Three

As a searing pang of pain coursed through Morelle's chest, it felt as though a colossal sledgehammer had collided with her fragile ribcage. The excruciating ache seemed to permeate every fiber of her being, rendering her feeble and incapacitated. With great effort, she attempted to elevate her body into a seated position, only to be thwarted by an overwhelming weakness that sent her crashing back down onto the forest floor. Her vision, distorted and hazy, resembled a turbulent sea, threatening to pull her under its murky depths. The relentless flow of crimson liquid seeping from her wounds had drained her vitality, leaving her with a head that felt as though it were submerged in a thick fog, obscuring rational thought.

A languid weariness crept through her veins, urging her eyelids to descend and surrender to the abyss of unconsciousness. However, the resonating cry of Adeline, her innocent and vulnerable child, pierced the air, piercing through the haze that clouded Morelle's mind. It was a cry that reverberated throughout the dense expanse of the forbidding forest, seemingly swallowed by the towering trees and swallowed whole by the ominous silence. The sound, filled with desperation and anguish, served as a chilling reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows, threatening their very existence.

In response to Adeline's cry, an eerie and otherworldly creature's wail echoed through the forest, blending with the fearful beating of Morelle's heart. A surge of primal terror coursed through her veins, as realization dawned upon her like a bolt of lightning illuminating the darkest corners of her consciousness. This was the dreaded forbidden forest, a treacherous realm inhabited by grotesque monsters, their malevolence haunting its every nook and cranny. They were not alone in this treacherous labyrinth of nature's untamed wilderness, and the horrifying notion gripped Morelle's fragile form with unrelenting fear. If she were to succumb to the darkness encroaching upon her, the life of her precious child, Adeline, would be extinguished as well, snuffed out like a flickering candle in a gust of wind. The stakes were unbearably high, and Morelle knew that she had to summon every ounce of strength, every fiber of her being, to protect her child from the merciless clutches of this malevolent forest.

In an instant, the haunting wails of the creatures abruptly ceased, leaving a thick, unnerving silence that seemed to suffocate the air. The forest, once filled with whispers of the wind and the rustling of leaves, now stood motionless, as if holding its breath. Time itself seemed to stretch out endlessly, amplifying the tension that hung heavy in the air.

From the depths of the gloom, a pair of blood-red eyes materialized, piercing through the darkness like twin flames of malevolence. They burned with an intensity that betrayed a merciless hunger, fixated on her vulnerable form. It was as if those eyes were the embodiment of all her fears and nightmares, staring into the depths of her soul.

As the creature advanced, its movements fluid and sinuous, a frigid wave of dread washed over her body, leaving her trembling in its wake. Her limbs, once nimble and agile, now felt heavy and leaden, weighed down by a primal fear that rendered her utterly paralyzed. Every beat of her heart echoed in her ears, its rhythm pounding so loudly that it threatened to rupture her chest.

Desperation consumed her as she searched for any means of defense. Her eyes flickered towards the fallen branch, an artifact of the previous struggle that lay abandoned on the forest floor. With her fingers frozen and unresponsive, she willed them to inch forward, like the tentative steps of a tightrope walker, desperately reaching for the crude weapon that could determine her fate.

In an instant, the rhythmic sound of footsteps abruptly ceased, leaving behind an unsettling silence. Morelle's heart raced within her chest, pounding like the wings of a startled bird. It was as if time itself had frozen, locking her in a moment of uncertainty. The stillness was shattered by the sensation of being lifted, her body cradled in a pair of strong yet icy arms. A peculiar mixture of comfort and trepidation coursed through her veins, causing her to hesitate at the thought of opening her eyes and confronting the being responsible for her newfound elevation. All that escaped her trembling lips were the desperate words, "Don't hurt us. Please."

A voice, deep and resonant, echoed in her ears, like a melody that resonates with the soul. It possessed a roughness, akin to the texture of gravel, yet concealed within its depths was a tenderness that resembled the sweetness of honey. Morelle felt a soft caress against her cheek, as delicate as a butterfly's touch, and a subtle vibration emanating from the man's chest, akin to a gentle purr. A wave of tranquility washed over her, soothing her frayed nerves, as she surrendered to his embrace. Though she couldn't fathom why, he seemed to possess the power to lull her into a sanctuary of solace.

Her eyelids, heavy with exhaustion and fear, began to flutter closed, as her murmurs grew faint. "My baby, please... help her," she pleaded, her voice a mere whisper in the stillness. With a fleeting glance, she directed his attention towards the hollowed-out trunk of the ancient willow tree, its gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The man's crimson orbs flickered towards the designated spot, understanding dawning upon him, and he nodded in silent acknowledgment. With steady strides, he traversed the distance, his presence commanding and assured.

Within the confines of the makeshift crib nestled Adeline, her cries having long since transformed into pitiful whimpers. Even in her tender innocence, she seemed attuned to the dangerous aura that surrounded the enigmatic man. A small, plaintive whine escaped her tiny lips as he leaned over, his movements graceful and deliberate. With Morelle still ensconced in his embrace, held securely in one arm, he gently scooped the fragile infant into the cradle of his other arm. Adeline's whimpers soon subsided, her unease dissipating, as the man carefully placed her back into her mother's waiting arms.

The man's senses sharpened as the growls, like sinister whispers, pierced through the thick veil of fog that enveloped the eerie woods. A scowl etched itself upon his ruby lips, a testament to his determination and the flickering flame of anger within. With each stride, his ebony locks, like a wild untamed river, swayed in perfect sync with his powerful steps, as if they were bound by an invisible unity. The crimson cloak, billowing like a scarlet flame in the wind, accentuated his imposing figure, a symbol of his unwavering resolve. With unwavering purpose, he pressed on, venturing deeper into the heart of the wood, where secrets and shadows whispered their ancient tales.

Morelle's delicate head drooped, weighed down by the burden of exhaustion that had finally overtaken her fragile form. Her eyelids, heavy with weariness, sank like the soft petals of a wilting flower, surrendering to the gentle lullaby of the man's steady gait. With a tender glance at her ethereal countenance, a smile played upon the man's lips, his heart filled with a mixture of protectiveness and affection. And so, he quickened his pace, guiding them deeper into the heart of the forest, venturing into the forbidden depths that no mortal soul dared to tread.

Moments elapsed like fleeting whispers, and before long, the trio arrived at a secluded haven tucked away amidst the woods. A small cave, nestled harmoniously against a tranquil pond, where the waters shimmered with the fluid grace of countless tiny streams that converged and danced in an endless ballet. It was here, on the threshold of this sanctuary, that a shadowy figure paced anxiously, back and forth, as if wrestling with an inner turmoil. As they drew nearer, the figure revealed itself to be a majestic black cougar, prowling with a feral elegance that commanded both respect and caution. The man's footfalls, so skillfully silent, reached the feline's ears, causing them to twitch with alertness, and in a seamless transition, it lunged forward, propelling itself through the air.

In a mesmerizing metamorphosis, the sleek predator transformed before their eyes into a captivating young woman. Cascading ebony ringlets framed her porcelain face, highlighting the intensity of her crimson irises, ablaze with a mix of anger and concern. "Rosen!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with exasperation, "Where on earth have you been, in the name of the goddess?"

Rosen, the subject of her ire, offered a wry smile, his eyes shifting between the woman and the slumbering child nestled within his protective embrace. "Ah, just out for a leisurely jaunt, sister," he replied, his voice laced with a mischievous undertone.

The young woman's scowl deepened, her annoyance palpable as she rolled her eyes. "Don't patronize me! Mother will have my hide if anything were to happen to you!"

With a nonchalant shrug, Rosen continued his steady stride towards the cave, Morelle and Adeline cradled securely against his chest. "Perhaps it is your guts that she truly desires," he quipped, his smirk a testament to his confidence in their safety and his defiance of their mother's worries. 

"Rosen Redgrave!" The young woman's voice pierced through the air, slicing through the stillness of the cave like a finely honed blade.

Startled, Rosen turned his head towards her, his eyes meeting Rosalyn's fiery gaze. A mischievous smile played on his lips, for he knew all too well the strength and determination that resided within her. "Yes, Rosalyn?" he retorted, his voice tinged with a touch of playful defiance. Despite her commanding tone, he refused to halt his purposeful stride, stepping deeper into the cavern's mysterious depths.

Undeterred by his audacity, Rosalyn watched him with unwavering intensity as he carefully laid Morelle and the fragile child against the rough cave wall, their bodies cradled by his sturdy hands. With practiced precision, Rosen retrieved a large straw mat from within a wooden chest, unfolding it with a gentle grace. Placing it beside his own mat, he then unfurled a thick wool blanket, its lush fibers a tapestry of comfort and warmth. Carefully, he arranged the mother and child upon the makeshift bed, their vulnerability shielded by the quilted blanket that he tenderly draped over them.

As he stood back, observing his handiwork, a flicker of satisfaction danced within Rosen's crimson eyes. The cave, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, exuded an aura of safety and tranquility. He turned to his sister, Rosalyn, with a raised brow, his voice lazy and gravelly, laced with a touch of amusement. "What...?" he drawled, his words hanging in the air like a mischievous challenge.

Rosalyn's crimson orbs lit up with a fiery intensity that seemed as if they would catch fire. Her slender figure quivered with anger as she glared daggers back at him. "What? What, you ask?" she seethed, her voice a sharp, biting retort. "No, sir, I ask what are you doing? Bringing two humans into the Evers is forbidden, you giant lumbering oaf! Mother will beat you into the next century and have them for dinner!"

Rosen's smirk widened, the mischievous glint in his eyes undeterred. He understood the weight of their mother's disapproval, the repercussions that could follow his actions. Yet, a deep-rooted defiance bubbled within him, fueled by the desire to protect and care for the vulnerable beings before him. "Mother worries too much," he countered, his voice laden with a carefree nonchalance that belied the gravity of the situation. "These humans are in need, Rosalyn. Morelle, the mother, is ill, and this child... she is fragile, delicate as a whisper. We cannot abandon them."

Rosalyn's scowl deepened, her brows furrowing in frustration. She knew her brother well, his stubbornness and his unyielding sense of compassion. But still, the rules were clear, and the consequences dire. "You know the risks," she insisted, her voice pleading yet tinged with a touch of desperation. "If Mother discovers them, she will not hesitate to punish us all."

Rosen's gaze softened, his eyes flickering with a mix of understanding and determination. He stepped closer to Rosalyn, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. "I am well aware of the risks, sister," he admitted, his words laced with sincerity. "But I cannot turn a blind eye to their suffering. We are creatures of compassion, are we not? Let us be the ones to show them the kindness they so desperately need."

Rosalyn's defiant facade wavered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. Her gaze shifted to the slumbering figures on the makeshift bed, the fragility of their existence filling her with a strange mix of fear and empathy. "They do seem... in need," she conceded, her voice softer now, tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

Rosen's smile was gentle, a beacon of reassurance amidst the uncertainty. He reached out, placing a hand on Rosalyn's shoulder, his touch warm and comforting. "Trust in me, sister," he implored, his voice filled with unwavering resolve. "Together, we can protect them and find a way to heal their wounds. We can show them that even in the darkest of places, compassion can blossom."

Rosalyn's piercing gaze locked with her brother's, the intensity of her defiance now tempered by a newfound determination. In that shared moment, unspoken words hung heavy in the air, a silent agreement passing between them. Rosalyn sighed heavily, cursing her brother's kindness.

"First things first," Rosalyn murmured, her voice barely a whisper, yet carrying a weight that resonated through the very core of their beings. Determination gleamed in her eyes as she gently reached out to the wounded Morelle, her touch as gentle as a feather's caress. With a shared understanding, they knew that healing her wounds was not just about physical restoration; it was an act of defiance against the cruelty of their world. It was a testament to their unwavering commitment to protect and nurture the innocence that had been so cruelly abused.

"Let me heal her wounds", Rosalyn murmured and a gentle crimson light glowed and flickered from her hand and into Morelle.