Before long, the source of the scent hurtles towards us from the distance. We brace ourselves, assuming defensive postures, prepared for whatever may approach. However, our guards drop instantly as a little wolf girl rushes into our open arms, seeking solace.

"I was so scared, mom... I lost Akio... then I got lost myself. I didn't know how to find my way back to the village," she sobs, her distress evident.

Comfort overrides any hint of anger we might have felt towards her for leaving the safety of the village. 

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm here now," I reassure her, enfolding her in a warm embrace. Farkas joins us, completing the circle of affection, creating a united front. Once Ilva's trembling subsides, we guide her back to our home. After confirming that the village is secure, we take the opportunity to admonish Ilva for venturing into the forest and bringing Akio along with her.

(One hour later)

"So, there was truly nothing in the crater?" Farkas asks, seeking confirmation.

"Nope, not a single thing. It's quite strange how something of that magnitude could simply vanish," I respond, perplexed.

"What's our next move?" Farkas queries, his gaze sweeping across the room. Silence hangs heavy in the air until I interject.

"Perhaps we should invite the last member of our party to join us here in Tarrin-"

"No, that won't work. We have no idea where he is now," Farkas interjects, cutting off Rohan before he can complete his thought.

"Well then, what do we do?" I pose the question this time.

"We continue doing what we've been doing and hope that the frequency of monster appearances diminishes," Farkas suggest, the weight of responsibility settling upon us.

There is nothing more to be said. We cannot simply abandon our promise to protect these people. All we can do is hope that we don't become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work that lies ahead.

***

My head spins, disoriented by the jumble of memories. The last thing I recall is devouring the heart and hearing a voice. Where am I now? Glancing around, I realize I'm in my own bed. I leap to my feet and descend the stairs, entering the spacious living room with its cozy fireplace and the kitchen occupying the rest of the ground floor. The bedrooms, including mine, are located upstairs. We have three bedrooms and a single bathroom on the upper level. As I descend the stairs, I sense the weight of gazes piercing through me. I turn my head and notice my parents and my aunt and uncles seated at the dining table.

"Hello," I manage to utter, striving to maintain politeness.

"Come here, son," my father beckons, and I approach the table, noticing Ilva sitting in the living room. Taking a seat, I await my father's question.

"What was in the crater?"