Novels by Anelle K.

Heinrich lowered himself and checked the boy’s pulse. From that, he confirmed that there was no life left in the child.“Rest in peace, kid,” Heinrich said softly and deeply, brushing the boy’s face until his eyes closed.For a brief moment, Heinrich’s gaze fell on the boy’s shirt pocket. A corner of paper was sticking out. Curious, he took the paper, but did not open it right away because he did not want to spend too much time there.“Forgive me, kid. I have to go.” Heinrich stood up and turned away from the place. Big trouble would follow if the villagers caught him there. Especially since just that afternoon they had lost Hagen, who was killed by a mysterious shooter.Heinrich hurried out of the church. He walked fast, but still perfectly measured. There was no hesitation, even though his emotions were in turmoil.The village road was empty. Silent.As he kept walking toward the inn, Heinrich thought hard. “Why was that child

Heinrich stepped calmly, but very carefully. His gaze was measured and his hearing sharp. Every small movement that seemed suspicious was immediately caught by his senses. Including when a shadow flickered to the side of the church building, among the adult-height plants growing thickly.Heinrich froze. His hand reflexively went inside his jacket, reaching for the pistol hidden there. In a split second, he ran toward the church entrance, then stood behind a wall forming a recess.The man with hair starting to touch his shoulders pressed his body against the wall. Heinrich looked out, trying to catch a shadow from the reflection of a small light outside the church.Heinrich noticed subtle movements. Steps arranged deliberately. Slowly approaching, but not revealing a clear shadow. And it made him raise his eyebrows in thought.However, there was no time to guess, since the mysterious movement was getting closer. Heinrich moved reflexively, grabbing

Heinrich stared at the light brown–haired boy. He stepped closer, then lowered himself in front of him. Moments later, Heinrich’s gaze shifted to the slip of paper the boy was holding.“What is that?” Heinrich asked.The boy did not answer. He only looked at Heinrich with a strange expression.“Did someone tell you to—” Heinrich had not finished his sentence when Solveig arrived, still grumbling as she walked.The boy quickly folded the paper, slipped it into the pocket of his trousers, then ran toward the main room. He did not seem frightened by the sight of Hagen’s blood-soaked corpse. Instead, the boy stood still, staring at the body of the middle-aged man. His eyes observed it closely, as if searching for something interesting.Several men came in with Solveig. One of them was Jonas, who appeared with a questioning look in his eyes.“Get the body out of my house at once. Not because I don’t respect the dead, but because I don

People hurried into their homes, leaving Heinrich and Hagen standing in the middle of the now-deserted road.Hagen immediately prepared to shoot. His body turned as he searched for the direction of the mysterious sniper, while Heinrich remained half-kneeling. He showed no sign of panic, let alone fear.“Give me your rifle, then find cover,” Heinrich said without looking back.“Don’t talk too much. I won’t trust a stranger,” Hagen refused firmly.Heinrich had no time to respond. A second shot was suddenly fired and hit Hagen’s hand, forcing him to reflexively drop the rifle he was holding.“Argh!” Hagen groaned softly, holding his wrist as he tried to endure the pain. Fresh blood flowed from between the bones of his fingers where the bullet had struck.Heinrich took advantage of the moment. He rose and picked up the rifle lying on the ground. Without saying much, he pulled Hagen toward the nearest house. Heinrich did not negotiate

Heinrich folded the paper covered in symbols he did not understand, then stepped toward the building across the road. He stood there for a moment before glancing back at the boy, who had already run off to who knew where.Heinrich drew a deep breath and moved closer to the door. He did not expect any surprises, not when his body was still far from fully recovered.The door opened slowly. Heinrich stepped inside. The small building lacked proper lighting, leaving the interior dim, even though it was already past midday.He advanced carefully. Not only his eyes and ears were alert, but his instincts as well. In a situation like this, he could not afford to let his guard down for even a second.His steps stopped in the middle of the room, where a small wooden table stood. On top of it sat a calling radio, the same kind he had found in the pine forest cabin.“All right. What do you want now?” Heinrich muttered, his gaze fixed on the radio as

“The vehicle reversed because there was no way to turn around in a narrow area like this,” Heinrich said, keeping his eyes on the tire tracks ahead.“Yeah, that makes sense,” Jonas replied casually. “Mind if I have one of your cigarettes?”Heinrich turned to him, studying Jonas with a sharp look. He was increasingly convinced there was something odd about the man beside him. Still, Heinrich said nothing and handed over a cigarette along with the lighter.“I have to admit, I’m impressed that you managed to survive such severe torture,” Jonas said after lighting the cigarette. He placed Heinrich’s filtered tobacco pack and lighter into the dashboard compartment.“Severe torture,” Heinrich muttered, then pressed the gas pedal and started driving.“Yes. It shows from the wounds on your body,” Jonas replied calmly. “You look like someone who’s trained to endure it.”Heinrich did not respond. He needed to focus on the road since he was unfamiliar with the terrain. “Does the fog always come