The Black Widow and Alpha Landlord

Chapter 3: Saving Him

Following the deafening thud, the forest was filled with a sudden and heart-wrenching scream, the sound echoing through the trees.

Jasmine stood there, momentarily stunned by the unfolding chaos. A flock of birds took to the sky, screaming noisily and their wings flapping wildly as they scattered, startled by the sudden commotion.

Her initial anger and frustration were instantly replaced by concern and curiosity. Without hesitation, she hobbled over to the sound, her own limping gait not hindering her resolve.

With determination in her eyes, she brushed aside another swaying branch, her bare feet thumping against the forest floor. Grit, pebbles, and various other unsavory substances had embedded themselves in her skin, but the pain was a distant concern as she pressed forward.

Faster. Faster. She needed to move faster.

Her dress got caught on a branch, ripping the fabric. She cried out in surprise as something sharp cut her skin. She felt something sticky go down her stomach—blood.

Now, as she took a moment to collect herself, she could vividly picture her tangled black hair, the blood-stained and soaked grey dress clinging to her, and her dirt-streaked face. The fading sunset cast an unforgiving light, illuminating every detail of her haggard appearance.

A squirrel, startled by her sudden approach, made a hasty attempt to scurry away in the opposite direction. It was in that fleeting moment, just before it managed to climb a nearby tree, that she saw it.

In the distance, framed by the inky gray of the encroaching darkness, she spotted an unusual sight—a tree cleaved in two. Without a second thought, she slipped out of the squirrel's view and altered her course, veering to the left.

With a cry of pain, she mustered every ounce of strength to push herself to run even faster, despite the searing pain coursing through her body. Everything hurt. Branches whipped at her face, leaving trails of blood, and more than once, she stumbled over a hidden tree stump.

Normally, she was far more skilled at relying on her other heightened senses, but today was an exception. Especially when someone else's life was quite literally hanging in the balance.

Somewhere in the distant cavity of her mind, she became aware of the haunting howls of wolves and the rustling of trees. Yet, it all remained background noise, drowned out by the rhythmic rush of her own breath as it flowed in and out of her lungs.

Her legs throbbed from the physical exertion, and she couldn't help but come to a halt. One hand instinctively found support against a tree trunk, steadying herself as she scanned her surroundings.

Startled, Jasmine turned around to witness a shocking sight—the stranger fell from a steep path.

Apparently, he had lost his footing while passing through a rugged and steep path nearby, just as a tree suddenly crashed to the ground. With a series of unfortunate missteps, he had tumbled down a hillside, his body battered and bruised by the harrowing fall.

The accident had left the arrogant, once-commanding stranger vulnerable and badly injured, a stark reminder that fate could be relentless even to the proudest souls.

Fortunately for him, the fall hadn't been too deep.

Her in-depth knowledge of the area, gained from growing up there, proved to be a lifesaver as she was well-acquainted with the treacherous terrain, including the steep path.

She had to trudge through the area, carefully choosing safer paths to avoid the treacherous terrain, before eventually arriving at the spot where the stranger lay unconscious.

When she first laid eyes on him, he was sprawled out on the ground, unconscious and seemingly defenseless. His body was spread out in the forest debris, and his once-clean clothes were now torn and dirty.

Pain was written all over his face, which was partly covered by his messy hair. One arm seemed to be held against his chest, and the rise and fall of his chest showed that he was breathing, even if it was faint. Thank goodness! He was still alive.

"Sir, are you all right?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern but there was no response.

As she reached out to touch him, her fingers almost brushing his skin, he suddenly and unexpectedly opened his eyes. Startled, she lost her balance, tumbling forward and ending up sprawled across his chest.

His eyes widened in surprise as she toppled onto his chest, their unexpected collision catching him off guard.

"Ouch!" He gasped in pain as the weight of her falling onto him caused a sharp discomfort. He winced, clearly in pain, and snapped in a harsh tone, "Careful, that hurt!"

He winced in pain as he attempted to shift beneath her, and for a split second, he lost his tough appearance.

Jasmine was taken aback by his sudden wince of pain and the glimpse of vulnerability that briefly crossed his face.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice filled with genuine concern. "I didn't mean to hurt you. Let me help you up."

With careful consideration for his injuries, Jasmine slowly eased herself off him and offered her hand. "Here," she said gently, "let me help you sit up."

She gave him support as he fought to sit up straight, taking into account how painful he was.

In fact, he had a hard time even sitting up straight. He grimaced more in pain as he tried harder to sit, and Jasmine could see how hard he was trying. She kept helping him even though she knew that his injuries were making it hard for him to move around.

Still in pain, he grumbled in a harsh tone, "Enough! I can't take much more of this."

"Can you tell me what you're feeling? Are there any specific areas that hurt more than others?" she asked in concern.

In an indifferent tone, he replied, "Just aches and pains all over, nothing I can handle. To be honest, I could use a hand at the moment."

Jasmine nodded. "I understand, and I'm sorry for the discomfort. I'll do my best to make sure you're all right, but let's take it easy.”

She carefully examined him, noting the swelling and bruising. He clutched his arm and his breathing was labored.

"Your arm doesn't look good. And your breathing... it could be rib injuries. You've taken quite a fall. We need to be careful moving you and see if there are any serious injuries."

He replied in an indifferent tone, "Just do what needs to be done. I can handle it."

Despite his rugged appearance from earlier, he now seemed vulnerable and in need of urgent her. Her own physical limitations didn't deter her from offering a helping hand.

As she knelt beside the injured stranger, her voice gentle and reassuring, she said, "Despite how things started between us, I'm here to help. You're in need, and I won't turn my back on that."

He asked with a skeptical look, "And what exactly can you do with your own deformity?"

Jasmine responded with a determined tone, "I may have my limitations, but I've managed to get by just fine. Don’t worry. I won't let that stop me from helping you."

Following her instincts, she reached for the necklace around her neck. With a firm grip, she grabbed the whistle hanging from it.

With the knowledge that there might be fellow workers or villagers nearby, Jasmine began to whistle loudly, a distinctive tune that they would only recognize. This served as a signal to anyone within earshot that they needed help.

In addition to blowing the whistle, she raised her voice, calling out for help. She yelled, "Help! We have an injured traveler here! We need help!"

Her urgent pleas carried through the forest, hopefully reaching the ears of those nearby.

In a small bag she carried everywhere, she had a few basic medical supplies, including bandages and antiseptic. She used these supplies to tend to his wounds and stabilize his injured arm as best as she could while waiting for the incoming rescue, doing her best to make him comfortable.