Chapter 3: A Chance Encounter

Elena woke up to the sound of rustling outside the cabin. She sat up, her heart pounding, and listened closely. She could hear something moving around outside, and she knew that she couldn't stay in the cabin any longer.

She quickly gathered her things and cautiously opened the door. As she stepped out into the clearing, she saw a figure in the distance. It was humanoid, but its features were twisted and grotesque. It turned towards her, and Elena could see the glow of its eyes in the darkness.

She was about to run when she heard the voice in her head again. "Wait," it said. "Don't be afraid."

Elena hesitated, unsure of what to do. But then the figure started moving towards her, and she knew she had to act fast. She ran towards the woods, hoping to lose the creature in the underbrush.

As she ran, she felt a sudden sharp pain in her leg. She stumbled and fell, and when she looked down, she saw a deep gash on her calf. The creature had gotten her with its claws, and she knew that she was in trouble.

She tried to get up, but her leg gave out. She crawled into the underbrush, hoping to hide from the creature. But it was no use. She could hear it getting closer and closer, its breathing ragged and heavy.

Just when she thought it was all over, she heard a sound that made her heart leap. It was the sound of a sword being unsheathed. The creature let out a howl of pain, and Elena heard the sound of steel against flesh.

When she finally dared to look up, she saw a figure standing over her. It was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, with a fierce expression on his face. He had a sword in one hand and a shield in the other, and he looked like he was ready for anything.

"Are you all right?" he asked, his voice gruff.

Elena nodded, tears streaming down her face. She had never been so scared in her life.

The man helped her to her feet and led her to a small campsite nearby. He tended to her wound, and Elena couldn't help but feel grateful for his help.

But she also couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this man than met the eye. He seemed almost too skilled in combat, too knowledgeable about this world. She knew that there was more to his story, and she was determined to find out what it was.