The storm had passed by the time Brison and Kate stepped out of the council chamber, leaving Eldermoor blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. The tension from the meeting still clung to the air, but the villagers were bustling about, preparing for the annual Festival of Lights.
Eldermoor was never more alive than during the festival. Colorful lanterns were strung across rooftops, casting warm glows that danced against the icy stone walls. Children chased each other through the snow, their laughter echoing through the narrow streets. Despite the ever-present threat of the mountains, the festival was a time for joy, a reminder of the village's resilience.
Brison walked beside Kate, sensing her unease. She clutched the amulet beneath her cloak, her fingers constantly brushing against it.
"Are they always like this?" she asked, her voice low.
"They're scared," Brison admitted. "They've seen too much. But the festival… it's their way of holding onto hope."
Kate glanced at the glowing lanterns. "It's beautiful."
Brison smiled faintly. "You should see it at night. The whole village lights up like the stars."
As they passed the square, several villagers eyed them warily. Whispers followed their steps, and Kate tightened her grip on the amulet. Brison placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Ignore them," he said. "They'll come around."
"Will they?" Kate asked, her voice tinged with doubt.
Before Brison could respond, a group of children ran up to them, their eyes wide with curiosity.
"Is she the woman from the mountains?" one of them asked, pointing at Kate.
"Does she have magic?" another whispered, tugging at Brison's sleeve.
Brison crouched down, his tone light. "She's just tired from her journey. Why don't you all go help with the lanterns?"
The children hesitated, then scampered off, giggling. Kate watched them go, her expression softening.
"You're good with them," she said.
Brison shrugged. "They remind me that not everything here is broken."
The square was bustling with activity as villagers prepared for the evening's celebrations. Long tables were being set up, laden with food and drink. Musicians tuned their instruments, and elders told stories to groups of wide-eyed children. The air was filled with the scent of spiced cider and roasted meat.
Brison led Kate to a quieter corner, away from the prying eyes of the crowd. "You'll be safe here for now," he said.
Kate nodded, but her gaze was distant. "I don't think I've ever seen anything like this."
"You don't remember festivals where you're from?"
She hesitated. "I don't remember much of anything. Just fragments—flashes of places, faces. None of it makes sense."
Brison studied her, trying to imagine what it must feel like to have no past, no anchor to hold onto. "You'll figure it out," he said. "And until you do, you're not alone."
Kate met his eyes, a flicker of gratitude passing over her face. "Thank you, Brison. For everything."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the festival began in earnest. Lanterns were lit one by one, their warm glow spreading across the village. Music filled the air, and villagers gathered in the square to dance and feast. For a moment, the weight of the mountains seemed to lift, replaced by a rare sense of joy.
Brison tried to enjoy the festivities, but his thoughts kept drifting to Kate. She stood on the edge of the square, her face illuminated by the lanterns' light. She looked almost serene, yet her hand never strayed far from the amulet.
Suddenly, a chill ran down Brison's spine. The music seemed to falter, and the air grew heavier. He scanned the square, his hunter's instincts kicking in. Something was wrong.
Kate stiffened beside him, her gray eyes wide. "Do you feel that?"
Brison nodded, his hand moving to the knife at his belt. The lanterns flickered, their light dimming as shadows crept along the edges of the square. The villagers, too caught up in their revelry, didn't notice.
"Stay close," Brison whispered, positioning himself between Kate and the growing darkness.
A low, guttural growl echoed through the square, freezing Brison in place. He turned toward the sound, his heart pounding. Emerging from the shadows was a creature unlike anything he'd ever seen—its form shifting and writhing, as if made of living darkness. Its eyes glowed red, and its jagged claws gleamed in the faint light.
The festival erupted into chaos. Villagers screamed and scattered, knocking over tables and lanterns in their desperation to flee. Brison drew his knife, but the blade felt pitifully small against the hulking shadow beast.
Kate clutched the amulet, her breathing ragged. The glow of the stone intensified, casting a faint halo of light around her.
"Brison," she said, her voice trembling. "I think I can stop it."
"What?" Brison glanced at her in disbelief.
"The amulet—it's reacting to them," Kate said. "I can feel it."
Brison hesitated, torn between protecting her and trusting her instincts. The shadow beast lunged, and Brison barely dodged its claws.
"Do it!" he shouted, keeping the creature's attention on him.
Kate closed her eyes, clutching the amulet tightly. Its light grew brighter, pushing back the darkness. The shadow beast roared in fury, its form unraveling under the amulet's radiance.
The villagers watched in awe as the beast dissolved into wisps of smoke, vanishing into the night. The square fell silent, save for the crackling of fallen lanterns.
Brison turned to Kate, who was swaying on her feet, the amulet's light fading. He caught her before she collapsed, her breathing shallow.
"You did it," he said, his voice full of wonder.
Kate opened her eyes weakly. "I didn't know I could…"
"You saved us," Brison said firmly.
The villagers began to gather, their faces a mix of fear and awe. Elthar pushed his way through the crowd, his expression grim.
"The shadows have found us," he said. "And they will return."
Brison held Kate close, his resolve hardening. "Then we'll be ready."