Jolt of sadness

We rush toward the town, spurring our horses faster as the urgency grips me. The teenage girl's words echo in my mind—those men in guard attire had come, dragged Noelle, Mona, and Ben away without mercy, tearing them from the life they had built here. The villagers were threatened into silence, their fear palpable, and my blood boils at the thought of it. Who could do something so vile, so cold-hearted?

I have a suspicion. I can feel it in my gut—the person behind this is the same one who burned down the Church of Elaris, wasting my time and my efforts for over a year. It all points back to them. I don't know who they are, not yet.

The fury builds within me, and all I can think about is finding this bastard, this coward who hides behind guards and shadows. I won't rest until I do. They've taken too much already. Noelle, Mona, and Ben—none of them deserve this, and neither will I.

I don't know who you are, I think, clenching my jaw. But I'm going to find you.