"Hey, they're gone now, you can come out," I called, my voice echoing through the stillness of the forest, the invitation soft but clear.
A figure stirred from the shadows, stepping cautiously into the dimming light. For a moment, her features were hidden, shrouded in the dark. But when the light fell on her face, I froze.
She was beautiful—like something from a dream. Her skin was as pale as alabaster, her azure eyes gleaming like precious gems in the twilight. Her silver hair flowed in soft waves down her back, shimmering in the fading light.
She wore a delicate purple dress, its fabric glowing with an ethereal light as though woven from the very fabric of dusk itself.
I stepped forward, my hand extended in reassurance, but she flinched, stepping back to hide behind a rock. Her fear was palpable.
"Hey, um... I won't harm you. You can come out, trust me," I said, my voice a low murmur, gentle and calm. "I'm your ally."
I saw her hesitate, her eyes flickering toward me, cautious but curious. Slowly, she took a tentative step forward, her body language still stiff with tension.
"Trust me, I'm here to help you," I added, offering her a small smile. "You're safe now. I won't hurt you."
Her eyes met mine for a fleeting second before she looked down, her shoulders hunched, arms crossed tightly against her chest. As she moved, I noticed her left leg buckling slightly beneath her, her weight shifted uncomfortably onto the right.
She gasped softly, a tremble running through her voice. "Thank y—"
Before she could finish, she winced, a quiet cry escaping her lips as her body shuddered in pain. Tears welled up in her eyes, silently trailing down her cheeks. I couldn't ignore the raw vulnerability in her expression.
I moved closer, a tight knot of concern forming in my chest. Without thinking, I placed my hand gently on her shoulder. "Hey, it's okay," I whispered, my voice soothing. "You're safe now. I've got you."
Her body seemed to relax a little at the touch, and she looked up at me, her wide eyes brimming with unshed tears. I knelt beside her, my eyes falling on her injured foot.
It was bad. Her ankle was swollen, her skin scraped and torn, dirt and debris clinging to the wounds. My heart tightened with empathy.
"You're hurt pretty badly," I murmured, my voice filled with quiet concern.
I fumbled through my pocket and pulled out a cloth-like bandage I had on hand. "It'll be okay," I said, trying to reassure her as I carefully took her foot in my hands. "This'll help."
She flinched as I touched her ankle, but her expression softened when she realized I wasn't trying to hurt her. I worked quickly, gently unwrapping the dirt and debris from the skin, and wrapped the bandage around her foot. The soft cloth glowed faintly in the dimming light, and with each motion, I could see the relief settling into her tense body.
"There you go," I said, offering her a smile. "Better?"
She nodded slowly, her lips curving into a small, grateful smile. "Thank you... again." Her voice was soft, almost musical, and it made my chest warm.
I smiled back, then couldn't help but ask, my curiosity taking over. "But why are you here all alone?"
She stiffened, her gaze shifting downward as if avoiding the question. "I... I was separated from my group." Her voice was barely a whisper, fragile and hesitant.
Before I could press further, a rustling sound broke through the quiet. Leaves rustled, twigs snapped underfoot—something was moving in the forest.
I turned, immediately alert. The noise was growing closer, more distinct. Creatures, or something else. Whatever it was, it wasn't good for us to stay here much longer.
"It wouldn't be safe to stay here," I said, my tone serious. "We need to move. Now."
She nodded, but as she tried to stand, a soft cry of pain escaped her. Her left leg gave way, and she staggered, struggling to stay upright.
I stepped forward, concern lining my face. "Still hurt?" I asked, my voice gentle but urgent. "Can you walk?"
She looked down at her injured foot, unable to hide the pain that crossed her face. I knew I couldn't let her walk on it.
"Want me to carry you?" I asked without hesitation, kneeling down in front of her. My voice was calm, but I could feel the weight of the situation pressing in on me.
She hesitated, her face turning red as embarrassment flooded her expression, but she nodded. The vulnerability in her eyes was impossible to ignore.
I helped her onto my back. Her hands wrapped around my neck, and I could feel the soft weight of her against me, the warmth of her body settling close.
As I adjusted to her weight, I couldn't help but think, She's heavier than I thought. I felt the strain in my back, but I pushed it aside. My priority was getting us both to safety.
"Hold on tight," I instructed, my voice steady as I began to rise. "We need to move fast."
"Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but her grip tightened around my neck, and I could feel her breath warm against my skin.
I broke into a run, my muscles straining as I carried her through the thick underbrush. The trees blurred together as we sped through the forest, the wind whipping past us.
I focused on the horizon, searching for an escape. Finally, I spotted it—an opening in the trees and the distant shimmer of water.
The lake. It was our only option.
With one final push, we reached the shore. I set her down gently on the grass, breathing heavily. My legs trembled from the effort, but I didn't have time to rest. The danger was still there.
I collapsed onto a nearby stone, my chest heaving, trying to catch my breath. My muscles burned from the sprint, and my lungs felt like they might burst. But I had to keep going.
I glanced at her as she settled on the grass, her silver hair glowing like strands of moonlight. She was beautiful even in her exhaustion.
"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice softer now.
She nodded, still breathing a little heavily, but there was a small smile on her lips. "Yeah, I... I think I'm safe now. Thank you."
I could only nod, the weight of the situation still pressing on me. We're not out of danger yet, I thought. But at least for now, she was safe.
The forest had been quiet, but something told me we weren't done running. Something darker was still out there.