**Chapter 4 : The Stranger's Home**

          Scarlet's eyes fluttered open, adjusting slowly to the dim light filtering through the small window. Her body ached, and she felt the cold, damp remnants of her clothes sticking to her skin. Panic surged through her as she realized she was in an unfamiliar bed, in a room she had never seen before.

She pushed herself up on her elbows, scanning the room. It was modest, with wooden walls and a thatched roof. Various herbs and plants hung from the ceiling, filling the air with a faint, earthy scent. A small table held a basin of water and a few simple tools.

Her heart raced as memories flooded back. The chase, the cliff, the water. She had jumped, expecting to escape or perish, not to wake up here. She gingerly swung her legs over the side of the bed, wincing as she did.

Before she could take another step, the door creaked open, and a tall, rugged man entered. He carried a wooden bucket filled with water, his dark eyes widening in surprise when he saw her awake.

"You're up," he said, his voice deep and calm. He set the bucket down and took a step toward her, but she recoiled, instinctively pulling the blanket up around her.

"Who are you?" Scarlet demanded, her voice trembling slightly. "Where am I?"

The man held up his hands, palms facing her in a gesture of peace. "My name is Lucien. You're in my home. I found you last night by the river. You were unconscious, so I brought you here."

Scarlet's mind raced, trying to process his words. She remembered the cold water enveloping her, the darkness pulling her under. But this man, Lucien, had saved her. Her eyes darted around the room again, searching for any sign of danger or deceit.

"Why?" she asked, her voice softer now but still wary. "Why did you help me?"

Lucien shrugged, a small, almost shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You looked like you needed help. It didn't seem right to leave you there."

Scarlet studied him, noting the sincerity in his gaze. He was different from the men who had chased her. His eyes held no malice, only curiosity and concern. Slowly, she began to lower the blanket, though she kept it clutched tightly around her shoulders.

"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucien nodded. "You're safe here. Rest, and when you're ready, you can tell me what happened. For now, just know that you're not alone."

Scarlet nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and anxiety. She wasn't sure if she could trust this stranger, but for now, she had no other choice. She leaned back against the pillows, closing her eyes for a moment.

Lucien turned to leave, but paused at the door. "I'll bring you some food. You need to regain your strength."

As he left the room, Scarlet allowed herself a moment to breathe. She was safe, at least for now. She knew she couldn't stay hidden forever, but for now, she would gather her strength and try to uncover the mysteries that had brought her to this place.

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