After a hearty breakfast, Olivia followed Igor to a destination unseen. She looked around curiously as they left the Evergreen Tree far behind. The dense foliage and the symphony of the forest enveloped them as they walked at a moderate pace due to Olivia's insufficient physical capability.
Despite her best efforts, she had to cast a boost spell on herself to keep up with him. She found it frustrating that, despite being older, she couldn't catch up to Igor's natural speed and agility.
"So, Olivia, you didn't tell me where exactly you're from. Is the outside really as dangerous as they say?" Igor asked curiously, glancing sideways at Olivia.
Olivia pursed her lips, considering how to best describe her homeland. "It's not that bad. Where I live, it's called Ignisium, the nation of Fire. We are constantly at war with otherworldly invaders, but we are managing somehow with the help Supreme Human Alliance. We have a few Archmages as leaders of the Council who protect us from otherworldly creatures."
"So, yeah, we are safe for now," she added, waving her purple hair as if casting all her troubles out of her mind.
Igor nodded thoughtfully. His curiosity about the outside world grew. At the same time, he became worried, he knew he was safe here, but what would happen when those creatures invaded their peaceful sanctuary one day?
"Rustle!" Suddenly, as they continued their walk, Igor's keen senses picked up on something unusual. The forest was eerily quiet, and the birds had stopped their morning songs. He halted, holding out a hand to stop Olivia. "Something's not right," he whispered, his eyes scanning the trees.
Before Olivia could ask what he meant, a low growl resonated from the underbrush. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as she realized they were not alone. Emerging from the shadows were a pack of ferocious wolves, their eyes glowing with hunger and malice.
"Igor..." Olivia began, her voice trembling.
"Leave them to me. You just stay close to me," Igor commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. He positioned himself between Olivia and the advancing wolves, his muscles swelled with power.
The lead wolf, larger than the others and with a scar running down its muzzle, snarled and lunged at Igor. With lightning speed, Igor sidestepped and grabbed a sturdy branch from a nearby tree. He swung it with such force that it cracked against the wolf's skull, sending it yelping to the ground.
Two more wolves leapt forward, their teeth bared. Igor spun, his movements a blur as he struck one down with a powerful kick and used the branch to fend off the other. Olivia watched in awe and fear, her heart pounding in her chest.
One of the wolves managed to slip past Igor's defenses and lunged at Olivia. She screamed, instinctively raising her arms to shield herself. But before the wolf could reach her, Igor was there, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close.
She felt the warmth of his body against hers, his strength enveloping her as he protected her from the snapping jaws.
In the chaos of the fight, their bodies pressed tightly together. Olivia's heart raced for reasons beyond fear. She was acutely aware of Igor's firm grip, his muscles rippling as he fought off the wolves. His chest brushed against her back, and she felt a flush of heat that had nothing to do with the battle.
Igor managed to fend off the wolves, but the pack was relentless. They circled, looking for an opening. With a surge of adrenaline, Igor lifted Olivia effortlessly and moved her to a safer position behind a large rock. "Stay here," he ordered, his voice rough with determination.
The fight continued, and Olivia couldn't tear her eyes away from Igor. His movements were fluid and powerful, a dance of strength and agility. He swung the branch with precision, each strike a testament to his skill. One by one, the wolves fell, either dead or retreating with injuries.
Finally, the pack's resolve broke. The surviving wolves turned and fled, their howls echoing through the forest. Igor stood a little panting, his eyes scanning for any remaining threats. Satisfied that the danger had passed, he dropped the branch and turned to Olivia.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice as he approached her.
Olivia nodded, her breath coming in short gasps. "I... I think so. Thank you, Igor."
He reached out, his hand gently brushing her smooth cheek. "You're safe now."
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Olivia's heart raced as she felt the intensity of his gaze. The memory of his touch lingered, a sensation that was both thrilling and confusing.
Igor broke the moment, looking down at the fallen wolves. "We should make use of this. It would be a waste to leave them here."
He began to skin one of the wolves with practiced ease, preparing the meat for cooking. Olivia watched, feeling a mixture of admiration and unease.
"What is he going to do with them? Don't tell me he is going to eat them too. Oh my God!" She was dumbfounded, never seeing someone eating like this, moreover the fallen enemy on top of that.
Once the meat was ready, Igor built a small fire and began to cook. The aroma of roasting meat filled the air, but Olivia found herself unable to join him due to disgust. The sight of the dead wolves and the memory of the fight were too fresh.
"I'll pass, thank you," she said, trying to hide her discomfort.
Igor looked at her, understanding in his eyes. "It's okay. You don't have to eat if you don't want to."
As he ate, Olivia sat nearby, trying to process everything that had happened. The encounter with the wolves, the unexpected closeness with Igor, and the realization of her own vulnerability all weighed heavily on her mind.
"Igor," she began hesitantly, "thank you for saving me earlier. I don't know what I would have done without you."
He looked up from his meal, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You're welcome, Olivia. You're a guest. I promised to keep you safe, and I intend to keep that promise."
They sat in silence for a while, the crackling of the fire the only sound. Despite the recent danger, Olivia felt a sense of peace. She was grateful to have Igor by her side, his presence a reassuring constant in this strange and magical forest.
"Let's go, Olivia. I will introduce you to my friends in this forest." With his hunger satiated, he spoke to Olivia, who was a little daze.
"Oh, okay!" Coming to her senses they continued their journey.
As they went further the forest become more dense, with lust greeneries all around.
After a while a sturdy fence of long vines appeared in front of them, making Olivia curious what's behind.
"We are here!" Igor said, his voice filled with excitement.
As they appeared in front of a gate of sorts, they found two White Tigers with magical glowing furs stationed at the entrance.
"Roar! Oh, It's Igor! Come on in!" They let them pass with a smile.
Igor smiled back and entered the White Tiger's village, followed by Olivia.
"Hey, who is this human girl? Never seen one beside Igor before." One of asked glancing at Olivia.
"How would I know? Maybe his mating partner, just like the adults have?" The other one answered, guessing wildly..
Olivia could hear their whispers, but couldn't understand nome of them, while Igor understood and his face turned a little red hearing the word, mating. He heard only close ones mates with each other, but didn't knew the process.
He glanced at Olivia, who was looking very attracting to him somehow. He shook his head in puzzlement, leaving Olivia confused. If she knew what he was thinking, she would've strangled him to death, if possible. She would have called him a perverted beast.