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The night was still and silent, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze that swept through the clearing.
Cain sat beside Arial, her form laid out on a makeshift bed of leaves and branches, her breathing shallow and labored as she lay unconscious.
With a heavy heart, Cain watched over her, his mind filled with worry and concern for her well-being.
Gently, he reached out and brushed a lock of hair from her face, his touch light and tender as he tried to soothe her fevered brow.
He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for the predicament they found themselves in, knowing that it was his quest for revenge that had led them to this dangerous place.
As he sat beside Arial, Cain couldn't help but reflect on their journey so far.
From the moment they had set out together, he had been determined to protect her at all costs, to keep her safe from harm in this treacherous world they inhabited.
