CHAPTER 2

(SHEILA’S POV)

In my dimly lit hut, the flickering oil lamps cast dancing shadows across the room. The injured stranger lay on my makeshift bed, his brow furrowed with suspicion as his grip secured my arm.

I looked at him with tenderness, devoid of anger or annoyance, understanding all too well the fear and confusion he must have felt waking up in a strange place with someone who could potentially harm him at any moment.

‘He must've been terrified,' I thought, recalling my own experience of waking up in the haven's healer hut for the first time—confused and in great pain, with Elder Willow tending to my wounds. Deeply empathizing with the stranger's plight, my heart went out to him.

"I'm just helping you. You're injured, and I need to dress this wound," I softly said as I met his gaze with sincerity, pointing at the bleeding wound on his leg. It was a big gash on his pale skin, seemingly caused by hitting something sharp as he fell down before. Blood flowed from the wound, running down his body and gathering on the ground. The air smelled strongly of blood.

The stranger hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. Despite his reluctance, I could see the weakness creeping into his body. With a resigned sigh, he lowered his guard and allowed me to continue patching him up.

"Fine," he said reluctantly, releasing my arm.

I nodded in understanding, my focus unwavering as I tended to Orion's wounds. Carefully undressing him to expose his injured skin, I began my assessment. A deep bruise on his abdomen caught my attention first, its ominous hues of purple and blue hinting at underlying internal trauma. As I worked, I noted another troubling sight—a series of scratches etched angrily across his shoulder blade, their redness indicating a fierce struggle or scrape against a rough surface. I frowned, sadness and worry etched on my face at the severity of his injuries.

Despite momentarily being shaken, I gathered myself and resumed my task with determination. With gentle precision, I cleansed each wound with warm water, using a fresh cloth to ensure thorough removal of any dirt or debris, meticulously preparing the area for treatment.

The stranger watched my every move, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes as he surrendered to my care, his body weary but his trust slowly beginning to grow.

With steady hands, I proceeded to apply a layer of antiseptic salve to the wound, gently massaging it into the surrounding skin to promote healing and prevent infection. In the midst of applying the salve thoroughly to cover the stranger’s injured area, I engaged in conversation, eager to learn more about this man I had assumed fell from the hill higher than the pine woods.

"I..." the stranger trailed off, his voice fading as if lost in a labyrinth of forgotten memories. Slowly, he reached up, his fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against his forehead, a feeble attempt to coax back the elusive fragments of his past. Then, as if struck by a bolt of lightning, a gasp escaped his lips, his features contorting with the sudden onslaught of pain. Gritting his teeth in frustration, anger bubbled up from within, simmering just beneath the surface of his controlled exterior.

His reaction prompted me to halt my application of the salve. With gentle concern, I reached out and touched his hand, which was clenched tightly against his forehead, silently urging him to release the tension gripping him.

In response, he let out a frustrated growl. "I can't remember..." he muttered, his voice trailing off as his gaze drifted upwards to the ceiling. I couldn't help but speculate that if he possessed more strength in that moment, he might have thrashed upon the makeshift bed—breaking one of its wooden legs or two.

I bit my lip, a pang of regret coursing through me as I realized the futility of expecting coherent answers from an injured man in his current state.

"I'm sorry," I apologized earnestly, my voice laced with sincerity. "I was being stupid. Please, don't force yourself. Just breathe."

To my surprise, the man acquiesced to my instructions without resistance, and soon a sense of calm settled over him.

I then applied the last remaining salve to his injuries before wiping my hands clean with a cloth. As I ensured that all of his wounds had been treated, a sudden realization dawned on me. I recalled the name the man had mentioned earlier in the woods.

"Oh!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening with realization. "You did tell me your name before. It was Orion, if I'm not mistaken!"

"Orion," the man muttered, his eyes widening in surprise as a flicker of recognition crossed his face.

I nodded, feeling a smile slowly creep up behind my veil. I hummed in agreement before adding, “That fang pendant you have, it’s the most stunning blue I’ve ever seen, incredibly clear too. Seems like it means a lot to you before, doesn't it?”

I nodded enthusiastically as I proceeded to gather my already prepared roll of sterile cloth strips. With practiced hands, I began to wrap the wound on his legs, applying just the right amount of pressure to provide support and protection without causing discomfort.

I watch as the man, his fingers tracing the lines of his sapphire fang pendant, seems lost in thought. His lips curl into a small smile as he repeats the name to himself, savoring it like a newfound treasure. "Orion… yeah… I think that's my name. I like it."

My own excitement bubbles up inside me, mirrored in my smile as I speak. "Well then, Orion, I'll help you sit up because I need to dress your wound."

Orion nodded, accepting my support as he sat up. Despite the stinging sensations evident in his slightly scrunched face, he didn't really voice any complaints. Instead, he stared at me in awe as I continued to gently wrap his wound.

"Sheila, was it?" Orion's soft voice caught my attention, prompting me to perk up. I responded with acknowledging hums, confirming my identity.

"Thank you for taking care of me," Orion expressed his gratitude, his words carrying a sincere promise, "I'll repay you one day, I promise."

My smile widened, my heart warmed by Orion's gratitude. "No worries, Orion," I replied warmly, my hands deftly securing the bandage around his upper torso. I made sure it was enough to be proper support to his wound but not too tight to restrict circulation during the healing process. "I'm just glad I could help," I added, my tone filled with sincerity.