Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Shadows in the Jungle
The pain in my ribs was unbearable, but I couldn't stop moving.
Something—or someone—was following me.
I couldn't see them.
But I could feel them.
Watching. Studying.
I clenched my fists, forcing my body to stay upright.
If they attacked, would I even be able to fight back?
I didn't know.
But I would try.
The Figure Appears
Leaves rustled behind me.
I spun around, raising my fists—but stumbled, my body too weak.
A shadow stepped into the moonlight.
Not a pirate. Not a Marine.
It was… a girl.
She looked about my age, with dark green hair tied in a rough ponytail.
Her clothes were made from stitched-together animal pelts, and her feet were bare.
Her piercing yellow eyes studied me like I was prey.
For a moment, we just stared at each other.
Then she spoke.
"You're not from here."
Her voice was calm, but there was a sharpness to it.
I swallowed. "No."
She tilted her head. "Then why are you still alive?"
A Dangerous Encounter
I didn't know how to answer that.
I should be dead.
But somehow, I wasn't.
She took a step closer.
I tensed, ignoring the sharp pain in my side.
She noticed my injuries, her gaze flickering with… something.
Was it curiosity? Amusement?
"You fought them?" she asked.
I nodded, still on guard.
She smirked.
"Not bad."
Then—without warning—she tossed me a waterskin.
I caught it, confused.
She turned away, disappearing back into the jungle.
I stared after her.
Who was she?
And more importantly—
Why did she help me?