Kaelen’s POV

The morning came slow and dim. Even underground, the light found its way in through cracks above the cavern ceiling, dusting the hidden village in a strange, golden haze. It should have been peaceful.

But it wasn’t.

Something about this place felt wrong.

The villagers moved quietly, too quietly — no chatter, no laughter, just the low shuffle of feet and the occasional clink of metal. Their faces were pale, eyes hollow. They avoided our gazes, slipping back into ...