The rustling behind us grew louder, the tension in the air thickening. I tightened my grip on my dagger, my heart pounding in my ears as Victor moved closer, his eyes fixed on the dense foliage behind us.
We stood there, waiting, every muscle in my body coiled like a spring ready to explode into action. Suddenly, a figure burst through the leaves, and I barely held back my instinct to strike.
Instead of a monstrous predator, it was a young woman, her presence completely unexpected. She stood at about 5'10", her skin sun-kissed, her hair a deep, rich brown that flowed down her back in wild waves. Her attire was tribal, made from animal hides and decorated with feathers, beads, and other natural elements, and she had a confident aura that immediately reminded me of Mother.
She stared at us, her eyes narrowing slightly before she spoke, her voice steady. "What are you two doing here?" There was no hostility, just curiosity and caution.
