The village was quiet, unnervingly so. The houses stood close together, their windows dark, shutters closed as if shielding their occupants from the horrors outside.
Mira stretched her arms, glancing around. "So where exactly was this thing last seen?"
Eve flipped open her notebook, scanning her notes. "Reports say the werewolf attacked near the farmlands last night. But there's no pattern—it's unpredictable."
Riku sighed, hands in his pockets. "Yeah, yeah, but… it's daytime right now. No way it's still running around."
Eve shot him a sharp look. "Then explain the blood trail we just found."
Riku shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe someone just had a bad fall?"
Before he could argue further, Mira suddenly stopped. "Guys. Over there."
Slumped against the base of a tree was a man, his body bloodied, his breathing shallow. His clothes were torn, his arms covered in long, deep gashes. His face twisted in pain as he let out a weak groan.
Eve rushed forward. "He's alive!"
Riku narrowed his eyes. Something felt off.
Mira crouched beside Eve. "What do we do?"
"Carry him," Eve ordered. "We need to get him somewhere safe."
Mira nodded, carefully lifting the man onto her back. "Damn, he's heavy."
Riku stayed where he was, arms crossed. "Guys. Again. Daytime. Werewolves don't attack during the day."
Eve shot him an annoyed glare. "And? What's your point?"
"My point is that this doesn't make sense."
But Eve ignored him. "We're wasting time. Let's go."
Riku exhaled sharply but followed, muttering under his breath. "Yeah, sure, don't listen to the tracker."
The Man's House – Unease Sets In
The wounded man guided them through the village streets, his steps uneven but determined.
Eve helped him inside as Mira set him down gently. The interior of the house was dimly lit, simple, yet well-kept. The scent of herbs lingered in the air, mixing with the faint metallic tang of blood.
As Eve worked, carefully treating his wounds, she asked, "What happened? Were you attacked by the werewolf?"
The man inhaled shakily. "Yes… I—I was on my way back from the fields when I heard something behind me. It—it was massive. Claws, fangs—it tore through me before I could react."
Mira frowned. "You're lucky to be alive."
Riku leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching the man closely. There was something wrong.
His wounds were deep—but not fresh. The blood had already dried in some places.
Then—his gaze shifted around the house. A few small decorations, wooden carvings, a shelf of books… and then, a framed portrait.
A woman's picture.
Riku tilted his head. Something about her seemed familiar.
Then—a hand clapped onto his shoulder.
"Excuse me," a soft voice said behind him.
Riku turned, his body tensing slightly.
A woman stood before him, worry written across her face. "I heard someone say that Berk was hurt. Can you guide me to him?"
Riku blinked. "Berk?"
The woman nodded. "Yes, my fiancé. He should be home by now."
Riku's breath stilled.
Berk.
To Be Continued…