78: A mysterious figure

“Don’t thank me. If you feel gratitude toward me then tell it to me by introducing yourself. And don’t you dare try and lie, because I will know” the guy had his back turned to Maria but she could not help but shiver at the threat.

Despite not being able to see the guy's eyes, Maria could not help but feel exposed. It felt like the guy was seeing right through Maria without his eyes on her.

"Have you been here in this forest for long? How do you stand this creepy place?" Maroa asked, trying to stall the question. She wanted to answer the man but there was a feeling inside her that said no to say anything to him.

The man narrowed his eyes at Maria's attempt and seemed to be insulted by her attempt at stalling. Maria felt chills run down her arm as he turned his piercing eyes toward her and she felt herself choking at the gaze.

"I've been here for as long as I wanted" he did not ask Maria to answer him. Maria did that on her own.