The sky gradually darkened, the last light retreating completely behind the distant line of coconut trees. The evening sea breeze carried a touch of dampness, making the flames in the fire pit flicker. Everyone sat in a circle around the golden light, hastily eating the day’s remaining food in silence. No one said it out loud, but they all knew, until the leopard was dealt with, there would be no peace.
Ethan swallowed the last bite of dried meat, lifted his gaze around the group, and spoke in a low but decisive voice: “Starting tonight, we’ll take turns keeping watch. Each shift will have two to three people, with both men and women required. Four hours per shift, rotating continuously. I’ll stay up the whole night.”
Eric frowned, leaning against one of the shelter posts, his eyes fille
