huh?

You mustered the energy to quicken your pace, but the pain in your limbs protested. "I'm going as fast as I can," you responded, the strain evident in your voice.

Jayne stopped and turned to face you, her expression a mix of frustration and concern. "We need to get to the

leg as you tried to catch your balance.

The sudden pain was sharp, a white-hot flare that made you gasp, halting you in your tracks. You stumbled, reaching out to steady yourself against a tree.

"Are you okay?" Jayne's asked, although annoyance still made her scowl.

"I... I think I twisted my ankle," you managed through gritted teeth, the pain making it difficult to focus.

"I'll go back to the car and call for help," Jayne said decisively, already turning to leave.

The thought of being left alone, especially now with an injured ankle and the light rapidly fading, sent a wave of panic through you. "You're going to leave me here? Alone? I thought you said it wasn't safe to be out here after dark," you reminded her, heart skipping.

Jayne paused, her expression conflicted "I can only call for help from the parking lot; there's no signal here. Anyway, it makes sense for at least one of us to be safe in the car.”

The implication that your safety was somehow less important, that it was preferable to leave you vulnerable and alone, struck you as incredibly selfish.

"So, it's just about your safety, then?" you asked, incredulous.

Jayne's face hardened, a defensive edge creeping into her voice. "It's not like that, and you know it. What good would it do for both of us to be stuck out here?"

In the end, despite your protests, Jayne set off back down the trail, parking lot before it gets dark," she insisted, her gaze fixed on the rapidly fading light.

Annoyance bubbled up inside you, the day's frustrations finding a voice. "We wouldn't have to worry about the dark if you hadn't been late this afternoon," you retorted, the words sharper than intended.

“It’s not my fault your slow.”

"You always do this, Jayne!" you exclaimed, frustration now rising to the forefront. "You set this impossible pace and expect me to just keep up."

Jayne turned to face you, her hands on her hips. "It's not impossible. We've done hikes like this before. I just don't want us to be out here after dark. It's not safe," she countered, her voice firm.

"I get that, but maybe we wouldn't be in such a rush if someone hadn't overslept," you shot back, the tension between you crackling.

Jayne sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Look, I said I was sorry about that, but we can't change it now. We need to move."

Determined not to let the argument be the end of it, you pushed off from the ground, attempting to quicken your pace to match Jayne's. As you hurried to catch up, your foot caught on a hidden root, sending a jolt of pain up your leaving you abandoned and vulnerable as the shadows lengthened and the forest seemed to close in around you.

Time seemed to stretch into eternity as you waited, the dwindling light casting long shadows through the trees. Every so often, you checked your phone, hoping for a miracle of reception, but it remained stubbornly void of any signal.

The thought of Jayne returning with help began to feel more like a distant hope than a certainty.

As the forest grew darker, a sense of resignation settled over you. The idea of hobbling back to the parking lot on your own seemed daunting, yet the alternative—spending the night alone and injured in the woods—was far worse. Jayne's decision to leave, her potential to drive away in a fit of anger, wasn't entirely out of character, but the reality of being abandoned like this was a new low, even for her.

Just as you mustered the courage to test your weight on your injured ankle, a rustle from the underbrush made you freeze. Tension gripped you, the fear of being alone in the dark forest suddenly compounded by the presence of an unknown.

Then, he appeared. A man, tall and lean, emerged from the trees. His black hair was unkempt, as if he too belonged to the wilds, and his eyes—a striking shade of green-gold—almost glowed with an inner light.

"Do you need help?" His voice was gentle, a stark contrast to his rugged appearance.

Warily, you nodded, the instinct to distrust strangers warring with the immediate need for assistance. "Yes," you managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper, betraying your apprehension.

Something about him, maybe the genuine concern in his gaze or the calm assurance with which he surveyed the situation, eased the tight knot of fear in your chest.

“My name’s Nikhil, by the way.” His voice carried a faint accent, Indian, though you couldn't pinpoint where specifically. It was soft, though, and mellow in a way that had you relaxing despite your worry.

"I can help you walk," Nikhil offered, stepping closer. "You can lean on my shoulder, or if you prefer, I can carry you."

There was a lightness in his tone, a smile on his lips. Despite the situation, Nikhil seemed to find a way to lighten the mood, his confidence reassuring.

"No, thanks," you replied, managing a small smile despite the blush overtaking your cheeks. "An arm around your shoulder is fine."

As you tentatively placed your arm around him, you were immediately struck by his strength. His lean frame belied the solidity of his build, his muscles tensing under your touch as he carefully adjusted to support your weight.

The walk back was slow and awkward, each step a careful negotiation of the uneven ground and your compromised balance. Nikhil moved with a surprising grace, his steps sure and steady, contrasting the faltering nature of your own.

"Never thought I'd be someone's knight in shining armour," Nikhil joked, his voice light, trying to ease the tension.

You couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. You didn’t quite know what to say to that, so you said nothing.

The silence that enveloped you both was neither awkward nor entirely comfortable; it carried a tinge of tension. You found yourself searching for something, anything, to fill the void, to ease the growing restlessness in your mind.

It was Nikhil who broke the silence, his voice cutting through the stillness of the evening. "Were you hiking alone?" he inquired.

You hesitated, the memory of Jayne's departure still fresh, still stinging. "No, I was with a friend. She went to get help... about an hour and a half ago," you admitted, the words tasting bitter on your tongue.

Nikhil's brows knit together in a frown, a subtle shift in his expression. "That's odd," he mused, his gaze thoughtful. "We're not that far from the parking lot. It shouldn't have taken this long for her to get help—or to come back."

The implication of his words hung between you, undeniable. You knew, deep down, that Jayne's absence had stretched too long, her promise to return with help fading with each passing minute. The realisation, coupled with Nikhil's observation, cemented a growing dread in the pit of your stomach.

Despite the unease, Nikhil's steady presence, the warmth of his shoulder supporting you, offered a sliver of comfort in the midst of uncertainty. His concern, though offered by a stranger, felt genuine, a small beacon of hope on the long walk back.

As you continued to hobble along, leaning heavily on Nikhil, a sharp spike of pain shot through your ankle, forcing you to stop. "I need a moment," you gasped, stumbling.

Nikhil gently helped you to a fallen log, his concern evident as he knelt to examine your ankle. The skin was stretched tight, ankle puffy and swollen.

"It's definitely sprained," he concluded, his voice laced with sympathy. He looked up at you, his green-gold eyes serious in the dim light. "I know a shortcut," he said. "It's off the trail, but it'll get us to the parking lot faster."

The suggestion set off alarm bells in your mind. Going off-trail, especially in your condition and with night closing in, seemed like a recipe for disaster. "I don't know," you hesitated. "Isn't that a bad idea?"

Nikhil's assurance was immediate. "I know this forest well," he said, though the vagueness of his claim did little to quell your apprehensions. "Trust me."

"How well do you know it?" you pressed, seeking something concrete to hold onto in the sea of uncertainties.

He offered a small smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Let's just say I've spent a lot of time here," he replied, the ambiguity of his answer doing little to satisfy your curiosity.

Despite your reservations, the desire to end the ordeal, to be back in the safety and comfort of the familiar, won out. You nodded. "Okay, let's go."

As you ventured off the marked trail, the forest seemed to close in around you, the trees standing like silent sentinels in the darkness. Then, cutting through the stillness, a lone wolf howled, the sound eerie and unsettling in the quiet of the night.

You froze, a new wave of fear washing over you. "I didn't think there were wolves here," you whispered, your voice barely audible over the pounding of your heart.

Nikhil's hand found yours, his grip reassuring. "Don't worry about it," he said, his voice steady and calm. "We'll be fine."

As you pressed on, the determination to keep moving overrode the throbbing pain in your ankle. The fear of being vulnerable in the dark, unfamiliar woods urged you to ignore the discomfort, to focus on the path ahead.

In your haste, your foot caught on something, sending you stumbling forward. Before you could brace for the fall, Nikhil's arms were around you, pulling you back against his chest. For a moment, you were acutely aware of the warmth of his body, the strength in his embrace, and the faint scent of pine that seemed to cling to him.

"Careful," he chided gently, a hint of amusement in his voice. You found yourself face-to-face with him, and the proximity offered a new perspective. His features, which had seemed rugged and mysterious in the dim light of the trail, now carried a softness, an approachability that made your heart flutter unexpectedly.

"Thanks for catching me," you managed to say, a mix of gratitude and newfound awareness colouring your tone.

Nikhil's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with a playful light. "Any time," he replied with a grin. You noticed sharp canines, and something in you tightened.

He straightened, his hands still steadying you. "We're nearly there," he promised, though the exact destination remained as vague as his familiarity with the woods. "Do you want me to carry you? It might be easier."

Considering the pain in your ankle and the unsettling howls that seemed to follow you, you nodded. "Yes, thank you," you said, embarrassment making your cheeks flush.

Truthfully, you weren’t sure it was entirely necessary for him to carry you, and yet you couldn’t say no.

As Nikhil carefully lifted you into his arms, you heard another chorus of howls, closer this time, sending a shiver down your spine. "Those wolves," you began, your voice tight with concern, "you're sure they're not dangerous?"

Nikhil's pace didn't falter as he carried you, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "They're not a danger to us," he reassured you, his confidence unshaken. The certainty in his voice was meant to comfort, but it only confused you more. How could he be so sure?

Your mind raced with questions, but the warmth of his hold and the steady rhythm of his stride lulled you into a sense of security.

Silence settled over you again, as you tried to subtly bury yourself into Nikhil’s hoodie. He kept walking, and eventually the trail gave way to the more familiar terrain of the parking lot.

The sight of the open space, bathed in the yellow glow of the overhead streetlights, had relief flooding through you. Nikhil carefully set you down, his arms lingering for a moment longer than necessary, as if reluctant to break the contact.

"Thank you," you said, your voice soft. The proximity, the rush of your own pulse, had you wanting to close the space between you and Nikhil. To kiss him.

As Nikhil stepped back though, the artificial light cast him in a new perspective. For the first time, you saw him clearly, and the sight took your breath away. His eyes, under the harsh glare of the streetlights, held an unmistakable glow. The sharpness of his canines, visible as he offered you a reassuring smile, and the poised, almost predatory grace with which he held himself, suggested a nature far removed from the human.

The realisation struck you so suddenly, it knocked the breath from your lungs. The man who had guided you through the darkness, who had offered comfort and protection, was not entirely what he seemed..

What was he?

As Nikhil noticed your lingering gaze, he seemed to retreat instinctively, away from the light. The subtle shift in his demeanour didn't escape your notice; it was as if he was suddenly wary.

"Why do your eyes glow like that?" you asked, the question driven by a mix of fascination and a need to understand the man who had been your unexpected saviour.

"It's nothing," Nikhil brushed off, his voice carrying a finality that suggested the topic was off-limits. "I should go now that you're safe."

Your curiosity was piqued, and his evasive answer only served to fuel it further. "Please," you persisted, stepping closer to the edge of the shadows in an attempt to see him more clearly. "There's something... different about you."

The night air was punctuated by another howl, closer this time, its tone carrying an almost human quality that sent a shiver down your spine. The sound seemed to resonate with something within Nikhil, as he shivered.

As you watched, his eyes glowed brighter. The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. It was ridiculous to even think it, but…

Nikhil didn't have to say the words for you to understand; he wasn’t human. He was something other, something strange and supernatural. It should have scared you, but when you looked at Nikhil’s angular face and unsure smile, it was impossible to be afraid.

"I... I understand," you said, finally, “you don’t have to tell me.”

As the cool night air sent a shiver through you, Nikhil seemed to notice from the edge of the shadows. Stepping forward, he shed his hoodie, offering it to you with a gentle, "Here, take this."

Wrapped in the warmth of his hoodie, the fabric carrying the faint scent of pine and something uniquely him, you couldn't help but smile. "How am I supposed to get this back to you?" you asked with a smile.

Nikhil's response was light, his eyes twinkling with amusement in the dim light. "Guess we'll just have to meet up again," he replied. He reached out as if to touch you, only to pause, brows furrowed.

The idea sparked something within you, a flicker of excitement at the prospect of seeing him again. "How about Friday at two?" you ventured. "I could bring a picnic, or we could go somewhere nice for lunch..."

"Sounds perfect," Nikhil agreed, his voice warm. The simple plan seemed to solidify something between you, something you couldn’t place.

Nikhil took a step closer, closing the distance with a certainty that seemed to pull you in. The warmth of his hoodie enveloped you, his scent—a mix of the wild forest and something uniquely him—filled your senses.

His arms encircled you, strong and reassuring, drawing you into his embrace. As his lips met yours, the world seemed to stand still, the noise of the forest fading into a distant hum. The kiss was soft, a gentle inquiry that you answered willingly, deepening the connection as your hands found their way to the nape of his neck, fingers tangling in his tousled hair.

Nikhil tasted of pine and coffee. He drew you in, tongue teasing your lower lip and you gladly gave him entrance; he was soft and warm and everything you needed, even as sharp canines dug into your skin.

Gently, you pulled away from the kiss, lips tingling. Nikhil, sensing your need to catch your bearings, tenderly kissed your forehead before stepping away.

"I'll be here, Friday at two," he promised. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small, slightly worn piece of paper and scribbled down his phone number. "Just in case," he added with a smile, handing it to you.

You couldn't help but laugh, the sound breaking the lingering tension. "I didn't expect you to have a phone," you teased, a playful challenge in your tone.

Nikhil's response was a light, amused chuckle. "I might spend a lot of time in the woods, but I do have a house. With electricity and everything," he countered, his grin infectious.

“Good. I’ll call you, then.”

Turning towards the parking lot, the reality of your situation came back into focus. There, just as you'd left it, was the car. Jayne watched you from the back seat. Relief washed over you at the sight.

With a final glance back at Nikhil, who watched you with a look that was both protective and promising, you made your way to the car. You waved, and he waved back. Something soft settled in your chest.

As you reached the car and gently opened the door, the interior light flicked on. Blinking against the sudden brightness, she squinted up at you, confusion etched across her face. "Who was that?" she mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Just someone who helped me," you replied, keeping the details sparse as you slid into the front passenger seat.

Jayne shifted, sitting up straighter. "I did call for help, you know," she said, her voice defensive. "But my signal was all over the place. I'm not even sure the call went through."

The explanation did little to quell the frustration that bubbled up inside you. "Why didn't you come back, then?" you asked, the question laced with the lingering hurt of being left alone.

Jayne's apology was quick, her gaze dropping as she admitted, "I didn't want to risk getting lost too... I thought it was better to wait by the car."

The silence that followed was heavy. While part of you acknowledged that Jayne's fear of getting lost was valid, the decision to leave you stranded still stung. It was clear that, although the ordeal had ended safely, the trust in your friendship had been shaken.

"I understand," you finally said, the words diplomatic yet distant. "I think this should be our last hike together."

Jayne, sensing the tension, quietly climbed into the driver's seat, her movements cautious. "Do you need to go to the hospital?" she asked, her concern genuine despite the awkwardness that now hung between you.

You shook your head, settling into the passenger seat with a weary sigh. "No, I'll just ice it when I get home. I'll see how it feels tomorrow." The last thing you wanted was to extend the evening any further with a trip to the hospital, especially with Jayne's company, which had become strangely unwelcome in light of recent events.

As the car pulled away from the forest,  you cast a lingering glance through the rear window. There, at the very edge of the treeline, stood Nikhil, a solitary figure blending with the shadows.

A small, grateful smile found its way to your lips as you waved Nikhil goodbye. He raised a hand and waved back, before vanishing into the trees.