8. Jessa

8

JESSA

“ I really am an idiot,” I mumble as I pick my way through the thick path. The trees sway forward as I make my way through, branches and leaves brushing over my skin.

Thankfully, whatever the winged man – or whatever he was – did to me healed me. I feel great. A little tired but not wounded or in pain.

And nowhere near in the state he left in.

I haven’t let myself think too hard about what happened before. Two pale men, both beautiful, both biting me. It’s confusing enough without the questions that pop up if I examine the situation too closely. So I haven’t.

I just need to find safety first. Then, I’ll worry about what creatures I’ve encountered.

A loose vine caresses my face as if to argue with me, and I shake my head. “No, I’m telling you. This is single-handedly, the dumbest thing I could do right now.” Another pet down my hair. “But what option do I have?”

I’m prodded in the back by a branch, which I interpret to mean that I should keep going. Honestly, I’m halfway convinced that I’ve been hallucinating for hours, but when there is magic, there is a little sense.

Hence, me having a conversation with plants.

When the man took off earlier, I knew I couldn’t stay where I was. I’m disappointed he didn’t take me with him to the base, but I don’t blame him. He was in no state to be slowed down. I could see that. So, instead of protesting, I watched the winged man as he left.

Powerful muscles rippled under smooth icy white skin as he unfurled his massive wings. They were enormous, at least fifteen feet tip to tip, the membranes torn and bloody. Scarred but stunning. I was shocked as I watched, especially as the sun filtered through them. I’d never seen anything like it, and I was surprised by how enamored I was.

With a rush of displaced air, he beat those mighty wings and launched himself skyward. I should have been more aware of my surroundings, but I was stuck watching in awe as those powerful limbs propelled him higher with each downstroke. He moved with predatory grace, exuding danger and beauty in equal measure even in his state.

The sunrise caught on the obsidian claws at each wingtip, making them gleam. His long hair streamed behind him like a banner as he took off overhead. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

I was left breathless, heart stuttering in my chest. I'd never seen anything so stunning yet terrifying as this wild, winged man in flight. He stirred some primal awe within me, speaking to an ancient instinct.

And after he left, I hoped and prayed that he would find his way back. I want him to recover, and not just to help me. Yes, I am grateful he came to my aid, but I also hate that he was injured doing so.

I did expect him to have found help by now. And with the way he came to my rescue, I thought he’d extend that to me.

But it’s been hours, the sun high in the sky, and no one has come for me. Thankfully, nothing has come after me either, thanks to my plant friends that have been shielding me.

So, I did the only thing I could think of. I kept moving. Sitting still is easy prey for anything out here, and I did see the direction he went in. It’s a long shot, but I’m hoping if I just keep following the path of his trajectory, I will find a place where I can finally be safe.

"Do you even know where you are taking me?" I ask the tree that leans into me, nudging me forward. It presses harder, and I take that as an indication that it does.

The trees continue nudging me onward, branches gently caressing my arms and back as if to reassure me I'm on the right path. I'm not fully convinced, but don't seem to have much choice other than to trust the strange sentience of the forest.

"You better know where we're going," I mumble, but continue placing one foot in front of the other.

After what feels like hours of stumbling through the increasingly dense underbrush, the trees give one final push and I emerge into a small clearing. Craggy rock cliffs tower overhead, the stone face dotted with cave openings of varying sizes.

But no wildspont base. No humans or people or anything .

I turn back to the trees, exasperated. "Okay, now what?"

The branches rustle soundlessly, offering no explanation. Letting out a frustrated huff, I scan the area.

That's when a soft blue glow catches my eye, emanating from the cavern with a wide mouth. It pulses slowly, like a heartbeat, a hypnotic rhythm beckoning me closer. Crystals embedded in the exterior cave walls appear to be the source, glinting with ethereal light.

“You know...” I say even as I feel a pull to the cavern. “That seems like a terrible place for me to go.”

The trees rustle in protest and the glow burns brighter. My feet carry me toward it instinctively, curiosity overpowering caution. The shine intensifies as I approach the entrance, magical energy seeming to thrum through the very air.

I put my hand out, running it over the cool stone that hums beneath my palm. It feels as if it’s greeting me, and I wonder if maybe I was wrong. Maybe there is something out here. The forest seems to know what it was doing, after all. There must be a reason I am here.

I start to edge forward before I think better of it. My last bright idea left me bleeding out in the forest. Maybe this isn’t a great one either.

Or maybe I should start trusting something besides myself... These trees seem very insistent after all, and I have to admit I am curious.

Pausing at the threshold, I glance back at the silent trees once more. "This better not get me killed." Their only response is a gust of wind pushing me forward.

My heart pounds a frantic rhythm against my ribs as I peer into the dim cave. I don't know what I was expecting, but the sight before me still makes me freeze.

A figure lies crumpled on the rocky ground, one hand pressed tightly to his side. Shadows drape the interior, making it hard to discern much beyond the basic shape of him. Something dark and jagged lies on the cave floor behind him. A growing puddle beneath his body glints wetly in the faint light.

I hesitate at the entrance, nerves sparking uncertainty through my veins. Can I trust my instincts after that vile creature attacked me? But the trees rustle encouragingly, vines along the cave entrance caressing my arms as if to say go to him.

"I must be losing my mind, listening to plants," I mutter under my breath. Still, I find myself drawn forward into the cave toward the injured form. A part of me wonders...

No. It can’t be him.

The crystals' glow pulses stronger with each step I take, as if responding to my presence. Their blue light reveals more details about the figure sprawled on the ground. His skin is an ashen gray, almost metallic. The substance pooling under him looks black in the shadows - blood, I realize with a lurch.

Swallowing hard, I gather my courage and inch closer.

The pulsing azure light finally illuminates wings folded behind him - thick and leathery, dyed crimson with blood both fresh and dried. My heart stutters. I recognize him now. It is the winged man who saved me.

"Why are you here?" I murmur. Dried blood cakes the side of his face and neck, matching the macabre stain across his torso.

His chest still rises and falls, though it is shallow. Still, it is quite a miracle after what he has endured.

Unease wars with concern within me. I shouldn't be here, yet I can't bring myself to leave him. He saved me, and now it seems I have the opportunity to do the same.

"What do I do?" I ask the silent trees. As if in response, the crystals blaze brighter, casting their glow over the entirety of the small cave.

Taking it as a sign, I creep forward until I can properly assess his injuries. Deep lacerations carve down his abdomen, oozing fresh blood. Bruises and scratches mottle his skin, rips adorn his wings, and one leg seems to be shattered. My heart aches at the damage, even as caution whispers this creature is dangerous.

I look to the plants once more for guidance, but receive only silence. My choice alone, it seems. With a deep breath, I steel my nerves and reach out a tentative hand.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, I grip the hem of my tunic and rip a long strip of fabric. I hesitate only a moment before kneeling by his side.

As gently as I can, I unwrap the makeshift bandage already around his abdomen that is soaked through. It needs to be replaced, and I use my scrap of cloth, trying to staunch the sluggish bleeding even as I worry of the infection he might get from the dirty fabric. He tenses under my touch, a pained hiss escaping him even unconscious.

I freeze, worried I've hurt him worse. But then his eyes flicker open, gleaming a bright amber in the dim light. They fix on me, wary and confused.

"Let me help you," I whisper, keeping my voice soft and hands still. "Please."

He simply watches me for a long moment, muscles coiled tight. I hold my breath, unsure if he'll accept my aid or lash out.

Gods only know what this man could do to me if he felt threatened. And right now, he is not looking at me with relief.

He’s looking at me like I’m his prey.