HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 6

Conflicting Emotions

Lia and Ethan dashed through the dark, tangled undergrowth of the island jungle, their breaths ragged and hearts racing with fear and adrenaline. The sounds of the jungle enveloped them—a symphony of rustling leaves and distant animal calls that contrasted sharply with their pounding hearts. They paused behind a large boulder, straining to listen for any signs of pursuit.

"Breathe," Ethan whispered, his voice barely audible over their frantic heartbeats. "They're gone. We're safe."

Lia nodded, trying to calm her racing pulse. "Everything happened so fast. I never imagined there'd be other people here."

"Neither did I," Ethan replied, cautiously peeking over the boulder.

FLASHBACK

"I found them!" a voice called out. "They're over here!"

Ethan and Lia's eyes widened in fear as a group of armed survivors emerged from the shadows. They dashed into the dense jungle and squeezed between two massive stones.

"Quick, over here," Ethan urged, pulling Lia close.

They huddled between the rocks, barely breathing. Lia peered through a tiny gap, her heart racing as she spotted men wielding makeshift weapons—knives, clubs, and spears. The intruders moved with intent, scanning the area.

"Are you sure they're here?" one of the men asked irritably.

"Yes, I saw them run this way," another replied confidently.

Lia gripped Ethan's arm, her nails digging into his skin. "We need to get out of here, Ethan," she whispered, trembling.

"Shh," Ethan cautioned, placing a finger to his lips. "Wait until they're gone."

The men continued their search but eventually headed in the opposite direction, their footsteps fading as they pursued another target deeper into the woods.

"Over there!" one of the men shouted. "They're that way. Hurry!"

The sounds of pursuit and distant crashing grew louder before gradually fading. The woods echoed with the chase, a tense symphony of survival.

"Come on, Ethan," Lia urged, her eyes wide with urgency. "We need to leave before they come back."

Ethan nodded, determination set on his face. "Okay, but let's move slowly. There might still be others around."

Carefully, they extricated themselves from their hiding spot, each step deliberate, every rustle of leaves magnified in the silence that followed the chaos.

END OF FLASHBACK

"Who could the survivors be?" Lia asked, worry etched across her face. "Do they plan on killing everyone?"

Ethan remained silent, his mind racing. He was certain those men were after him, targeting survivors from the yacht and Lia's boat. Taking a deep breath, he glanced at Lia. He couldn't let her get hurt, no matter what.

"If they keep this up," Lia said, looking at Ethan with concern, "we won't get any rest. When we find a safe place, you should sleep first. Sleeping together is dangerous—one must stay awake to watch."

"You need more rest than I do. You're injured," Ethan countered, his voice firm.

"We can discuss it later. Let's find a safe place to sleep for now," Lia replied gently, her determination evident.

As they returned, they found the men's campfire. Lia froze, her pulse quickening. Seeing only two guards, she quickly devised a plan. She turned to Ethan.