They sit in silence for a moment before Amber speaks up.

  “You have two degrees?”

  Kane gives her a sideways glance. “That’s what you took from all that? Anyway… I’m guessing your wounds healed before you got home.”

  Mellisa nods, her expression clouded. “Yeah. That’s why I never told anyone. It’s not… possible. How did you know?”

  Kane exhales sharply. “Because we heal abnormally fast too. At least, while we’re here.”

  She studies him, conflicted. “This is all impossible. But… I knew something was off. Aster became a recluse while we were both gone. I tried to get into the house, but his servants turned me away. They were… strange.”

  Kane frowns. “Servants? Oh… yeah, I guess he had some. I don’t really remember them.”

  Mellisa leans forward, eyes sharp. “That’s the issue! They’re like blank slates—emotionless, unnatural.”

  Kane follows her train of thought. “…Just like the townsfolk.” His expression darkens. “So whatever was happening with the staff back then is happening to the town now… Now that I think about it, we didn’t see any staff when we were at the mansion… So many missing pieces.”

  Amber sighs loudly. “Okay, so nothing makes sense. What’s the plan? The car’s probably trashed—tires popped or something—so we’re stuck for now.”

  Mellisa crosses her arms. “Popped tires aren’t hard to fix. I can get it repaired myself. The villagers won’t bother me much, and if I hide the car afterward, they’ll probably just forget about it.”

  Kane pulls out his notebook. “Right. While you do that, we should stock up on supplies. Is it… wrong if we take them?”

  Mellisa sighs. “We can’t take everything. Don’t forget about the kids. They’re still going about their lives like normal, but if the parents don’t have food, they probably just won’t feed them. It’s like they’re running on autopilot. No supplies means no meals. The adults don’t even eat anymore.”

  Kane scribbles in his notebook. “Should we get the kids somewhere safe? If we can gather lumber, fix up the guest house, we could keep them there. How many are there?”

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  “Just eight,” Mellisa says. “But there’s no way you’ll haul that much lumber with your car. It’s not built for it.”

  Amber cuts in. “Then let’s steal one of the bigger trucks. You know some mechanics, don’t you?”

  Mellisa gives her a sharp look. “You’re still a kid in this.”

  Amber glares. “I’m not a kid. I can handle myself. Hell, I’m smaller and faster than both of you. While one of you get the truck, I can get to the kids and bring them back, easy.”

  Mellisa opens her mouth to argue, but Kane interjects. “Just let her do it, Mellisa. She’s more capable than she looks. Plus, we don’t really have another choice.”

  Mellisa exhales, rubbing her temple. “Fine. But no detours—get them and come straight back.”

  Amber smirks, throwing a lazy salute. “Yes, Commander Mel.”

  Mellisa glares before turning back to Kane. “If you’re going after a truck, be careful. The woodsman owned one. He lived on the edge of town, but it’s too far out for me to check. Should be across the road from the baker. Hidden in the tree line, the road's overgrown. He was tough before all this. No telling what he’s like now.”

  Kane nods. “I know it’s risky, but I need to be the one to go. If I’m right, there’s a cell tower nearby—I might be able to get a signal.”

  Mellisa frowns. “Calling the cops? I thought about it, but the phone lines were cut.”

  Amber snickers. “Nope. He’s calling his city boy from up north.”

  Before Mellisa can snap, Kane quickly explains, “He’s a paranormal investigator. Combat trained. We need more people.”

  She exhales, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Feels like a lot is happening without me. But fine. Kane, you get the truck. Amber, gather the kids. I’ll fix up the car and stash it in town.”

  Amber grins. “Damn, your military training is showing.”

  Mellisa shakes her head and moves toward the door. “Stay low, stick to the edges of town. They only got us before because we drew too much attention at once. They react in a chain—one notices, then the rest follow. As long as you stay unseen, you’ll be fine.”

  Kane and Amber nod. With that, they split up.

  Mellisa’s POV

  She walks through the quiet streets, boots scuffing against the cracked pavement. The town is eerily lifeless. The villagers wander aimlessly, not speaking, not reacting. They don’t even acknowledge her.

  Guilt gnaws at her.

  She forces herself forward.

  At the edge of town, she spots Kane’s car. A small group of villagers lingers around it, staring. Blank, unblinking.

  She approaches cautiously, keeping her voice steady as she coaxes them away. They don’t resist, just… drift off. As if they were never there at all.

  Her stomach twists, but she shoves the feeling down.

  Sliding into the driver’s seat, she starts the engine and carefully maneuvers toward the local mechanic’s shop. She goes slow, sticking to the alleyways, avoiding too much sight.

  Like she thought, just some broken windows and the tires are popped. The tires are fully ruined, but luckily there’s still some tires left around which haven’t been torn apart for spares.

  The villagers are easy enough to disperse. All that’s left is the repairs. Time to get to work.