#Chapter 98: A Woman in Need

Aria & Darren Aria I paused just at the forest’s edge, straining my ears to listen. The forest was silent now, save for the sound of the wind rustling through the pine trees and the birds flitting across the path. It didn’t feel right to just walk away when someone was calling for help, but I knew better than to go into those woods alone. Over the past couple of days, Darren had drilled that into me enough times, and I wasn’t exactly eager to test my luck—especially after what had happened with those strange insects last night. But I couldn’t just leave. Not when someone might need my help. “Hello?” I called out, taking a cautious step closer. There was no reply for a moment, and I almost convinced myself I imagined it—until a faint voice replied from somewhere down the path. “Oh, thank the Goddess someone came! Can you please help me? I twisted my ankle!” I squinted, trying to catch a glimpse of whoever was calling for help, but I couldn’t s