The Black Widow and Alpha Landlord

Chapter 4: The Rescue

As the situation became more pressing and they couldn't get anyone's attention by making noise, Jasmine thought about lighting a small, controlled flare. The growing smoke would be visible from a distance, working as a warning signal to make their position more obvious to people who might be able to help.

A small flare came out of her bag. Even though her fingers were shaking, she was set on getting it out.

“What are you going to do?” the man asked in skepticism. His eyes, now filled with doubt, searched for answers in her determined expression.

Jasmine met his curious gaze with unwavering determination. "I'm going to start a small, controlled flare. The rising smoke will catch attention from a distance and hopefully bring us the help we need."

Despite her own hesitations, she knew that this was their best chance at attracting rescue in the dense forest.

After being rude at first, the man nodded to show that he understood. He became more eager to work together. His voice was now calmer and less rude as he said, "Alright then. Do what you have to do."

He seemed to have changed his mind because of how quickly things were going, and he was now ready to follow Jasmine's lead as they looked for help.

With a deep breath, Jasmine struck the flare against a rock, igniting it with a bright burst of light. The bright burst of light set the rock on fire. The flare sparked and hissed, sending a thick cloud of smoke into the air. The acrid smell of burning chemicals filled the air as the smoke rose, standing out against the dark forest canopy.

The man watched the rising plume of smoke with a mixed feeling. "I hope someone sees that," he muttered with uncertainty. "We can't afford to wait out here much longer."

"I did what I could," she replied. "We just have to stay put and hope for the best. Help should be on its way soon."

"Well, we've done all we can, I suppose," he muttered, his cynicism evident. "Let's hope someone actually sees that signal and bothers to come help us."

"Why do you think that, sir?"

"As it's getting darker, everyone must finish their work and enjoy themselves at home. They might hardly see the flare."

"You have a point," she acknowledged. "The flare might not be as effective in the dark when most people choose to stay at home. But it's the best chance we have to signal for help, even if it's a long shot. We'll keep an eye out for any signs of rescue."

Shifting her attention to the man, she saw the slight pained grimace of pain that crossed his face. She leaned in closer, and her voice was filled with real concern.

"Sir, instead of concerning yourself with whether the flare managed to get someone's attention, perhaps you should focus on your own condition," she advised. "Your injuries look quite severe, and it's crucial that we do what we can to make you as comfortable as possible while we wait."

With concern, Jasmine continued, "You need urgent medical attention, and I've done what I can for now. We just have to hope that someone saw the flare and is on their way."

He responded with a frustrated grunt instead of giving an answer.

As they waited in the dimming forest, the minutes stretched into what felt like hours. The fading daylight cast eerie shadows among the trees, and the forest seemed to come alive with strange noises as nocturnal creatures stirred.

Jasmine and the injured man exchanged occasional glances but said little, each lost in their own thoughts.

Her concern for his well-being gnawed at her, and she couldn't help but wonder who he was and why he had been wandering alone in this remote area. The man, on the other hand, seemed lost in his own pain and discomfort, his gaze distant as he endured the aches and bruises from his fall.

The forest grew darker, and the night's chill settled in, making their situation even more uncomfortable. They knew that time was slipping away, and they had to rely on the hope that their distress signal had reached someone who could help.

In a moment of curiosity and intending to break the awkward silence that enveloped them, Jasmine turned to the injured man and asked, "May I know what's your name, sir?"

Trying to connect with the stranger next to her, she spoke with genuine worry and a softer voice than before.

The injured man hesitated for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by her question. He couldn't refuse her request for a name any longer. With a resigned sigh, he finally replied, "I'm Randolph."

Even though he was still hostile, there was a hint of weakness in his voice, as if he had temporarily let down his guard.

Jasmine gave him a nod of agreement, glad that he was willing to give his name. She offered a small but sincere smile and said, "Sir Randolph, it's good to know whom I'm helping."

With a simple nod, Randolph showed appreciation for her help. His face remained somewhat aloof as if he was not entirely comfortable with the help but had no other choice.

A few moments later, the tranquil forest was disturbed by the soft rustling of leaves, and the distinct sound of footsteps crunching twigs beneath sturdy boots echoed through the woods.

Jasmine was the first to react, her senses on high alert as she turned her attention toward the rustling leaves and approaching footsteps.

She exchanged a meaningful glance with Randolph, their eyes silently communicating their shared anticipation and curiosity about the approaching footsteps.

Her heart was beating fast as she whispered, "Someone's coming. Let's hope it's a help and not more trouble."

When she saw the people coming, her voice rang through the bush. "Help! We have an injured traveler here!" she shouted urgently, her voice loud enough to be heard all night. "Please, we need your help!"

In response to her call for help, the villagers, approaching with lanterns and torches, shouted, "Jasmine? Where are you?"

Her voice rang out frantically as she replied, "We're in the ravine! Please, hurry!" She waved her arms to catch their attention despite the darkness.

As they searched for the cause of the trouble, their voices could be heard throughout the forest. Seraphina Blackthorn, who was in charge of the group, held her lantern high and looked around to see where the distressed voices were coming from.