Traces

I push myself to my feet, cradling Grape against my chest, and make my way back toward the village, determination blazing through me like wildfire. My mind races with possibilities and plans, each more desperate than the last, but I know one thing for certain: we need answers, and we need them now.

As I enter the village clearing, I spot Roman in the middle of an interrogation, politely questioning an elderly couple. His approach has clearly yielded nothing useful. It's time to change tactics. 

"Roman, that's enough," I call out, my voice hard and commanding. "Bring the village head. We're done playing nice."