The Devouring

Within the Cave

James tightened his grip on the woman's arm as he half-carried, half-dragged her through the thick forest. Her weight leaned heavily against him, her breaths ragged and uneven. Blood stained the purple and white robes she wore, the fabric torn from whatever battle she had escaped.

"Stay with me," James muttered, glancing at her. "We're almost there."

The woman let out a weak scoff, though her voice was strained. "You… talk too much," she whispered, her dark black eyes barely open.

James huffed, adjusting his hold on her. "And you're too heavy for someone this skinny," he shot back.

Despite her injuries, the corner of her lips twitched as if she wanted to smirk. But the moment was brief her knees buckled, and James barely caught her before she collapsed completely.

"Hey, hey, no passing out yet," he urged, his voice laced with concern. He adjusted his grip, pulling her arm over his shoulders. "Just a little further."

James staggered forward, his grip tightening around the injured woman as she leaned against him for support. Her breathing was labored, each step more difficult than the last. The thick canopy above barely let any light through, making the forest around them feel endless. Every rustle in the underbrush sent a jolt of tension up his spine he couldn't shake the feeling that something, or someone, was watching them.

"Just hold on." he muttered, glancing at the woman beside him.

She didn't respond with words, only lifting a trembling arm and pointing ahead. James followed her gaze, frowning as he tried to see what she was directing him toward. At first, all he saw was more trees, more tangled roots, and the same endless wilderness. But then, through a break in the undergrowth, he caught sight of a jagged rock formation partially hidden behind thick vines and moss.

A cave, James hesitated there was no way he would have spotted it on his own it was too well-hidden, too perfectly blended into the landscape. And yet, she had led him straight to it.

"How did you know that was there?" he asked, glancing down at her.

Her dark black eyes flickered toward him, but she said nothing. Instead, she gave the faintest nod toward the entrance, urging him forward.

James swallowed his questions for now and pressed on, pushing through the overgrowth until they reached the mouth of the cave. It was narrow, just wide enough for them to slip through, but as soon as they entered, the space opened up. The air inside was cool and damp, the scent of wet stone filling his lungs. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, and water dripped somewhere in the distance, the sound echoing softly through the cavern.

It felt… untouched, undisturbed, like no one had been here for a long time.

James carefully lowered the woman against the smoothest part of the wall, his mind still turning over the same question. How had she known? Had she been here before? She winced as she was settled, her head tilting back as she took in deep, shaky breaths.

As he knelt beside her, pressing his fingers to her wrist to check her pulse, he finally spoke.

"You knew this place was here," he said quietly, watching her face for any reaction. "Why?"

Her eyes half-opened, and for a moment, he thought she might answer. But then, she exhaled softly and let her head rest against the cave wall, too exhausted to speak.

James frowned but didn't push further. Whatever the answer was, it would have to wait. Right now, she needed help.

As James was crouched beside her, he quickly pulling out the herbs and bandages that he had gathered earlier. His fingers worked swiftly, tearing a strip of cloth to wrap around her wound.

"This is going to sting," he warned.

She exhaled sharply through her nose, a small show of defiance. "Do it."

James pressed the herbs against the wound, and immediately, she hissed in pain, her hands gripping the dirt beneath her. He ignored the glare she shot him and continued wrapping the bandage around her waist, securing it as best he could.

After a moment, her breathing steadied, though her dark eyes remained sharp "Why… help me?" she asked, her voice quiet but firm.

James sat back, wiping his hands against his pants. "I wasn't just gonna leave you there to bleed out."

She studied him for a long moment, her gaze unreadable. "Foolish," she muttered, shaking her head slightly.

James raised an eyebrow "You're welcome." he said dryly.

She didn't respond right away, just leaned back against the cave wall, exhaustion finally catching up to her. A small silence stretched between them before she finally spoke again.

"My name…" she hesitated, as if debating whether to tell him. Then, with a sigh, she muttered, "Zhao Lianhua."

James nodded, letting the name settle in his mind. "James."

Lianhua gave a slight nod, her dark black eyes flickering with something unreadable. Then, just as quickly, her exhaustion took over, and her eyes fluttered shut.

James let out a breath, leaning back against the cave wall. Outside, the wind rustled through the trees, but inside, the cave was quiet safe, for now.

He glanced at Lianhua, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest. He didn't know who she was or what had happened to her, but one thing was clear.

He wasn't going to abandon her.

Not now.

Not ever.

She had answers James needed.

James looked at the woman as she rested against the cave wall. Now that they were out of danger, he finally took a good look at her.

Her skin was pale, almost too pale, like she hadn't seen the sun in a long time. Her long, straight black hair fell past her waist, smooth and dark like polished ink. A few strands clung to her face from sweat, but even in her weakened state, there was something almost perfect about the way it framed her sharp features.

But what stood out the most were her eyes. Even half-closed from exhaustion, they were deep, dark black so dark they barely reflected the dim light of the cave. They gave her an intense, unreadable look, making it hard to tell what she was thinking.

Her face was sharp yet delicate, with high cheekbones and a small nose. But it wasn't just her face that caught James's attention. Her body, even in its weakened state, had an undeniable allure. She had a curvy figure, her waist narrow, her hips full, and her chest generous. The way she moved, even when injured, had a natural grace, like every motion was effortless.

Even though she was weak, there was something about her that felt strong.