My eyes fluttered open, heavy and groggy. At first, I couldn't make sense of what I was seeing — everything was blurred, the world spinning slightly as I tried to focus. My body felt sore all over, particularly my back where the monster had clawed me. The memory of that terrifying beast sent a shiver down my spine, but it quickly faded as I became aware of something else.
There was a creature… hovering over me.
Instinctively, my muscles tensed, and I tried to move, but I couldn't. My body felt weighed down, like I had been drained of every ounce of energy I had left. Still, I could make out the figure looming close. It wasn't the monster from the forest, though. No, this one was different.
It was... tending to me.
As my vision cleared, I could finally see it properly. The creature stood on two legs, much like a human, but it wasn't human. It looked more like a cross between an ape and a dog, with long limbs, a thick coat of dark fur, and a pair of large, intelligent eyes that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light of the room. Its face was canine, but there was a strange softness in its expression, a kind of kindness that made me hesitate.
It was applying something — a plant, it seemed — to the wound on my back. The scent of herbs filled the small space, and I realized that the burning sensation I had been feeling had dulled. The creature was… helping me.
I shifted slightly, causing the creature to glance at me. Its eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I froze. But instead of any sign of aggression, it gave a slight nod, acknowledging my return to consciousness, and continued its work, carefully rubbing the plant medicine onto my skin.
I blinked, trying to make sense of the situation. The last thing I remembered was that monster, the surge of power, and then collapsing into unconsciousness. Now, I was here, lying on a rough wooden bed in some kind of small hut, being cared for by this… creature.
The creature stepped back for a moment, tilting its head as if studying me, making sure I wasn't in too much pain. Its form was strange, like a dog walking upright, with long arms and nimble fingers that worked with surprising precision. It wore no clothes, only fur, but it had an air of intelligence about it that went beyond any animal I had ever seen.
My eyes wandered around the small hut. It was simple but functional, made of wood and leaves, with a fire pit in the center that filled the space with a soft warmth. Herbs and plants hung from the walls, giving the place a strong, earthy smell. The bed I was lying on was little more than a wooden frame with some woven leaves, but it was surprisingly comfortable considering my condition.
I tried to speak, my throat dry, but the words came out as little more than a croak. "W-where... am I?"
The creature didn't answer, not with words anyway. It seemed to understand my question, though. With gentle movements, it brought over a bowl filled with water, holding it up to my lips. I hesitated for a moment but took a sip. The cool liquid eased the dryness in my throat, and I drank greedily.
Once I had finished, the creature set the bowl down and resumed tending to my wounds. I watched in silence, unsure of what to say or do. The pain in my back had dulled considerably, and I could feel the warmth of the plant medicine seeping into my skin, healing me.
"Thank... you," I managed to whisper.
The creature's ears perked up slightly at my voice, and it tilted its head again, almost as if it were acknowledging my gratitude. It didn't speak, but its actions were clear. Whoever — or whatever — this being was, it had saved me.
As the creature continued its work, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of world I had stumbled into. First, the monstrous beast in the forest, then the strange power that had surged through me, and now this intelligent, upright dog-like creature tending to my wounds.
Was this place even real?
My thoughts drifted back to the figures I had seen in the void, the ones who looked like me. They had spoken of the Void, of power older than time itself. Was this part of that? Was this forest, this strange creature, connected to the power that had awoken within me?
The creature finished applying the medicine and stood back, observing me with its large, thoughtful eyes. It seemed satisfied with its work and moved toward the door of the hut. Before stepping outside, it glanced back at me, as if telling me to rest, then disappeared into the forest beyond.
I lay there, staring at the ceiling of the hut, trying to make sense of everything. My body ached, but the pain was bearable now, thanks to the creature's care. I didn't know how long I had been unconscious or how far I was from where I had collapsed, but one thing was clear — I wasn't alone in this strange place.
Whatever was happening to me, whatever power had awakened inside, there was still so much I didn't understand.
But one thing was certain. I owed my life to that creature.
As exhaustion began to pull me back into sleep, one thought echoed in my mind: What else is waiting for me in this world?