Midnight Whispers

Aurora's eyes fluttered open to the sound of raised voices drifting through the cottage walls. Her uncle's deep tone mixed with unfamiliar gruff ones in heated conversation.

"She's just a child," Uncle Marcus said firmly. "I won't let you take her."

"The arrangements have been made," a stranger replied. "The other village has better resources. She'll be safer there."

"Safer? Or more convenient for your purposes?"

Aurora slipped from her bed and peered around the doorframe. Three men in dark coats stood in their cozy living room, their faces stern and unsmiling. Uncle Marcus blocked their path, his shoulders squared protectively.

"We leave at dawn," the tallest man declared.

"Over my dead body."

Aurora's heart hammered. Take her where? Why did these men want her? She'd never seen them before in the village.

The strangers exchanged meaningful glances before the leader stepped forward. "This isn't negotiable, Marcus."

Uncle Marcus's jaw tightened as he noticed Aurora watching from the shadows.

Midnight Escape

"Aurora!" Uncle Marcus whispered urgently, motioning her toward the back door. "We need to leave. Now."

She grabbed her sneakers as the men's voices grew louder in the living room. Uncle Marcus snatched a small backpack from the kitchen counter and shouldered it quickly.

They slipped outside into the cool night air. The village lay sleeping under a blanket of stars, cobblestone paths gleaming in the moonlight. Uncle Marcus led her past Mrs. Chen's bakery, where the scent of tomorrow's bread already filled the air.

"Where are we going?" Aurora asked, her breath visible in small puffs.

"Somewhere safe," he replied, checking over his shoulder.

They climbed a winding path into the hills beyond the village. Aurora's legs burned as they hiked higher, leaving the twinkling cottage lights far below. After what felt like hours, a small wooden cabin appeared between the pine trees.

Uncle Marcus fumbled with an old brass key. Inside, the cabin smelled of dust and cedar. He lit an oil lamp, casting dancing shadows on the walls.

"I'm sorry, Aurora," he said, securing the heavy wooden door with multiple locks. "But this is the only way to keep you safe."