Chapter 265: A Curse

"Everything started last year," Lord Onel began. "At first, we thought a demon had taken them. The first to disappear was young Elara," Lord Onel recounted, his eyes distant, lost in the memories. "A gentle soul, known for her kindness and radiant smile. She vanished one misty morning without a trace, leaving her family in despair. We searched high and low, but the forest swallowed her like a secret."

"Then, a fortnight later, another young woman, Alina, disappeared," Lord Onel continued.

"As the weeks passed, the disappearances escalated. Mothers, daughters, sisters—all seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving behind a lingering dread. Even children started vanishing," Lord Onel continued.