Chapter 6

Currently, Aslan, Ishak, and Amanda were in the forest searching for herbs. The sun was setting, and the forest was growing darker. The atmosphere became more silent and ominous, yet they hadn't found a single herb.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of sharp eyes were watching from behind the trees. A wolf slowly crept forward, drawn to Ishak who was running around searching for herbs. Suddenly, the wolf leapt from the shadows, aiming for Ishak. Fortunately, Ishak noticed the beast just in time and managed to dodge its attack. He quickly climbed a nearby tree. He had narrowly escaped, but the wolf didn't give up. Growling furiously, it began circling the tree, trying to reach the small boy.

Aslan, who was not far away, heard the wolf's growl and turned toward the sound. Seeing the wolf trying to attack Ishak, he quickly grabbed a large stone from the ground and hurled it at the beast. The rock struck the wolf's back, causing it to howl in pain. However, instead of fleeing, the wolf turned its rage toward Aslan and charged.

With trembling hands but unwavering eyes, Aslan reached for a branch lying nearby. The wolf's breath created faint mist in the cooling evening air.

Without warning, the wolf lunged forward, teeth bared, ready to strike.

In one swift motion, Aslan swung the branch and hit the wolf in the ribs. The beast was knocked back, yelping in pain, but it quickly regained its footing. Aslan stepped back, his feet firm despite the fear swelling in his chest.

The wolf attacked again, faster and more aggressively. Aslan tried to dodge, but the wolf's claw raked across his left arm, drawing blood. The pain stung, but adrenaline surged through him, keeping him moving. He spun and struck the wolf's head with the branch again—this time, the branch snapped, leaving only a jagged piece in his hand.

Now more furious than ever, the wolf's eyes gleamed with wild fury. It leapt once more, tackling Aslan to the ground. Its fangs nearly sank into his neck, but Aslan raised his arm just in time to block the deadly bite. Using all his strength, he shoved the beast to the side, flipped their positions, and punched the wolf hard in the face.

Cornered and wounded, the wolf turned to flee, but its eyes fell on Amanda in the distance. It dashed toward her with frightening speed.

Realizing this, Aslan scrambled to his feet and gave chase.

"Amanda! Run!" he shouted.

Amanda turned toward the voice and saw the wolf coming for her. Shocked, she tried to run, but tripped over a hole in the ground. The basket on her back made it hard to get up.

The wolf, now close, leapt to attack—but Aslan launched himself at the beast just in time, tackling it mid-air. Both of them fell into a river that was very close by.

They were swept by the current, but Aslan managed to grab onto a fallen tree branch.

As he pulled himself toward the riverbank, something caught his eye. Floating nearby were a sword and a pouch—the same ones he had taken from the soldier he killed.

"Wait... Aren't those the items I took from Soldier A? How did they end up here?" said Aslan as he swam toward the sword and pouch.

"Yes… it's them. I nearly forgot. Maybe when I fell, the current carried them away, and Amanda brought them home. I haven't even checked what's inside this pouch yet… Should I open it now?" he muttered to himself, but before he could, he heard Amanda and Ishak calling out.

"Galang! Where are you?!"

"I'm here!" Aslan responded.

"Thank goodness you're safe!"

Aslan staggered toward them. Amanda rushed over and helped support him.

"Brother Galang! What's that?" asked Ishak, pointing at the sword and pouch in Aslan's hand.

Amanda also noticed them. She was surprised by the sight of the sword—as she hadn't paid attention earlier due to her concern for Aslan's condition.

"Ah… It's a weapon I carried during my travels. I found it earlier by the riverbank," Aslan explained.

"Wow! You were a traveler, Brother Galang? That's awesome!" Ishak said excitedly.

"Alright, let's go home. It's getting dark," said Amanda.

They began walking back. Amanda helped carry Aslan since he was having trouble walking. After a while, Amanda tripped over a tree root. She fell, and Aslan landed on the ground first, with Amanda landing directly on top of him. For a few seconds, they both stayed still. Their breaths mingled as Amanda's face hovered just inches from Aslan's. Her cheeks turned red, and Aslan felt his heart racing. They locked eyes in an odd silence, yet there was a warm feeling spreading between them.

"Sorry," Amanda whispered, her face still flushed as she touched Aslan's chest to push herself up.

Aslan gave a gentle smile, even though his body was still weak from the fight.

"It's alright… I should be the one apologizing. You've helped me so much."

Amanda lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes directly.

"You saved us. Of course I'd help you."

There was a pause, and then Amanda softly raised her hand and touched Aslan's cheek. Surprised by the gesture, Aslan didn't pull away. He slowly looked into her eyes. There was something deep there—something that made his heart beat faster.

"Brother Galang..." Amanda murmured.

But before she could finish, Ishak returned, realizing the two were falling behind.

"What are you guys doing?" Ishak asked with a confused look. Amanda snapped out of it and quickly got off Aslan, her face even redder.

"Sorry! We need to go. You need to rest."

Aslan gave a small smile, seeing how flustered Amanda was.

"Alright, let's go."

Carefully, Amanda helped him up again, more mindful this time. The feeling between them had changed—warmer, and filled with a sweet tension. Every little touch between them now carried a spark they couldn't ignore.

As they walked back to the village, without saying another word, both Amanda and Aslan knew something had shifted. There was something more than just friendship now—a feeling that was slowly but surely growing between them.

To be continued…