The Feast of Fears

The Aftermath

Maya stood panting, her eyes scanning the forest for any sign of the Devour. But it was gone, vanished into the shadows. She knew that it would return, and next time, she would be ready.

As she turned to leave the clearing, she saw that her friends and companions were slowly coming back to themselves. Their eyes were still glazed over, but they seemed to be regaining their senses.

Maya approached them cautiously, not wanting to startle them. She gently shook each of them, trying to bring them back to reality.

One by one, they stirred, their faces confused and disoriented. Maya helped them to their feet, and together they stumbled back to the village.

The villagers were shocked by what they saw. Maya's friends and companions were covered in strange symbols, their eyes still glassy from the Devour's influence.

The elder of the village, a wise old man named Kael, took charge. He began to examine the symbols, his eyes narrowing as he searched for answers.

"It is clear that the Devour has been awakened," he said grimly. "And it will not rest until it has consumed all in its path."

Maya felt a surge of determination. She knew that she had to find a way to stop the Devour once and for all.

"I have a plan," she said, her voice firm. "We can gather a group of warriors and hunt it down. We can't let it destroy our village."

Kael looked at her with a mixture of sadness and admiration. "You are a brave one, Maya," he said. "But I fear it may be too late. The Devour is too powerful, and we are too weak."

Maya refused to give up. She knew that they had to try, no matter the cost.

"I'll do whatever it takes," she said, her voice resolute. "I'll find a way to stop the Devour and save our village."

Kael nodded, a small smile on his face. "Then let us begin," he said.