Chapter 6

After carefully cleaning the wound, Lilian reached into her backpack and pulled out a small ceramic jar. She sprinkled a fine, powdered medicine over the cut with practiced ease. The man, his voice rough and strained, finally broke the silence. “Why do you carry medicine around with you?” he asked, suspicion lacing his words. Lilian met his gaze without hesitation, her tone calm and steady. “I’m studying medicine. This is my own herbal formula—completely natural, no side effects. So stop being so paranoid; it’s perfectly safe.”

Moments later, a warm sensation radiated from the injury. The skin itched fiercely, the irritation nearly unbearable, tempting him to scratch. Lilian noticed the flicker of pain crossing his face and warned sharply, “Don’t even think about scratching it. Your hands are crawling with bacteria. If you do, the infection will only get worse—and that will be on you.” Her words made him pull back his hand immediately, though the tension in his clenched fists betrayed the torment he was fighting to endure. Lilian observed him silently, a cold, almost satisfied smile playing on her lips. You hurt me, didn’t you? Well, I’m certainly not going to hold back when it’s my turn.

Once she finished treating the wound, Lilian rose and stretched leisurely, casting a casual glance at him. “Consider yourself lucky you ran into me. Otherwise, you’d be dead by now.” Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked out of the cave, her footsteps light against the rocky ground. Sebastian’s eyelids fluttered open halfway as he watched her leave, his mind swirling with thoughts. Then he closed them again, conserving what little strength he had left.

After some time, Lilian returned, carrying a wild pheasant she had caught. She moved quietly, careful not to disturb the man resting with his eyes half-shut. Near the cave’s stone wall, she set up a spit and struck a lighter, kindling a small fire. The flickering flames cast a warm, golden glow that pushed back the chill of the night air creeping into the cave. With a small, sharp knife, she expertly cleaned and deboned the bird. Then, rinsing it with purified water, she rubbed it down with fresh lemon before placing it over the fire to roast. Soon, the cave filled with the rich, mouthwatering aroma of cooking meat. The seasoning was simple—just salt and a pinch of herbs—but that only enhanced the natural flavor.

Sebastian opened his eyes again, watching her with a mixture of fascination and curiosity. Lilian’s movements were smooth and efficient, her eyes shifting between calm, indifferent, and sharp intelligence. It was as if her entire personality changed with every breath she took. How could one person hold so many different sides? One moment mischievous and playful, the next composed and capable of handling anything thrown her way. And yet, there was something oddly familiar about her that he couldn’t quite place.

When the pheasant was ready, Lilian tore off a piece and began eating. Catching his gaze, she swallowed and said confidently, “You’re injured. You shouldn’t eat meat right now.” But when Sebastian continued to stare at her with a raw, almost animal hunger, she felt the awkward tension between them. To eat or not to eat—both choices seemed wrong in that moment. Finally, with a sigh, she tore off a drumstick and held it out to him. “Your body can’t handle fatty food yet. This is the limit.” Then she pulled out an apple and offered it to him. “It’s packed with vitamins, high in nutrients—perfect for someone who’s healing.”

Sebastian glanced at the apple for a moment before taking it without hesitation. He bit into it, and had to admit silently: it was the best apple he’d ever tasted. Crisp, sweet, and bursting with fragrance. Lilian watched him eat quietly, saying nothing more as she returned to her roasted pheasant.