Morning light filtered through the gaps in the vines at the cave entrance, and Gu Liang awoke to the sound of birdsong. He discovered a piece of animal hide had been draped over him at some point, while A Lie at the entrance had vanished without a trace.
Panic seized his heart—had he been left alone in this dangerous forest?
Just as he struggled to rise, the light at the entrance was blocked by a tall figure. A Lie had returned, carrying two fresh wild rabbits. His movements remained slightly stiff from his leg injury, but he had clearly recovered considerably.
Spotting Gu Liang awake, A Lie tossed him a wild fruit before turning to prepare the game. His hands moved with practiced efficiency, swiftly skewering the rabbit meat over the fire.
The savory aroma filled the cave, causing Gu Liang's stomach to clench involuntarily. He hadn't had a proper meal since fleeing the tribe.
A Lie shared the majority of the roasted rabbit with Gu Liang, then began devouring his own portion voraciously. They ate in silence, accompanied only by the crackling of the firewood.
After finishing, A Lie inspected the wound on Gu Liang's knee. The herbs had worked; the swelling had subsided considerably. He nodded with satisfaction, then gestured toward his own leg injury.
Gu Liang hesitated briefly before taking the herbs A Lie offered. He chewed them into a paste, mimicking A Lie's actions, then carefully applied the mixture to the deep gash. A Lie's muscles tensed, but he did not push him away.
This strange mutual aid puzzled Gu Liang. The male who had once cruelly branded him now allowed him to touch his wound.
Afternoon arrived, and A Lie signaled for Gu Liang to follow. They traversed a hidden path; though his leg wound hadn't healed, A Lie still deftly avoided every potential hazard.
The further they went, the more humid and warm the air became, faint sounds of flowing water reaching their ears. To Gu Liang's surprise, an inconspicuous entrance appeared on the mountain wall ahead, half-concealed by vines.
A Lie parted the vines and motioned for Gu Liang to enter.
Inside lay a hidden world—a naturally formed hot spring pool steaming with mist. The water was crystal clear, surrounded by smooth rock walls. A crack in the ceiling let sunlight pour in, illuminating the entire space. A faint sulfur scent hung in the air.
A Lie shed his tattered animal hide first and stepped into the pool. Warm water lapped over his scarred body. He let out a satisfied sigh, leaned against the edge, and closed his eyes.
Gu Liang stood hesitantly at the edge. Since arriving in this world, he hadn't truly cleansed himself.
A Lie opened his eyes and waved impatiently.
Gu Liang finally stepped cautiously into the pool. The warm spring water enveloped his entire body, and the fatigue and pain accumulated over many days seemed to slowly melt away. He couldn't help but let out a soft sigh as he found a corner farther away from A Lie to sit down.
The two soaked silently in the hot spring, the hostile atmosphere miraculously easing. A Lie even plucked a broad leaf from the poolside, scooped water, and poured it over his shoulder, washing away the bloodstains on his body.
In that moment, Gu Liang almost forgot that this was the beastman who had forcibly abducted and branded him.
But when his gaze fell upon the scabbed brand beneath the collarbone, reality coldly reminded him of his predicament.
A Lie seemed to sense his gaze. He waded slowly toward him, ripples spreading around his muscular frame. Gu Liang instinctively drew back, his back hitting the poolside rocks.
A Lie did not advance further. Instead, he extended a finger and lightly touched the brand. His movements were no longer as brutal as before, but carried a strange, scrutinizing intent.
Then he pointed to an old scar on his own chest, then back to Gu Liang's brand, uttering a low, complex syllable.
Gu Liang didn't understand the meaning of the word, but something in A Lie's eyes stunned him—it was no longer pure possession and aggression, but something far more complex and difficult to fathom.
Just then, a familiar howl echoed from outside the cave—it was the unknown creature from last night!
A Lie instantly snapped into combat mode, yanking Gu Liang behind him. His golden pupils fixed on the cave entrance as he let out a warning growl.
The hot spring's steam still hung thick, but the atmosphere had abruptly shifted. The warm refuge instantly transformed back into a dangerous cage.