MOONBOUND

Silent echoes

The firelight flickered against the walls, casting long, dancing shadows that seemed to whisper secrets in the dark. Amelia sat close to the flames, the warmth barely touching the chill that had settled deep in her bones. The recent battle with the rogues had left everyone on edge, and now, as they gathered to plan their next move, the tension in the air was palpable.

The seer, who had been silent since their return, suddenly stirred. Her eyes, clouded with visions, found Amelia's. - I need to speak with you and Marcus, alone. There's something you must know.

Amelia nodded, rising from her seat and motioning for Marcus to follow. They moved to a quieter corner of the shelter, the seer's presence lending an air of gravity to the moment.

- What is it? - Amelia asked, her voice low and urgent.

The seer's voice was a soft murmur, barely above a whisper. - I have seen a new vision. Silent echoes... whispers of betrayal from within our own ranks.

Marcus frowned, his eyes narrowing. - Betrayal? Who would do such a thing? We're all fighting for the same cause.

- Trust is fragile - the seer replied, her gaze distant. - And suspicion can destroy us from within. You must tread carefully and watch for signs.

As the seer's words sank in, Amelia felt a knot of unease tighten in her stomach. They couldn't afford to be divided, not when the darkness was looming so close. Returning to the group, she and Marcus exchanged a silent agreement to keep a closer eye on everyone.

As the evening wore on, Amelia found herself observing her companions more closely. Lila, who had been instrumental in guiding them to the fortress, seemed unusually quiet and avoided eye contact. Derek, normally talkative, sat in silence, his eyes downcast. The subtle changes in behavior set off alarm bells in Amelia's mind.

- Have you noticed how Lila has been avoiding eye contact? - Amelia whispered to Marcus, her voice barely audible.

- And Derek seems unusually quiet - Marcus agreed. - We can't jump to conclusions, but we need to be vigilant.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of rustling outside the shelter. A figure emerged from the shadows, stepping cautiously into the light of the fire. He was a tall man with weathered features and piercing eyes, his clothes torn and dirty from the journey.

- Who are you? - Amelia demanded, stepping forward with a mix of caution and curiosity.

- My name is Alaric - the stranger replied, his voice steady. - I come with warnings and knowledge of the darkness you face.

Evelyn, her eyes narrowed with suspicion, moved to Amelia's side. - How can we trust you? You could be leading us into a trap.

Amelia raised a hand to silence her friend. - Let's hear him out. We need all the information we can get.

Alaric nodded, his gaze sweeping over the group. - The darkness you face is ancient, driven by a force that seeks to consume all light. I've seen its effects firsthand. It corrupts and destroys everything in its path.

- If you're telling the truth, we need to know how to fight it - Marcus said, his voice calm but firm. - What do you suggest?

- There are others who resist - Alaric explained. - Find them, and you might stand a chance. United, you can push back against the darkness.

The group listened intently, weighing Alaric's words. The information was invaluable, but trust was not easily given.

- We'll consider your advice - Amelia said, her tone measured. - But you'll need to stay here with us for now. We can't risk you leaving and sharing what you know with our enemies.