As Luke emerged into the cave, a thick green vine leaped toward him in a combination of speed and ferocity full of surprise.
Luke's eyelids did some minor flickers. Marissa Jones, it seemed, was not the type to let things slide that easily.
He made a nonchalant swipe with his hand, cutting off the vine, which was then projected harmlessly into the rock wall next to him. He dusted off his hands and strode deeper into the cavern with a calm demeanor, as if nothing had happened.
Marissa sat curled into one corner, a splash of scarlet spilling over her shoulders, her pale skin tinted with a rosy blush, her eyes brimming wetly, her face pockmarked with the faint traces of tears.
He paused, his expression softening when he saw her; the strong, proud Marissa collapsed into a shadow of herself, looking small, vulnerable.
Stalking closer, he sighed, his tone gentler than usual. "Marissa—"
