**Chapter 5: Shelter in the Woods**

Lucien walked back to his cabin with a small basket of food, his mind still in turmoil. He had spent the last hour gathering berries and hunting a rabbit, trying to clear his head. The bond with Scarlet was a constant thrum in the back of his mind, impossible to ignore but too complex to fully accept.

As he approached the cabin, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the encounter. He couldn’t let his emotions overwhelm him. She was a stranger, after all, and he needed to approach this situation cautiously.

When he entered, Scarlet was sitting up in bed, looking much more alert. Her eyes flickered with curiosity and wariness as she watched him approach. He placed the basket on the small table next to the bed and took a step back, giving her space.

"I brought you some food," he said, his voice steady but distant. "You need to eat to regain your strength."

Scarlet nodded, her eyes lingering on the basket before looking back at him. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice still carrying a hint of uncertainty.

Lucien stood there for a moment, unsure of what to say or do next. He felt the weight of the silence between them, a chasm filled with unspoken questions and hidden truths.

"I cooked some rabbit stew," he finally said, gesturing to the small pot he had placed on the hearth. "It should be ready soon."

Scarlet managed a small smile. "That sounds good. I haven't had a proper meal in days."

Lucien nodded, then turned to the hearth to tend to the stew. He could feel her eyes on him, and the awareness of her presence was both comforting and unsettling. He stirred the pot, focusing on the mundane task to keep his mind from wandering into dangerous territory.

After a few minutes, he ladled some stew into a bowl and handed it to her. She accepted it with a grateful nod and began to eat slowly, savoring each bite. Lucien watched her for a moment before sitting down on a chair across the room, keeping a respectful distance.

"Who were those men chasing you?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Scarlet hesitated, her spoon pausing mid-air. "I... I'm not sure," she said, her voice tinged with fear and confusion. "They came out of nowhere, and I had to run. I didn't know where else to go."

Lucien frowned, his protective instincts flaring. "Did they hurt you?"

She shook her head. "No, but they would have if they caught me. I managed to escape by jumping into the river."

He nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. Whoever those men were, they posed a threat not only to Scarlet but potentially to him as well. He needed to find out more, to understand the danger they were facing.

"You can stay here for as long as you need," he said, his tone firm but kind. "I'll help you figure out what's going on and keep you safe."

Scarlet looked at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. "Why are you doing this? You don't even know me."

Lucien met her gaze, the weight of his hidden bond with her pressing on his heart. "It's just the right thing to do," he replied simply. "No one should be left to face danger alone."

She seemed to accept his answer, though he could see the questions still lingering in her eyes. For now, it was enough. He would protect her, even if it meant confronting the ghosts of his past and the complexities of their unexpected connection.

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