The air outside was crisp, but Riku barely noticed. His thoughts kept circling back to Berk.
That guy was hiding something.
The way he twitched when Eve mentioned the attacks. The forced calmness. And Elise—her smile. It wasn't relief. It was like she knew something they didn't.
Riku stuffed his hands in his pockets, lagging slightly behind Mira and Eve as they walked. He needed to think.
"You're quiet," Eve noted, glancing at him. "Finally taking this seriously?"
Riku smirked. "Maybe I just don't like being lied to."
Eve frowned. "What?"
"That guy—Berk." Riku nodded back toward the house. "Something about him stinks."
Mira stretched her arms, rolling her shoulders. "Yeah, 'cause he got attacked by a werewolf."
Riku ignored her. "Think about it. He survived a werewolf attack with nothing but scratches? Meanwhile, every other victim has been torn apart?"
Eve paused mid-step. "...That is strange."
Mira scratched her head. "Maybe it went easy on him?"
Riku snorted. "Yeah, sure. A bloodthirsty werewolf attacks people every night but conveniently leaves him alive?" He glanced at Eve. "You really buying that?"
Eve's brows furrowed. "You think he's lying?"
"I know he's lying." Riku's voice was firm.
Mira groaned. "Okay, fine. Let's say you're right. Why would he lie about it?"
Riku tapped his temple. "That's what I'm trying to figure out."
Eve folded her arms. "What's your theory?"
Riku exhaled. He had a few ideas—none of them good.
"Either he knows the werewolf personally… or he is the werewolf."
Silence.
Mira stared. "...What."
Eve shot him a look. "That's a stretch."
Riku shrugged. "Not really. The attacks only happen at night, right? What if this guy turns back into a human when the sun comes up?"
Eve still looked doubtful, but her fingers twitched at her side—she was considering it.
Mira, however, laughed. "So, what? You think we just had tea with the werewolf and didn't notice?"
Riku smirked. "Maybe. Or maybe he's just a really good liar."
Mira blinked, then frowned. "...Wait. If you're right—"
"—Then we just left the werewolf alone in his house," Riku finished.
The thought sent a chill through them.
Eve tensed. "We should go back."
Riku shook his head. "Too risky. If he's smart, he'll play innocent. If he's not, he'll run. Either way, we need proof."
Mira cracked her knuckles. "So what's the plan?"
Riku smirked. "Simple. We don't chase the beast." His eyes glinted. "We wait for the beast to come to us."
To Be Continued…