Stunned, Felix felt the breath catch in his chest. For a moment, all he could do was stare, rooted to the ground as though the very forest had decided to claim him. His fingers twitched slightly at his sides, the knife still clutched in one hand, but forgotten. Every sense in his body sharpened—yet his thoughts were sluggish, clouded by the surreal presence before him.
He took a cautious step forward, eyes never leaving her face. The realization struck him like a sudden gust of wind. That voice… the one that whispered in the dark, the one that warned him, that guided him. It was hers. She was the one who had helped him out of the forest last night.
"Y-You…" he finally managed, his voice rough and unsure. He slowly lifted his hand, pointing a trembling finger toward her as if needing to connect the impossible dots aloud. "You were the one… who helped me. Who warned me. Who… guided me out of the forest…"
The words tumbled out in disbelief more than accusation.
