Chapter 32: A Den Of Vipers?
It was Hook!
Lara’s breath hitched as her eyes locked on him. Her pulse quickened, a storm of disbelief surging through her veins. How could it be him? Of all people? Was this village nothing more than a front for human traffickers? Her mind raced, her stomach knotting in suspicion.
"Sir Kane, are you alright?" Abel’s voice cut through the haze, his eyes narrowing as he caught the flicker of shock on Lara’s otherwise composed face.
Hook’s frown deepened, but then, as if flipping a switch, his lips curved into a warm, practiced smile.
"So, this is the brave soldier you mentioned? Welcome to our village, Mister Kane. And thank you for saving the boy." His hand extended for a handshake, his demeanor disarmingly kind.
Lara hesitated but knew she had no choice. She clasped his hand, her grip firm despite the unease crawling up her spine.
Abel interjected, "Sir Kane, this is Chieftain Demetrio. He arrived two years ago, just after most of the men here were sent to the war. When bandits attacked our village and killed the former chieftain, he saved us, driving them off. He is the nephew of the late chieftain."
Lara’s brows knitted, her instincts screaming. Something didn’t sit right. Yet she kept her expression neutral, her thoughts guarded.
Demitrio glanced at her, sensing some unspoken tension but brushing it aside. "Mister Kane, we should hurry to town—it’s getting late. Only a few shops will still be open."