Silence returned to the clearing little by little, as if the forest reclaimed the space after combat's brief intrusion. The flames remained stable, though lower. The group stayed alert, but initial tension dissipated with each second without movement among the trees.
Gerald didn't let himself fall completely this time. He remained seated on the rock's edge, leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees. His eyes weren't on the fire, but beyond, in the darkness.
Something didn't fit.
He adjusted his glasses with an automatic gesture.
"This... wasn't an isolated attack."
Marlon raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Gerald took a second to respond. His mind ordered the pieces.
"There were too many for a single small group... and they retreated too soon."
Lyria crossed her arms.
"Are you saying that...?"
"That there might be more camps under attack."
Silence fell again, this time heavier.
Bīng Xuě tilted his head, interested.
"Then let's go."
