THROUGH THE JUNGLES HEART 2

Stella halted and signaled for Clever to stop, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of caution and expertise. "Move only where I move, step only where I step," she instructed, her voice low and serious.

Clever nodded, his curiosity piqued, and followed Stella as she began to walk in a circular pattern. They trampled through the underbrush, their footsteps quiet on the damp earth. Clever's confusion grew with each step, wondering why they were walking in circles.

Finally, Stella stopped and turned to Clever, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Why did we do that?" Clever asked, his brow furrowed in puzzlement.

Stella's expression turned serious. "There's a trap there. If you step on it, you'll become dinner."

Clever's eyes widened in alarm. "How did you know that?" he asked, his mind racing with questions.

Stella's reply was enigmatic. "That's another question I'll answer in time. Let's keep moving."

With that, she turned and continued on their journey, leaving Clever to wonder about the secrets she kept and the dangers that lurked in the jungle.

As they journeyed on, Clever exclaimed, "We're lucky we didn't see the beast! My life is saved!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Stella turned to him, her eyes flashing with a warning. "Why did you say that?" she hissed.

Clever's eyes widened in alarm as Stella's gaze darted around them, her senses heightened. "You've woken the beast," she whispered urgently. "Get ready for battle!"

With that, they both drew their swords, the metallic ring echoing through the jungle. An unsettling quiet fell over them, punctuated only by the distant growling of the beast, its thunderous roar growing louder with each passing moment.

The air was electric with tension as they stood poised, ready to face the beast head-on. Clever's heart raced with anticipation, his mind racing with the thought of the battle to come.

From a distance, they saw the beast charging towards them, clearing a path of destruction in its wake. Clever could see Stella standing fearlessly, but he was determined to protect his queen. With a fierce battle cry, he charged towards the beast, not letting Stella intervene.

"I've got this, Stella! Stay back!" he yelled, his sword flashing in the sunlight.

Stella wanted to help, but she respected Clever's decision and stood back, watching anxiously as the two clashed. The fight was intense, with Clever delivering powerful blows, but the beast was relentless.

As the battle raged on, Stella saw Clever get injured, but he refused to give up. With a fierce determination, he continued to fight, warning Stella to stay back. The beast, sensing victory, turned its attention to Stella, but Clever was quick to react.

With a swift and precise motion, he delivered a stab in the beast's back, then swiftly sliced off its hands, rendering it helpless. Clever followed up with multiple stabs in the beast's stomach, until it finally lay lifeless on the ground.

Exhausted and injured, Clever stood panting, his sword still trembling with the force of his final blow. Stella rushed to his side, concern etched on her face. "Clever, you're hurt! Let me help you!"

But Clever just smiled weakly, his eyes gleaming with pride. "I protected you, my queen. That's all that matters."

Hearing Clever's words, Stella's face contorted in anger. "I shouldn't have brought you along with me," she spat, her voice venomous. "That was a mistake I'm not making again."

With that, she stormed off, leaving Clever to struggle behind her. They continued their journey in silence, the tension between them palpable. When they camped to rest, Clever, still hurt, tried to tend to his wounds, but Stella refused to help or even speak to him.

The night wore on, and the silence between them grew thicker. Even when Clever tried to start a conversation the following day, Stella remained stubbornly silent, her eyes fixed on the path ahead.

Clever's attempts at apology and conversation were met with cold shoulders and stony silence. The distance between them seemed to grow with each step, and Clever couldn't help but wonder if he had misjudged Stella's character. Had she always been this cold and unforgiving, or was this a side of her he had only now begun to see?

They journeyed on, Clever still grappling with the pain of his injuries, but Stella showed no concern. As the days passed, Clever's physical suffering began to take a toll on his mental health as well. He started having nightmares, sweating profusely day and night, his mind haunted by the memories of their brutal battle with the beast.

One day, they arrived at a serene river, its crystal-clear waters glistening in the sunlight. Stella finally broke her silence, her voice firm but gentle. "Take off your clothes, Clever."

Clever obeyed, his movements labored due to his injuries. Stella led him into the river, the cool water enveloping them like a soothing balm. As they waded deeper, Stella began to chant ancient words, her voice weaving a mystical spell.

She submerged Clever in the river, holding him under the water as she continued to chant. Slowly but surely, Clever felt his wounds begin to heal, the pain dissipating like magic. When Stella finally lifted him out of the water, Clever looked at his body in awe - his injuries had vanished, as if he had never been hurt at all.

Stella's eyes gleamed with a knowing light, her expression softening for the first time since their argument. "You're healed, Clever," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But remember, this river's magic comes with a price. You must always respect its power."

Clever sighed, still feeling a bit bewildered by the sudden healing, but grateful nonetheless. They left the river and continued their journey, the tension between them slightly eased.

As the sun began to set, they arrived at a secluded spot, and Stella announced, "We'll camp here for the night." They set up camp, and after a quiet dinner, Stella turned to Clever with a serious expression.

"Clever, from this point on, I have to continue the journey alone. You need to wait for me here."

Clever's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why? I thought we were in this together!"

Stella's face was resolute. "I'm sorry, Clever. This is something I must do alone. You've already risked too much for me. I can't put you in harm's way anymore."

Clever's protests were met with Stella's firm gaze. He knew better than to argue with her when she had made up her mind. With a reluctant nod, he agreed to wait for her, his heart heavy with concern for her safety.

After Clever agreed to wait for her, they both settled in for the night, their campsite quiet except for the distant sounds of nocturnal creatures. Despite his concerns, Clever eventually drifted off to sleep, his exhaustion from the day's events catching up with him.

Stella, however, remained awake for a while longer, her eyes gazing up at the star-filled sky. She seemed lost in thought, her mind preoccupied with the journey ahead. After a time, she too succumbed to sleep, her slumber marked by a deep stillness.

The night wore on, the darkness punctuated only by the occasional hooting of owls or the distant howl of a wolf. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of pine and earth.