Luca's hands moved swiftly, pulling out a small vial of healing salve. His fingers were firm yet careful as he dabbed the medicine onto Aurelia's wound, the faint sting easing almost instantly under his touch. He let out a quiet breath of relief as the angry red scratch softened, then rose to his feet with sharp determination flashing in his crimson eyes.
"Let's go," he said firmly, voice leaving no room for hesitation. "I might have an idea where those bastards can be found."
Aurelia blinked, startled by the sudden intensity in him, before pushing herself up to stand. She hurried after him, brushing the dirt from her trouser as the two began running through the forest's thick undergrowth.
"How do you know that?" she asked, her voice carrying just behind him.
Luca didn't look back. His steps were light but unyielding, eyes scanning ahead as if every shadow hid an enemy. "How do you think all these beasts are corrupted?"
