Aurora would have loved nothing more than to turn around, walk back to her cave, and sleep.
Unfortunately, that was no longer an option.
Not when nearly the entire tribe stood gathered around the burned storage cave looking at her as though the word 'culprit' had been carved directly onto her forehead.
The night air still smelled heavily of smoke and ash. Exhausted beastmen stood scattered everywhere, their bodies damp from hauling water endlessly while soot covered their hands and clothes. And every few seconds, another pair of suspicious eyes shifted toward Aurora.
She remained standing near the cave entrance silently for several moments, making absolutely certain the flames would not reignite again. Only then did she finally turn around fully toward the gathered crowd.
Her gaze swept slowly across the tribe. Fear, anger, accusation, distrust - she saw all of it clearly reflected in their faces.
