The hut was silent.
Only the crackling sound of the fire filled the space between them.
Lena pressed her back against the wooden wall, watching the Chief carefully.
He was too close.
Too big.
Too dangerous.
His dark eyes studied her like she was a puzzle he intended to solve.
"You're staring," Lena said, trying to sound calm.
The Chief tilted his head slightly.
"You are strange."
"Strange?"
"No woman in this tribe looks at me like you do."
Lena crossed her arms.
"Maybe the women in your tribe are smarter than me."
For a moment, the Chief simply stared at her.
Then he laughed.
A deep, rough laugh that echoed in the hut.
"You are not afraid."
"Oh, I am," Lena replied quickly. "Very afraid."
His eyes narrowed.
"But you still challenge me."
He stepped closer again.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Lena felt her heart begin to beat faster.
The space between them disappeared until she could feel the heat of his body again.
His hand reached out.
She expected him to grab her.
Instead…
His fingers gently touched her hair.
Softly.
Almost curious.
"You do not belong to this world," he said quietly.
Lena froze.
"What makes you think that?"
He leaned closer.
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"Your eyes."
For a moment, neither of them moved.
The tension between them felt almost electric.
Then suddenly, loud shouting came from outside.
A warrior burst into the hut.
"Chief!"
Both of them turned.
The warrior looked nervous.
"Another tribe has been seen near the river."
The Chief's expression changed instantly.
All warmth disappeared.
Only the ruthless warrior remained.
"How many?"
"About twenty… maybe more."
The Chief grabbed a large spear from the wall.
His eyes turned back to Lena for a moment.
"You stay here."
"Excuse me?"
"You will be safer inside."
Lena scoffed.
"I'm not hiding in your hut while everyone else fights."
The Chief paused.
Then a slow smile appeared on his face.
"Good."
He stepped closer one last time.
His finger gently touched her chin.
"Then stay close to me."
His voice dropped slightly.
"Because if anything happens to you…"
His eyes darkened.
"…this jungle will burn."
Then he turned and walked out of the hut.
Leaving Lena standing there…
Realizing something terrifying.
The savage Chief might not just want her.
He might already be protecting her.
If you're enjoying the story, please add it to your library ❤️
Your support helps the story grow!
More chapters are coming soon!