KAEL’S POV
The village was in complete ruin when I arrived. Smoke lingered in the air, curling through what remained. The fire had burned itself out hours ago, leaving behind scorched woods and a collapsed roof.
Villagers gathered when they sensed me, their eyes filled with horror and their bodies trembling with fear. Some dropped to their knees. Others clutched each other as if letting go would mean losing what little remained.
A man clutched a burned doorway; he was badly burned. The pack healer rushed to attend to the injured.
A woman staggered forward, her clothes torn, ash smeared across her face. Her hands shook as she grabbed my arm, gripping it like it was the last thing keeping her upright.
“They took them, “She whispered. Her voice cracked as she spoke. “They took our chil
