THE MATING BOND

iod'

even in the face of amnesia. Three days had passed since I had saved her life, and each moment had been filled with a sense of wo

watched her take a bite of the roasted meat, her eyes fixed on me. Her voice was soft and filled with genuine curiosity

come to these woods to find preys, to provide for myself and some

in the sand beneath her. "A hunter," she mused, "that

lenging, definitely. But it has its moments of peace, too. I find s

flames of the campfire. "I can see that. It's peaceful

oth insignificant and connected to something greater than yourself. Suddenly an idea of giving her a name that I can address came crumbling into my mind and I

equest. "Rosa," she called and add

osa leaned in closer, her eyes locking onto min

question. "Of course, Ros

eaking. "Do you ever get lonely out here, aw

an be both a blessing and a curse. There are days when I yearn for the company of my fellow villagers, for the laughter and

e been trying to remember who I am, where I belong, but in these past few days, I've al

memories. Trust me, you will get back to your state soon,

In The

mpsite, expecting to see Rosa, waiting for me with her infectious smile just as she had always been there

to call upon her name as fear took o

heart pounded in my chest as I began to search the area around the campsite. The fire pi

o collect firewood? It was unlike her to be gone for so long without a word. Fear

or, partially concealed by the fallen leaves. They were fresh, and they led away from our campsit

his doesn't make sense.

ts. Each step felt heavy as I ventured deeper into the forest, my senses heightened, and my instincts on high alert.

outskirts of a nearby village. I couldn't help but wonder if Rosa had wandered into this village, but there w

thatched-roof hut, busy weaving a basket. I app

en a young woman named Rosa? She has long dark hair and bright b

t, she spoke in a soft voice, "I haven't seen anyone like that around here, young man. But I did noti

relief and concern. "Where d

ge. "They headed in that direction, towards the center of the village. But

ing as I approached the heart of the village. What had happened to Rosa? Who