Night fell harsh and cold, pressing against the trees like a living thing. The stranger slept in uneasy fits, leaving Elara and Riven alone near the fire.
Riven sat beside her, his posture rigid. He wasn't looking at the flames—he was watching her.
"Elara," he said slowly.
It was still astonishing to hear him say her name. He spoke carefully, as if afraid to break it.
She smiled faintly, but it faded when she saw the dark, dried blood smeared across his shoulder. The wound he'd taken protecting her earlier had reopened.
"Oh God—Riven, why didn't you tell me?"
He blinked as she moved closer. "Not… hurt," he muttered, though his jaw tightened with pain.
"You're terrible at lying," Elara said, grabbing her bag. "Sit."
He obeyed, though reluctantly. When she pulled his shirt aside, she sucked in a breath. The gash was deep, and more bruising had spread beneath the skin.
"How were you even walking around with this?"
Riven watched her hands, eyes softened with something she couldn't name. "Elara… safe."
Her heart twisted. "You can't keep hurting yourself just to protect me."
He frowned as if he didn't understand. Or maybe he did—and didn't know how to stop.
As she cleaned the wound, Riven inhaled sharply. His fingers dug into the earth as he tried to stay still. She touched his arm gently.
"It's okay. I've got you."
His breath trembled. Slowly, he lifted his gaze to hers—not wild, not confused, but vulnerable.
"Elara," he whispered again, this time almost like a plea.
For a moment the forest felt quiet, as if even the trees were holding their breath.
Then a sound split the stillness.
A long, distant howl. Followed by another. And another.
Riven's entire body shifted. His pupils dilated, turning sharp, predatory. He stood up instantly.
"What is it?" Elara whispered.
He shook his head, unable to form the word. His breathing quickened. He looked toward the trees, then back at her—torn between running toward the threat or dragging her away from it.
The stranger behind them woke with a start. "They've found us," he gasped. "The mutants—they know he's here."
Riven moved in front of Elara, shielding her, his muscles tightening with instinctive rage and fear.
"Riven," she murmured, touching his back. "Stay with me. Please."
He leaned into her touch for the briefest moment. Then, in a voice almost too soft to hear, he said:
"Danger… stay close."
The howls grew nearer.
And Elara realized with chilling clarity—
the creatures weren't hunting the stranger.
They were hunting Riven.