HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 12

Deeper Connection

The stillness of the night shattered with a sudden rustling in the underbrush. Lia's heart raced as she jumped, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. "What was that?" she whispered, squinting into the oppressive darkness.

Ethan was already on his feet, scanning the area with a tense expression. "It sounded like a wild boar," he replied, his voice steady yet laced with urgency. "There seem to be quite a few on this island."

The rustling grew louder, and in the moonlight, they saw the outline of a large wild boar, bigger than any they had encountered before. Its massive frame loomed ominously against the backdrop of the trees. "Stay behind me," Ethan ordered, shielding Lia.

Surprised by Ethan's gesture, Lia felt a warm flutter of gratitude but remained silent. Instead, she smiled softly, her heart swelling with an unexpected sense of safety, as they observed the creature, the tension in the air thickened, wrapping around them like a heavy fog.

The boar charged suddenly, its tusks gleaming menacingly in the moonlight. Ethan gripped a makeshift spear they had fashioned earlier, his knuckles white. "Get ready to throw rocks," he instructed, his eyes locked on the approaching beast.

Lia nodded, adrenaline coursing through her veins as she quickly gathered stones, large branches, dried coconut husks, and any debris she could find. Just as the boar lunged forward, Ethan thrust the spear, nearly losing his grip. "Now!" he shouted.

With all her strength, Lia flung boulders at the boar's side. It squealed in pain, its attention shifting to her. In that frantic moment, Lia stumbled over a fallen branch, sharp pain radiating from her leg as a rock sliced into her skin. "Ouch!" she cried, clutching her leg.

Ethan struck the boar's side during the distraction. "Get away, you beast!" he yelled, his voice ringing with fierce determination.

The confused and wounded boar fled into the forest, leaving them breathless and scared. "Is it gone?" Lia asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the fear still clinging to her.

"Yeah, it's gone," Ethan replied, dropping the spear with relief. He turned to her, concern etched across his features. "Are you okay?"

"I think so," Lia replied, wincing as she shifted her weight. "But I'm hurt."

Ethan gently took her arm, guiding her to sit on a nearby fallen log. "Let me see," he said softly, his fingers brushing against her skin as he inspected the cut on her leg. His face was solemn as he tore a shirt strip for a bandage. "This might sting," he warned before applying the makeshift bandage to the wound. "Your cuts will scar once they heal."

"It's okay," she murmured, trying to brush off the pain.

Ethan's gaze bore into hers, filled with intense concern. "I couldn't bear to lose you," he admitted quietly, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "Not this time."

Her heart skipped a beat. "I remember. When you kissed me, you said something," As images flashed in her head, she confessed, shaking.

Lia locked eyes with Ethan, her heart racing. Was Ethan possibly Lucas? No, that couldn't be. She had seen Lucas at the morgue and even attended his cremation. Why was she entertaining this idea? Was she losing her mind?

"What did I say?" Ethan asked, his eyes searching hers for answers.

Ethan's words lingered in her thoughts: "I miss you." But why? Had they met before? Was Lucas reincarnated? Could Lucas's soul have merged with his? Lia feared she might be losing her mind.

She reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from his face. "You're lost in thought, Lia," he remarked, his voice breaking her reverie.

Lia was startled to hear her name from Ethan, her flushed face paling as her heart raced. "P-paano mo..." Lia stammered, her body trembling, tears welling up in her eyes. "I never told you my name. How did you know?"