Chase woke up to the morning light filtering through the dense foliage outside Selena’s cabin. He stretched and glanced at his wounds, now healing better than he expected. The pain, though still present, was no longer unbearable. He sighed, his mind drifting. The demons have started wreaking havoc, and every second spent here felt like time stolen from the people who needed help.

As he gathered his things, Selena entered, carrying a freshly caught rabbit and notices him preparing himself.

Selena: Going somewhere, human?

Selena says while crossing her arms. Chase turns to her direction after.

Chase: Selena? ...Yeah. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done - I really am - but I can’t stay here. There are people out there who need help.

Selena drops the rabbit and steps closer to him.

Selena: You realize you’re in no condition to fight, right? Do you really want to die so soon after I saved your sorry life?

Chase met her gaze with unwavering resolve.

Chase: If that’s what it takes to protect the world from the demons, then yes.

Selena growls, her tail flicking with annoyance.

Selena: I don’t think so, human. If you leave now, I’ll hunt you down like the prey you were before. You won’t make it far in that condition - I guarantee it.

Chase got surprised on how persistent Selena is about this.

Chase: You’re serious?

Selena with her arms still crossed replies.

Selena: (Smirk) Try me… Chase.

Chase felt a chill run down his spine at the way she said his name, her voice firm and unyielding. He realized that defying her would only lead to trouble. Reluctantly, he sighed.

Chase: Fine. I’ll stay...

Chase lowers his head, resigned.

Chase: But only until I’ve recovered.

Selena’s smirk widened, clearly satisfied.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Selena: Smart choice. Now sit down and don’t get any more foolish ideas.

Then, she turns to prepare the rabbits she caught while her tail visibly sways.

Three Days Later…

Three days had passed, and Chase’s strength had finally returned. True to his word, he prepared to leave once he felt ready. Selena watched him as he strapped on his gear, her arms crossed, leaning casually against a tree.

Chase: You’ve been taking care of me even though I’m a stranger to you. I owe you... my second chance at life. Thank you, Selena - for everything.

Selena: (Shrugs) Like I said before, it would’ve been a waste to let someone like you die like that.

Chase: Still... you did it. Thank you.

Selena looks away after hearing that.

Selena: Don’t make it a habit to get yourself killed. I’m not running a charity. (Pauses) By the way, I should tell you-

Before Selena could finish, Chase noticed thick smoke rising in the southern distance. His heart sank.

Chase: That direction... another town!?

Without hesitation, he bolted towards the source of the smoke. Selena watched him for a moment, she took a deep breath before she shook her head and followed.

Rivermill Town

When Chase arrived, the sight that greeted him was devastating. The Rivermill Town was in ruins, its buildings reduced to smoldering rubble. The stench of death hung in the air.

He began searching desperately, hoping to find someone – anyone – alive. His eyes fell on a small hand sticking out from beneath the debris. With trembling hands, he uncovered the body of a child. Chase froze, his breath hitching as grief overtook him. He sank to his knees, bowing his head.

Selena approached silently, her usual smirk absent.

Selena: It’s too late. The town was overrun before sunrise. There’s nothing you can do.

Chase’s voice began to tremble.

Chase: You knew… what happened here?

Selena: I was scouting early when I noticed.

Chase’s anger began to boil.

Chase: Did you… at least try to save anyone?

Selena: I don’t know these people, Chase.

Chase’s fists clenched as his shoulders trembled.

Chase: Why…

Selena’s eyes narrowed.

Selena: “Why”? Chase, what do y-

She stopped herself, realizing he wasn’t talking to her. Chase’s eyes were distant, haunted.

Chase: It’s the same as it was back then… Why does it always end like this?

Selena’s expression softened, finally understanding.

Selena: …Oh.

She watched him struggle to compose himself.

Selena: Chase… You don’t even know these people. Why cry for strangers?

Chase wiped his eyes and stood, facing her with a pained expression.

Chase: Because everyone deserves a chance for a better life. (Takes a Shaky Breath) When I was a child… I grew up knowing that my father saved countless lives as an adventurer. He believed that no one should suffer if he could help it. I wanted to be like him… to make the world a better place, even if it costs me everything.

Selena stood still, her gaze unwavering as she studied him. For the first time, she seemed to grasp the weight of his resolve.

Selena: What a fool… but maybe that’s why you’re still alive.

Chase looked at her, startled, but she turned and began walking away.

Selena: Let’s go back to my cabin. This place will become infested in a moment. We need to discuss something.

Without another word, she disappeared into the shadows, leaving Chase to follow.