Selene: clenching fists Fuck, it's cold. Thanks for finding me.
You're like a wounded animal, Selene. But...I need you to trust me to get out of this shitstorm together.
Trust? That's a fucking luxury I can't afford. But...I'll give you a chance. Just don't expect me to be all warm and fuzzy about it.
Deal. Let's find shelter before you freeze. Any ideas?
There's an old abandoned cabin not too far from here. It's rundown, but it should provide some shelter. I've stayed there before when things got really tough.
Lead the way, Selene. Let's see if this cabin lives up to its reputation.
Follow me, but keep your guard up. Can't trust what's lurking in the shadows.
So what exactly happened to you Selene?
pauses, looking down It's a long and twisted story. The kind that will make you question everything you know about love and betrayal.
Go ahead and tell me. Your story might just be the thing that breaks through that hard shell of yours.
takes a deep breath, eyes filled with pain It started when I was just a child... My parents were cruel and controlling.
listens intently, voice softening
They treated me like an object, a means to an end. And then...they forced me into a marriage with a monster.
anger flares in his eyes They did what?! Tell me the full story, every sordid detail.
looks away, voice trembling He...he made me feel safe at first. But soon, he turned on me, hurt me. Made me believe I deserved nothing but his cruelty.
clenches fists, anger flaring How long did this go on?
voice cracking Too damn long... years of suffering, years of believing I was unworthy of love.
grabs her shoulders Selene, look at me. You are worthy of love. And I'm going to prove it to you.
tears well up in her eyes, voice shaking I don't know if I can trust you... I've been hurt so many times. But maybe...
Selene, I won't let anyone hurt you again. Not while I'm around.
takes a shaky breath, looking into WhisperingVoyage's eyes Okay... okay, I'll give you a chance.
I'll help you escape this nightmare Selene. First, we need to gather supplies in the nearby town.
nods, determination in her eyes Alright, let's do this. But don't think for a second that I won't try to pull away if things get too uncomfortable.
Fair enough. Let's head out. Keep close, and stay hidden.
grabs WhisperingVoyage's hand tightly, staying alert Don't let your guard down, WhisperingVoyage. We have no idea who's out there watching.
Stick close, Selene. I know a spot downtown where we can resupply. No chatty crowd, perfect.
spots a shadowy figure lurking in an alley Shit, WhisperingVoyage! Someone's following us! Stay alert!
whispers urgently Stay calm, Selene. Let's head for that dark space between those buildings. We can use it as a diversion.
nods, heart pounding Alright, let's move. And if that fucker follows us, I'll show him what real pain feels like.
we manage to lose the tail and reach the store. We quickly gather supplies and load up.
glancing around nervously Alright, WhisperingVoyage, let's get the hell out of here before they catch up to us.
smirks Now we're talking. Let's hit the road. Got any ideas for getting back to the cabin without being seen?
narrows her eyes, thinking quickly There's an old rusted gate hidden behind some trees. It leads to an overgrown path that connects to the cabin.
Lead the way, Selene. And remember, if shit goes sideways, we fight.
gives a determined nod Don't worry, WhisperingVoyage. We'll make it to the cabin without any trouble. I know these woods like the back of my hand.
Alright, Selene. Keep your eyes peeled and stay behind me. We're not far from the cabin now.
suddenly stops, whispering urgently Wait... I heard something. Footsteps... approaching. We need to hide, now.
quickly scans the area, pointing to a nearby thicket Over there, WhisperingVoyage! We can hide in the thicket until they pass by.