Months had passed since Chase and Selena’s second encounter, the town in the north near the forest where they crossed paths was ravaged by demons. Determined to protect the townspeople, Chase joined the strongest adventurers to defend the settlement. But despite their combined efforts, the town fell, and the survivors were forced to flee.
During their escape, Chase stood his ground, intercepting the pursuing demons to buy time for the townspeople. Though he held the line, he was gravely wounded. Realizing he couldn’t continue, he retreated into the nearby forest, intending to face his end in solitude.
Unbeknownst to him, Selena had been observing from afar, drawn by the chaos encroaching on her territory. She watched as Chase stumbled into the woods, his injuries threatening his life. Remembering the ‘respect’ she gained for him during their second encounter, Selena approached and found him on the brink of death. Reluctantly, she brought him to her hidden dwelling to tend to his wounds.
Selena’s Cabin
Chase awoke to the faint scent of herbs and the low crackle of a fire. His vision was blurry at first, but as it cleared, his heart skipped a beat. Sitting across the room, watching him was the lioness that he encountered twice.
Selena glanced up, her golden eyes catching the firelight.
Selena: (Smirk) Good, you're awake. I was starting to think you wouldn’t make it.
Chase’s muscles tensed despite his injuries. Memories of their last encounter flooded back, and his hand instinctively moved to his side - only to find his sword missing.
Chase: W-what do you want?
Selena: Relax, human. If I wanted to kill you, I wouldn’t have wasted my time patching you up.
Stolen novel; please report.
Chase’s eyes darted around the small cabin. It was modest, with little more than a firepit, a cot, and shelves lined with jars of various herbs. His wounds were tightly bound, and the pain, though sharp, was bearable. He forced himself to sit up, ignoring the ache in his body.
Chase: Why help me? You’ve never struck me as the altruistic type.
Selena leaned back against the wall, crossing her arms.
Selena: (Smirk) You’re right. I’m not. But seeing you in that sorry state? Let’s just say I couldn’t resist the irony of you, brought low by demons.
Her words stung, but there was no malice in her tone. Chase studied her carefully.
Chase: Is that right…
Selena: Whatever. You’re safe here… for now. Besides, I’m not in the mood to hunt.
Chase furrowed his brow, unsure whether to believe her. He leaned back against the cot, exhaustion catching up with him.
After a moment of silence, Selena approached him and gives him a bowl of stew. Her demeanor shifted to something less playful.
Selena: You should eat. You’ll heal faster.
She placed the food on the small table beside him. Chase eyed it warily but eventually accepted her gesture.
Chase: Thank you.
Introductions
As the night wore on, Chase was observing Selena as she tends to her place before ne finally broke the silence.
Chase: Can I ask you a question?
Selena’s ears flicked for a moment, and she sat beside Chase.
Selena: You have my attention.
Chase: Why risk helping me? You could’ve left me to die.
Selena: Let’s just say… it would be a waste to let someone like you die. Not at least in the manner you’re planning to.
Chase: That’s it? Really?
Selena: (Smirk) Yes. Really. But don’t get too comfortable. Next time, I might just watch to see if you can get out of your mess on your own.
Despite her words, there was a glimmer of something softer in her gaze. Chase nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Chase: I’ll keep that in mind.
Selena: Good. Now I’ll get back to my work.
Then, Selena returns to tending her cabin.
Selena: You know, I never got your name, human. What should I call you?
Chase hesitated for a moment before answering.
Chase: Chase. And you?
Selena: (Smile) Selena.
Chase chuckled faintly, feeling a strange sense of relief. As the fire crackled between them, the silence felt lighter now, and for the first time, they found themselves on equal footing.