6. Helping a Lycan

AT THE SAME TIME

ISABELLA'S POINT OF VIEW:

The fire crackled softly as I stirred the contents of my pot, the rich scent of herbs and roasted meat filling my small cave. It had taken a lot of effort, but I'd finally established something resembling stability. I had food, shelter, and even a few basic tools I had bartered from the pack members in exchange for meals. If they wanted me gone, then fine. I'd prove I could survive on my own. Cooking had always been a simple pleasure, a small piece of my old life I could still cling to. The familiar chime made me flinch, and the glowing text appeared before me.

"New Task: Help the Injured" System said. "An unconscious man has appeared near your location. Aid him." Reward: ???

I stared at the words, my brow furrowing.

"What?"I muttered.

I wiped my hands on my apron and slowly stood, scanning the cave entrance. I carefully stepped outside, my breath forming a small puff of mist in the chilly evening air. The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves. The sky had begun darkening, streaks of orange and purple blending at the horizon. And then I saw him. A dark figure, collapsed near the treeline.

The System for a past week had been helpful in small ways before providing me with survival tasks and rewarding me with tools, but this was different.

This was a person. And the last thing I needed was another problem.

"Can I refuse?"I asked.

"Refusal is not an option." System said.

I didn't remembered writing about someone asking villainess help. I guess since I am doing the things I want too, system tasks can change a bit. I just hope it's not going to be for a worse.

As I got closer, I took in the details of his form. His cloak was dark, torn at the edges, and dusted with leaves. He was large too large, honestly broad shouldered and built like a warrior. A lock of jet black hair fell over his face, partially obscuring his sharp features. His skin was pale beneath the moonlight, his expression drawn tight as if even in unconsciousness, he was in pain.

"Are you dead?"I asked.

"You better not be, because I am not digging a grave."I said.

I nudged his arm lightly. No response. Then, as if to test something, I reached up and pushed back his hood slightly and sharp inhale left my lips. Pointed ears. A cold chill ran down my spine. He was not human.

"Shit."I whispered.

I pulled my hand back quickly. Was he a rogue? A runaway? He had the scent of the wild on him, like the earth and rain, but beneath it was something else, something faint but powerful.

"Why me?"I muttered.

If he was a Lycan, this was bad news. Lycans didn't just roam around unconscious. They were powerful, deadly, and highly territorial. If someone had taken down a Lycan, then whoever did it was even worse. Not dead, then. Just barely holding on. I chewed my lip, staring down at him. This was a risk. A big one. But… if I left him here, he might die. The second I did, I nearly collapsed under his weight.

"Gods, what the hell do they feed you?" I grunted, my legs trembling. He was solid muscle, and I was not built to carry something this heavy. His head lolled slightly, and a weak groan left him.

"Where?" His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

I scowled.

"Yeah, yeah, I know you're alive now. You can thank me later."I muttered.

Halfway to my cave, his weight shifted slightly, and I thought he was slipping agin, until his head leaned against my shoulder. I stiffened. He smelled nice.

Another grunt left his lips, his fingers tightening weakly.

I rolled my eyes.

"Shut up and stay unconscious."I said.

By the time I reached the cave, my arms were trembling. I collapsed forward, barely managing to set him down on the furs near the fire. He let out a low, quiet breath, his expression twitching slightly as if even in sleep, he was uncomfortable. I sat back, shaking out my sore arms. Never again.

A small flicker of warmth hit my vision, it was a system notification.

"Task Complete. Reward: ??? (Pending)" System said.

Before I could question it, I glanced down at the man beside me. I clenched my hands into fists instead.

This was a mistake. And I had a feeling I was going to regret it.

The fire flickered softly, casting shadows along the uneven walls of my cave. The air smelled of herbs and faint smoke, mingling with the lingering scent of stew from earlier. The system had gone quiet since I dragged the stranger in, leaving me alone with the slow, steady sound of his breathing. Suddenly I heard a sharp inhale. I froze.

A quiet, strained sound left his lips before his vivid green eyes flickered open. I stiffened.

For a long moment, he lay there, blinking sluggishly at the ceiling as if piecing together where he was. His expression shifted confusion, mild annoyance, and then... realization. His gaze snapped to me. I tensed.

I wasn't sure what I expected. Maybe grogginess, maybe more confusion but no, his gaze pinned me in place like he was committing every detail to memory.

"You're awake."I said.

His brows furrowed slightly.

"Where am I?" His voice was hoarse, rough like he hadn't spoken in days.

I shifted, crossing my arms.

"A cave."I said.

Silence. His expression remained unreadable, but his gaze flickered to the fire, then to the various supplies scattered around, dried herbs, a small pot, some crude tools I had managed to craft or barter for. His eyes narrowed slightly before landing back on me.

I cleared my throat.

"You passed out in the forest."I said.

He exhaled slowly, his head tilting as he studied me with quiet intensity. Then he sat up. It was too smooth, too easy like he hadn't just been unconscious for who knows how long. His muscles barely strained as he propped himself up, long legs stretching out slightly.

I leaned back instinctively.

".You're strong," I muttered before I could stop myself.

A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"And you're cautious."He said.

I scowled.

"I just don't trust strange men appearing half dead near my home."I said.

His smirk widened, but he didn't respond. Instead, he let his gaze drift around again before absently touching his shoulder. He flexed his fingers, testing his limbs.

"Who are you?" I asked, watching him carefully.

He glanced at me.

For a second, I thought he wasn't going to answer.

"Adrian."I asked.

I frowned.

"Just Adrian?"I asked.

I didn't remember naming anyone as Adrian in my book.

He tilted his head slightly.

"Do I need more?"He asked.

I rolled my eyes.

"Fine. Adrian. Do you remember how you got here?"I asked.

A pause. His eyes darkened just slightly.

"No."He said.

Lie. The way his jaw tightened, the subtle shift in his expression, it was a lie. But I wasn't about to push a half dead, possibly dangerous man into telling me the truth.

I huffed.

"Well, that's convenient."I said.

His lips twitched slightly.

"You're... different."He said.

I blinked.

"Excuse me?"I asked.

"You don't smell like a rogue." He said simply. "But you're not part of a pack either."

My stomach twisted. Shit. Of course, he could tell. I forced a shrug. I didn't trust him at this moment.

"Maybe I just like my space."I said.

His eyes held mine for a long moment before he hummed softly, the sound low and thoughtful. Then he smirked again like he knew something I didn't.

I scowled.

"Stop that."I said.

"Stop what?"He asked.

"That smirking. It's annoying."I said.

He chuckled, the sound quiet but deep.

"Noted."He said.

I rolled my eyes and stood up.

"Look, you're awake now, so if you can walk, you can leave."I said.

His expression didn't change. He simply leaned back slightly, tilting his head as he studied me again.

"You're eager to get rid of me." He murmured.

I crossed my arms.

"I don't like people."I said.

"Fair."He said.

"Just... don't die in my cave, alright? I have enough problems."I said.

His smirk softened slightly into something unreadable.

"Noted." He said again.

But for some reason, I had a feeling he wasn't going anywhere.