Ace's POV
The village glowed softly under the fading daylight, lanterns flickering to life in windows and shopfronts. The streets lay unusually quiet, the absence of villagers making the air feel thick with anticipation.
I reached into the plastic bag, the scent of warm pan de coco and smoky grilled corn filling the confined space of the wagon. "Here," I said, pulling out a piece of each before passing the plastic bag to Ray. "This should hold us over until we're done."
Ray's face brightened as he accepted the offering, his fingers brushing against mine. "Perfect timing," he said, already tearing into the bread. "I was starting to feel that hunger gnawing at me." He handed the remaining food to Chief Gareth with a satisfied grin.
"Thanks," Chief Gareth murmured, his smile warm as he accepted the plastic bag. The golden light from the passing houses played across his weathered face.
