**Chapter 4: Unwelcome Visitors**

The footsteps stopped outside the door, and a moment of silence followed. Hange's grip on my hand tightened, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for an escape route. I tried to sit up again, but the pain in my chest was a harsh reminder to take it easy. The door creaked open, and a tall, imposing figure stood in the doorway. He was dressed in dark, ornate armor, adorned with intricate engravings that seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the room. His face was chiseled, with sharp features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into my very soul. "Ah, Hange," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "I see you're taking good care of our... guest." Hange's expression turned guarded, and he leaned in closer to me, his body shielding me from the stranger. "What do you want, Commander Thrain?" he asked, his voice firm but polite. Commander Thrain stepped into the room, his eyes never leaving mine. "I've come to discuss the... situation with our village," he said, his gaze lingering on me as if searching for something. "And to ensure that our guest is recovering well." I felt a shiver run down my spine as Commander Thrain approached my bedside. There was something about him that didn't feel right, something that made me instinctively distrust him. "I'm recovering," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "But I'm not sure what you're talking about." Commander Thrain's eyes snapped to mine, his expression intense. "Don't play dumb, child," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. The attack on our village, the Dark Lord's army... you're a part of this, whether you like it or not." I felt a surge of anger at his tone, but Hange's grip on my hand tightened, warning me to stay calm. "Commander, I think that's enough," he said, his voice firm. Commander Thrain's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, before he turned to Hange. "I'll be back," he said, his voice low and ominous. "And next time, we won't be so... civilized." With that, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving Hange and me to exchange worried glances. I could see the tension in Hange's body, his eyes narrowed as he processed the commander's visit. "What was that about?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Hange's expression was grim. "I'm not sure," he said, "but I think we're in trouble."