Do You Want Revenge?

Damien didn't acknowledge the woman at first. He ignored her completely, his focus shifting to the girl lying on the ground.

Her body trembled, her breathing was erratic, and the tear-streaked dirt on her face spoke of exhaustion, pain, and terror.

Luton shifted on Damien's head, sensing its master's intent. Without needing to be asked, it produced a robe from its storage space, dropping it gently into Damien's outstretched hand.

With a calm, steady motion, Damien draped the robe over the girl, covering her tattered clothing and shielding her from the cold air. He wanted her to know that he wasn't after her body, that he wasn't like the monsters who had chased her down.

He crouched beside her, his voice soft but firm. "What's your name?"

She parted her lips to speak, but before she could answer, a sudden shift in the air warned Damien of the incoming attack.

"Behind you!" the girl screamed.