Lydia instinctively grabbed onto Quincy, her fear taking hold.Realizing the situation, she slowly let go and looked around frantically. She picked up a nearby stick, trying to steady herself. “Come on, I’m not afraid of you,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. Quincy quickly placed his hand over hers. “Don’t provoke it,” he warned.The snake’s cold eyes glinted as it hissed and suddenly lunged forward. “Ah!” Lydia screamed, swinging the stick wildly with her eyes squeezed shut. The snake coiled around the stick and struck, sinking its fangs into her leg before slithering away. Lydia gasped and collapsed to the ground, staring in shock at the two puncture marks on her leg. The courage she had forced herself to muster vanished instantly. Panic overtook her, and she began to cry, “Quincy, Quincy, am I going to die?” Quincy grabbed her hand, trying to calm her. “Don’t worry, you’ll be okay. Just stay calm.”Without hesitation, he lowered his mouth to the bite on her leg, trying to draw out the venom.Lydia, shocked by the sensation, protested, “Quincy, don’t! It’s dangerous for you too.”He ignored her, spitting out the tainted blood. His voice was steady, “I can’t let anything happen to you. I brought you out here, and I’m going to make sure you get back safely.”Lydia’s eyes filled with tears, touched by his actions. Quincy wasn’t one for sweet words, but his actions spoke volumes.”Quincy, we have to get back together, safely,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.After spitting out the last of the venom, Quincy’s gaze softened. “Of course, we’ll get back safely.”His calm reassurance seemed to have a soothing effect on Lydia, easing her anxiety.Quincy then asked, “Can you still walk? It’s getting dark, and we can’t stay here.”Nightfall in the wilderness was dangerous, with the possibility of predators lurking. In their weakened state, they couldn’t afford any more risks. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (ƒ)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Lydia nodded, though her pale face betrayed her true condition. “I can walk,” she insisted.Despite her brave words, it was clear she was struggling. Quincy supported her as they made their way through the darkening forest, searching for shelter. Luckily, they found a cave.As they entered, Lydia hesitated, her voice tinged with fear. “There’s nothing dangerous in here, right?”Quincy wasn’t entirely sure, but he reassured her anyway. “It doesn’t look like it.”With the light fading fast, they needed to find shelter quickly or risk being torn apart by the wild animals outside.Once inside the cave, they looked around and found no signs of any predators living there. Only then did they breathe a sigh of relief. Lydia sank to the ground, exhausted, while Quincy leaned against the wall, equally worn out. Lydia walked over to him, her voice raspy. “I’m sorry.”Quincy looked at her, surprised. “Why are you apologizing?”Her voice quivered as she continued, “If I had just listened to you from the start and left when the deal didn’t work out, we wouldn’t be in this mess. It’s my fault.”As she spoke, tears started to roll down her cheeks, her eyes turning red like a rabbit’s.Quincy’s heart ached at the sight.Without thinking, he said, “You don’t need to feel guilty. I agreed to this too. You don’t have to take all the responsibility on yourself.”