Chapter 270: Realize The Truth
They reached the next house on the list. It had a sturdier structure, weathered but still well-maintained despite the fire a few days ago. A low wooden fence surrounded it, and a tangle of herbs grew in the garden, the only sign of life in an otherwise grim path.
Olivia stepped forward again, raising her hand to knock.
This time, the door creaked open before she could. A hunched old man stood in the doorway, leaning heavily on a cane. His eyes were cloudy but sharp, and the moment he saw them, especially Olivia, his brows furrowed.
"I know why you are here," he said, voice raspy but steady. "You are looking for answers about that night."
Looking at their surprised faces, he added. "My younger son was there when you went to the chief house. He works there. When he heard his brother’s name. He came to inform me about that. Come."
Olivia inclined her head. "We are. We were told your son was among the group involved. Can you tell us how he died? " The man hesitated for a bit but in the end, he sighed and shook his head.
The man’s lips thinned. "Yes, He was there. But that night, he didn’t die, though the village thinks he did. He should have, maybe." His gaze turned hollow. "But if it was his face that he didn’t."
Damon narrowed his eyes. "Then where is he? And why did you lie about his death?"
The old man stepped aside and pointed toward the back of the house. "He lives here, but he doesn’t leave his room, Not anymore. His face, his body was burnt beyond recognition. Fire didn’t just take his skin, it took his voice, his pride, and maybe his soul. We are just dragging a living who is worse than dead." The man closed his eyes as if it would hide his agony but his voice showed it well.