackled in the hearth, and the scent of stew and freshly baked bread filled the air.
The innkeeper, a stout woman with a friendly demeanor, greeted them warmly. "Come in, come in! You look half-frozen. Sit by the fire, and I'll bring you something to warm up."
As they settled around a table, Kael sighed contentedly. "This almost makes me forget about the monster trying to kill us earlier."
Lyra smirked. "Almost."
Amara couldn't help but relax slightly, though the pendant's faint hum reminded her of their mission.
---
Unspoken Tensions
As they ate, a few villagers approached, curious but cautious. A young boy tugged on Amara's sleeve. "Are you adventurers? Have you fought monsters?"
Amara hesitated, then smiled. "Something like that."
The boy's eyes widened. "Wow! Did you come to help us with the disappearances?"
The room fell silent. The villagers exchanged uneasy glances, and the innkeeper's cheerful expression faltered.
Seris leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "Disappearances?"
The innkeeper sighed, wringing her hands. "It's probably nothing. Just some of the hunters who went into the woods and didn't come back. Could be the cold, or wolves..."
Kael frowned. "Or something worse."
---
A Request for Help
The older man who had greeted them earlier entered the inn, his expression grim. "You're not ordinary travelers, are you? You carry yourselves like warriors."
Seris met his gaze. "We've seen our share of battles. Why?"
He hesitated, then said, "If you're willing, we could use your help. Something's been stalking the woods at night. People vanish, and those who return… they're not the same."
Amara felt a chill that had nothing to do with the cold. "What do you mean?"
The man's voice dropped to a whisper. "They speak of shadows that whisper in the dark. Their eyes glow red, and they talk of serving someone called the Whisperer."
The group exchanged uneasy looks.
Seris stood, her hand resting on her blade. "We'll look into it."
Kael groaned. "Can't we have one peaceful night?"
Lyra smirked. "Not in this lifetime."
---
Into the Woods
As night fell, the group prepared to investigate the woods. The villagers watched from their homes, their fear palpable.
The pendant's light glowed faintly, as if responding to the danger ahead.
Amara tightened her cloak. "If the Whisperer's influence is here, we need to stop it before it spreads."
Seris nodded. "Stay sharp. Whatever's out there, it won't be easy to face."
With weapons drawn and nerves steeled, the group stepped into the dark forest, the shadows closing in around them.
---
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