Chapter Four

Third Person Pov

After Selina passed through the tunnel, she emerged into the human world. Just as she was about to step out fully, a rogue member of the North Riverbed pack lunged from the shadows, its claws grazing her leg. Pain seared through her as warm blood spilled down, staining the earth beneath her. Before the creature could strike again, Drillan appeared swift and mercilessly delivering the fatal blow that ended its threat.

Now, Selina found herself beyond the tunnel, standing barefoot in the unfamiliar world. Each step left a faint trail of crimson on the grass, her strength waning with every movement. The vast field stretched endlessly before her nothing but rolling grasslands and scattered trees, so few they could be counted by hand. For the first time, she felt utterly lost. No family, no pack, no guiding hand. Just her and the terrifying silence of survival in a world she didn’t know how to navigate.

Selina kept walking even though her leg hurt badly. The grass was cold under her bare feet, and she left small drops of blood behind her. She felt weak and lost, not knowing where to go or what to do.

In the distance, she noticed smoke rising and heard voices...people talking, laughing, and working. Hope sparked inside her, so she followed the sound until she reached a small village. There were farmers in the fields, carrying baskets and tools.

At first, they stopped and stared at her. She looked strange wearing a torn gown, messy hair, and bleeding. Some of them whispered to each other, unsure if they should come closer. Then an older man finally stepped forward.

“Miss, you’re hurt,” he said with concern, pulling out a cloth to help. A woman quickly brought a jar of water and gave Selina her arm for support.

Selina’s throat tightened as she whispered, “I… I don’t even know where I am.”

The man shook his head gently. “You’re safe here. Don’t worry. Come, let’s clean that wound before it gets worse.”

Selina let them guide her. For the first time since leaving the tunnel, she felt a bit of comfort. These strangers wherein her pack called ordinary humans were willing to help her without even knowing who she really was. Still, deep inside, she couldn’t shake the fear of what might happen if they discovered her true identity.

The farmers quickly rushed to Selina’s side when they saw her limping across the path. One of them handed her a bottle of water while another offered a piece of cloth to press against her wound.

“Sit here, hija,” an older woman said kindly, pointing to a wooden bench near a small fruit stand. “You’re hurt, you shouldn’t walk around like that.”

Selina lowered herself onto the bench, still unsure of what to say. Everything felt too new.This world was so different, yet the kindness of these strangers warmed something inside her chest.

That was when a young man approached from the other side of the street, carrying a basket of vegetables. He had the kind of presence that made the villagers greet him easily, as though he was someone they trusted. His shirt was worn from work, his skin browned from the sun, but his smile carried a quiet reassurance.

“What happened here?” he asked, setting his basket down. His gaze landed on Selina, on the makeshift bandage pressed against her leg.

“She was walking barefoot, poor girl,” one farmer explained. “Looks like she doesn’t know her way around.”

The young man crouched down in front of her, his eyes steady but soft. “You’re injured,” he said plainly. “Let me help.”

Selina opened her mouth to refuse, but the words never came out. There was something about him, his voice and his calmness that silenced her defenses.

He extended his hand. “I’m Elias. And you are?”

“Selina,” she whispered, almost unsure if she should give her real name.

Elias gave a small nod, as though he’d already decided to take responsibility. “Alright, Selina. Let’s get that wound cleaned properly. You can’t walk around like this.”

The villagers exchanged approving glances, as if silently agreeing she would be safe with him. And for the first time since leaving the tunnel, Selina felt like she wasn’t completely lost anymore.

Elias helped Selina stand and guided her to sit on a wooden bench near the field. He pulled out a small cloth and some herbal oil from his bag. With careful hands, he cleaned her wound and wrapped it neatly.

“You should be more careful,” he said in a calm voice. “Walking around barefoot isn’t safe here.”

Selina gave him a small smile. “I didn’t really plan to end up here.”

He paused, looking at her for a second before letting out a short laugh. “You’re different,” he said, shaking his head lightly.

Selina felt her face warm a little at his words. She quickly looked away, not wanting him to notice.

“There,” Elias said as he tied the cloth. “It’s not perfect, but it should help. Just stick close until you get used to this place.” He offered his hand to help her up again.

Their eyes met for a moment, and though it was quick, something about it felt unusual. Neither of them said anything more, but there was a quiet spark between them that neither could explain.