The flapping from the large wings can be heard across the forest, they can hear the bird getting closer again. For some reason, the bird seemed to want to play with Claire's fear.
Claire could feel the heat from the monster's breath, the sharp metallic scent mixed with the stench of wild animal blood and the skeleton monster that it might have devoured. The dark forest was getting more and more tense, the sounds of nature seemed to halt under the shadow of the deadly fire bird.
"We're not safe here," Ethan whispered softly but firmly. His face hardened but his eyes continued to scan the situation calmly, focusing on Claire.
Claire tried to control her breathing, panting as Ethan held her. The pain from several wounds on her legs and the pain from falling several times added to the burden on her already tired body.
Her body was shaking, not only because of fear, but because she knew that in this situation, she was only a burden to Ethan. A painful feeling.
"We have to move. Now!" Ethan continued without waiting for any answer. His tone was full of urgency, as if every second lost was a battle between life and death.
With one swift movement, he lifted Claire onto his back. She wanted to protest, yet the words died in her lips when she saw Ethan's determined eyes, watching over the bird.
"Don't make any noise. Keep silent and hold tight!" he ordered in an undeniable tone.
Claire swallowed her ego, surprised by Ethan's speed and strength. She tightly held his back, feeling every muscle moving quickly beneath her skin.
Her body felt heavy, too heavy even, yet, Ethan carried her without hesitation. Claire's heart pounded in her ears, while his warm body was the only thing that made her feel like she was still in the real world, amidst the shadow of death that lurked them.
Ethan controlled his steps on the wet ground, lightly tapping the ground as he ran by, as if he knew every curve and turn of this forest. The sound of broken twigs and wet leaves being stepped on witnessed their silent but dangerous journey.
Behind them, the shadow of the monster kept chasing, looming over them in the sky. Its flapping got lower, closer with each passing second. Its roar filled the air, and the large shadow in the sky reappeared, hovering low above them.
"It knows we are here!" Claire muttered, her voice muffled by the panic that was trying to creep in.
Ethan didn't answer, just quickened his pace. His sharp eyes penetrated the dense bushes, jumping around the large tree roots that spread across the ground.
His escape was as fast as lightning, like a shadow in the darkness, running as if death was chasing them, while the monster above them swooped lower, flapping its wings arrogantly, hunting its prey.
"I can't let it continue to chase you," Ethan mumbled.
His voice was more to himself, but it still sounded determined and firm.
Claire paused for a moment, holding Ethan's back even tighter.
"What do you mean?" she asked, feeling her breath was running out and her mind was racing.
Suddenly, Ethan stopped with a single stomp on the ground. The shadow of the monster that had passed over them was getting closer, its fiery wings looking heavier in the air.
Claire felt her body tense on Ethan's back. Before she could respond, Ethan quickly lowered her, then carried her tightly to the trunk of a large tree, pressing their bodies together in the dark shadows. His voice was now just a whisper in Claire's ear.
"I will distract the monster. Just keep running east, there is a cave near there. You will be safe there," Ethan whispered in Claire's ear. His breathing was steady, but the tension in his voice couldn't be hidden.
Claire frowned. Her heart jumped into her throat. "What!? No!"
The fear she had felt before was nothing compared to the fear of losing Ethan and trying to survive by herself in the deadly forbidden forest.
"I can't let you fight that monster by yourself!" She continued.
She felt Ethan's grip tighten on her shoulder. Ethan stared at her for a moment, his eyes gleaming in the darkness.
"You have to go, Claire."
His voice was soft but firm, as if he were speaking to a friend he had known for years.
"I can hold on, but if both of us get caught, none of us will survive."
Claire knew she couldn't win the argument, but the fear of losing her only guide in this forest was so real and haunting. Her eyes began to well up with tears.
"But Ethan, I can't…" Her voice trembled, unable to finish her sentence.
Ethan slightly lowered his head, looking into her eyes. There was something different in his gaze, something he rarely showed. Not just determination, but a strange warmth and tenderness, it was like he really didn't want Claire to get hurt.
"Trust me," Ethan murmured softly, bringing his face inches closer to hers.
His steady breathing mingled with the misty air of the forest that somehow felt like a cold night breeze. But beneath the tension, Claire can feel his determination that he would give his entire life to keep Claire alive.
Claire couldn't help but follow Ethan's instruction. She didn't really want to burden him any further, but she also knew that Ethan was telling the truth.
She nodded slowly. With a heavy heart, she released her grip on Ethan.
"To the east," Ethan repeated, looking into her eyes once more to make sure his message was conveyed clearly. "And don't look back."