"Answer me," she demanded, her gaze piercing.

"I have my reasons, ones that don't concern you," I replied calmly.

Her response was swift—she pressed the dagger against my neck, gradually applying pressure. At first, it was like an ant's sting, but as the blade pressed deeper, pain surged through me. Despite the agony, I refused to divulge any information. This was my final stand, my last defense.

When it grazed my skin, painting my daggers with my own blood, she looked into my eyes, a silent calm replacing her earlier intensity. She withdrew the weapon, a gesture of trust.

"Fine. Answer my last question, and you'll be released," she offered, demonstrating her trust by pointing the dagger at herself.

"Where are we? What is this place?" she demanded.

"We're in the Ulgar Forest near the Symthe village, within the Shaffosite kingdom," I promptly responded.

"What? How? No one can enter this forest! Why are you here? Are you out of your mind?" Her panic was palpable, erasing her earlier composed demeanor.

"What did you expect? And why do you care anyways?I die or live. And please note if I hadn't saved you last night. You would've got eaten till now by some wild beasts. And to tell you, They are not as good as me." I retorted sarcastically.

My words seemed to affect her, prompting a moment of self-reflection. I couldn't help but wonder about her behavior.

I saved her, yet here I was, the one under interrogation. Such negativity and presumptions—it seemed she hailed from a wealthy family. My experience with the merchant's daughter had almost made me forget the core nature of most affluent individuals—utterly unpleasant!

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"You're right. I'm deeply sorry," she admitted, her voice softening unexpectedly. Was this genuine?

"When I return home, I promise to repay you. Here's your dagger. I apologize for borrowing it for my protection," she said, tossing one of my daggers back to me.

I swiftly gathered my belongings, cleaning myself up and noting the exhaustion evident in my reflection.

She lingered, seemingly with something to say. As I approached her, she inquired, "Do you have anything else to add?"

"Yes. While you're unwilling to reveal your reason for being here, do you understand the dangers lurking within this forest?"

"Yes." I affirmed her. I didn't wanted to give further information.

I felt that she still had something to add but retracting herself she bowed to me and spoke.

"I again thank you for saving me. I am extremely grateful to you for everything you have done. But I have to get out of this forest as quickly as possible. So, I am taking my leave here! I would like to suggest you too but witnessing your determination, I would stay quiet. And I absolutely apologize to you for hitting you so hard that your face have swollen up."

Utterly surprised, I was taken aback by her words. She doesn't feel like the girl who was front of me moments ago. Is she acting?

I composed myself and told her with a calm voice trying to be as honest and real as possible.

"Listen, It's okay. There's no reason for you to apologize to me anymore. I would have done the same in your place. And come with me, I can at least take you out of the forest."

I shouldn't help her. It's even more of a hassle for me. But when I think of what my sister would want from me. I will help her.

"No-no. It's okay. I can get back on myself."

Really? "Do you know the directions to the nearest village." I said bluntly.

"No. But I can speculate the correct direction. The sun is front of us. This means this direction is east. From the capital, the Smythe village is in the north direction. So If I go to the south I can go to the village."

"I am quite impressed by your analogy. But I will still come with you, I have some questions to ask you."