Red x Eyes

Chapter 2

The sound of rustling leaves became less prominent as the rain got heavier. She picked up her pace, knowing that she went too far into a dangerous territory. She began to regret her decision on solo-trekking into the woods, not expecting to stray too close to the Lycan territory.

The wound on her arm began to sting. She actually fell just moments after she tried sneaking away, but she tried not to mind it as the first thing she needed to do was to get as far away as possible from that place.

The heavy rain was definitely draining her stamina. She could feel herself slowing down, having to run in the cold, humid weather. It was a long way out, yet she found herself nowhere near the exit. She kept on running until her foot slipped, causing her to fall for the second time.

Being at her limit, she was struggling to get back on her feet. With all her might, she tried using the tree near her as a support, and just as she managed to get back up, her eyes caught a glimpse of a man, standing not too far from her.

"What do you want?" she asked, feigning a harsh tone. She knew that he was one of the Lycans, and deep down she was hoping on the slimmest chance that he'd soon leave.

He didn't answer and instead kept walking toward the girl. Feeling threatened, she gathered her last bit of strength and tried to run away from him, only to be hit by the harsh reality when he managed to caught her in seconds. She bit her lip, trying to hold in the mixed feelings of pain, fear, and frustration, and her mind was already imagining the worst case scenario.

"Just calm down," he finally spoke. "I only wanted to confirm something."

"Stop lying," she retorted. "You'll definitely bring me back there the moment I lower my guard."

"It depends. Were you approaching us on purpose?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I didn't mean to. This is my first time solo-trekking."

His ears caught a glimpse of her heartbeat. A little unsteady, he thought, maybe from all the mixed emotions. But he immediately knew that she wasn't lying.

"Looks like you weren't lying," he spoke. "Though, those who went close on purpose would never be this reckless...." The girl in front of him lowered her head, seemed like he hit the nail right on the head.

He let out a deep breath. He carefully examined the girl's bleeding arm. Slowly, he rolled her sleeves up to check on the wound, but his eyes widened when he saw a scar right next to the wound.

And he knew precisely what had caused it.

She was startled when he suddenly squatted next to her. "Get on, I'll get you home."

She shook her head. "You could be lying for all I know."

"You'll end up sick if you stay in the rain for too long. Stop being stubborn."

She wouldn't budge. "...give me one reason why I should trust you."

"Because you might not be alive at this moment if other Lycan were to find you," he stated firmly. "Now hurry, we're running outta time and you need to at least be out of the woods before the rain stops."

"If it's true, then...," she trailed off. "Why? Why would you...?"

He turned around and looked at her right in the eye. "Because I want to believe that not all Hunters have ill intentions toward us Lycans."

She lowered her head. "Sorry...."

"Wasn't really your fault. Maybe you weren't given a choice all this time, but I hope you can make the correct ones from now on...," he said gently.