After the treatment to Aria's wound, Ryan carefully cradled her in his arms. His hands supported her knees. He lifted her onto his back. Her injured leg throbbing in pain.
"Hold on tight," Ryan whispered as he adjusted his stance, widening his feet for balance. His muscles flexing.
"Wrap your legs around me," Ryan instructed and Aria obeyed, wrapping them around Ryan's waist while Ryan supported it by cradling her calf.
Aria's arms also encircled Ryan's neck. Her injured wrist pressing against his shoulder.
Ryan felt her tension.
"It's okay," he reassured. "I've got you." Ryan began to walk with careful steps.
Aria's breath warmed Ryan's neck, a gentle caress that soothed his frazzled nerves. Their footsteps echoed through the forest, the only sound breaking the silence was the leaves that were being crunched beneath Ryan's feet, releasing earthy scents that filled the air.
"We need to find shelter," Ryan said, Aria lifted her head from Ryan shoulder, her eyes scanning their surroundings. The fading sunlight glows on her face.
"Before nightfall," Ryan added, They couldn't risk being out here in the dark.
The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the forest floor.
"How much farther?" Aria whispered asked as the sun kept going down.
Ryan's grip on her tightened as he struggled to find the right words, knowing he had fucked up.
"I'm not sure," Ryan admitted with frustration and self-doubt. "I thought I knew the way, but...I'm not sure anymore." His words hung in the air, heavy with uncertainty.
Aria's eyes narrowed and she glares holes into Ryan head, she felt like chocking him, wasn't he who had said he would get them there even when he didn't know.
"What do you mean?" Aria asked, her eyes bored into the back of Ryan's head as if searching for answers.
Ryan clenched his jaw and gritted his teeths together, his voice barely above a whisper, as he uttered the words he dreaded.
"I fucked up," Ryan muttered with self-criticism, his brow furrowed in frustration while his shoulders slumped down.
"I've been walking in circles," Ryan explained, frustration and disappointment lacing his words.
Aria's grip loosened around Ryan's neck, her fingers relaxing their tense hold and her body sagging against Ryan.
She dropped her head onto Ryan's shoulder, her injured leg throbbing in pain, her eyes closing in exhaustion.
"So what do we do now?" Aria muttered.
"I will figure it out," Ryan reassured firmly and steady."I promise,"
They fell into silence and the only sound that could be heard again was the rustling of leaves.
Ryan adjusted his grip on Aria's legs, ensuring she was in a secure position on his back. The weight of her body pressed against him was a reminder of her presence.
"Ready?" Ryan asked, Aria cheek brushed against his shoulder, her long hair rustling softly through the wind
"Yes," Aria replied with trust. Ryan hasn't let her down, and she would have trust in him to take them into safety.
"I'll get us through this," Ryan reassured again.
"I know you will," Aria whispered and Ryan began his walk through the forest , the forest ground crunching beneath his feet. The sound echoing off through the silence.
The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the forest floor. The sky was ablaze with the mixture of orange and pink.They needed a shelter for the night.
Their journey to the north would have to wait until morning. Safety dictated that they have to find refuge before night fall.
As they walked, Ryan spotted a clearing and walked towards it, the trees above were surrounding the place like nature's canopy.
Aria lifted her head from Ryan shoulder, her eyes moving onto the clearing with hope.
"What is it?" Aria whispered, her words laced with exhaustion.
"Looks like a clearing," Ryan replied, quickening his pace, his footsteps quiet on the forest ground.
A cabin came into view, its weathered structure looking so ancient, with wooden beams that are worn out by time and the elements. Vines were crawled up on the walls, snaking through the windows.
The roof that Aria could only guess was brown, had now faded to a silvery gray color that is blending seamlessly into the misty surroundings.
"Look," Aria whispered, pointing towards the cabin, her breath was visible in the crisp evening air.
Ryan saw the cabin too and looked at the surrounding area, ensuring their safety. He approached the cabin cautiously, his boots crunching on the underbrush and his hand going to his gun.
"Seems abandoned," Ryan said low.
"Good," Aria replied with a sigh, "We can rest."
Ryan nodded, still in high alert "Let's check inside," He pushed open the creaky door, its hinges groaning in protest. A musty smell wafted out, filling their nostrils with the scent of aged wood and forgotten memories. (^^)
Aria tightened her grip around Ryan's body, her injury throbbing with each heartbeat she takes.
Ryan held his gun close, ready for anything any potential threats. The cabin was dark with only some light getting into the space from the opened door, the dim light forced Ryan to rely on his instincts.
"BAM" The door shut loudly behind them and Aria winced at the harsh sound.
"Easy," Ryan said, his hand soothingly stroking her hip.(^^)
Cobwebs clung to the corners of the room, and dust coated the furniture like a thick layer of frost, giving the cabin an abandoned, timeless feel. Aria quickly fumbled through her uniform trousers with one hand, retrieving the small torch light she had kept hidden.
"Got it," Aria whispered, her breath warm against Ryan's neck.
Ryan moved deeper into the cabin, his boots echoing off the wooden floorboards. The torch's weak light cut through the darkness, revealing the space.
Aria's grip on Ryan's neck tightened as she sat on his back, her injured leg wrapped tightly around his waist.
They needed to be sure they were alone before settling for the night, Ryan pushed open another door, its hinges also creaking.
Suddenly, a leg shot out from nowhere, connecting with Ryan's, sending him stumbling backward. Ryan's reflexes kicked in, and he dropped to one knee, breaking their fall.
Aria cried out in pain as she fell from Ryan's back, her grip got loosened from the force of the kick.
"Stay down!" Ryan yelled.