Nova’s eyes remained shut, her lids heavy as lead. Her head throbbed like a bass drum, each beat reverberating through her entire body. She winced, her dry lips parting in a silent groan, and her legs ached as if she’d run a marathon in her sleep.

“Ugh… what happened?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. A hand settled on her forehead, but it wasn’t gentle—the touch was detached.

“You are awake,” a deep voice stated, devoid of warmth.

Nova’s eyes fluttered open, and she was met with a sight that stole her breath. A strikingly handsome man sat beside her, his piercing green eyes locking onto her. His chiseled features, sharp jawline, and full lips seemed carved from stone, yet his expression was icy and guarded. For a moment, Nova’s pain was forgotten; she was drawn to his beauty, but his cold demeanor sent a chill down her spine.

“Who…?” she started, her voice trailing off.

The man’s expression didn’t change. “You are safe… for now.”

Nova’s mind raced, but her memories remained shrouded in fog. Panic set in, her heart hammering as a creeping sense of dread clawed at her chest. “I don’t remember,” she stammered, her voice laced with fear.

The man’s gaze didn’t waver, but his jaw clenched. Nova’s eyes widened as she realized she didn’t know her name, her past, or how she got here. Terror gripped her.

“No… this can’t be,” she whispered, her breath catching. “I don’t know who I am.”

The man’s expression remained impassive, but his eyes flickered for an instant. Nova glimpsed something deeper, something painful, then it vanished.

“You will recall,” he repeated, his tone unyielding.

Nova’s gaze drifted to her surroundings, taking in the unfamiliar room. How had she gotten here? Who was this man? As she tried to piece together her fragmented thoughts, his cold demeanor enveloped her, making her feel vulnerable.

“Who are you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He paused, his eyes narrowing. “Someone who’s keeping you alive.”

Nova’s thoughts swirled, questions piling up, but before she could ask another, exhaustion claimed her. Her eyelids dropped, and the last thing she saw was the man’s piercing green eyes watching her with unnerving intensity.

When Nova woke again, the room was empty; the stranger was gone, but his eyes still lingered in her memory. She tried to sit up, but her head spun. “Nova,” she whispered, realizing it was her name. She waited, hoping another memory would resurface, but none came. With a sigh of frustration, she swung her legs over the bed, testing her strength. Her legs ached, but she stood determined.

She looked around, noticing the cabin’s rustic charm: wooden beams, soft curtains, and a fireplace crackling with dying embers. It was cozy and beautiful—just like the owner, she thought, and smiled. Limping toward the door, eager to explore, she opened it to reveal a breathtaking vista: towering trees stretched toward the sky.

Nova stepped onto the porch, taking in the crisp evening air; the scent of pine and earth filled her lungs. As she ventured deeper into the woods, the silence grew oppressive, and unease blossomed into fear. Suddenly, a figure burst from the underbrush.

“Stop!” a deep voice boomed.

Nova’s heart skipped a beat. She gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “You scared me!” she screamed, spotting Kaidan carrying firewood.

Kaidan’s expression remained stern. “Go back inside. The woods are heavily trapped.”

Nova’s fear gave way to defiance. “Why? What’s going on? Why is it trapped?”

Kaidan’s jaw clenched. “I set the traps for protection.”

“Who are you?” she demanded, her voice firm.

“Go back inside,” he urged, his gaze sweeping the surrounding trees. “It’s not safe here.”

Nova deflated. “Tell me what’s going on. Why are you in these woods with traps everywhere?”

Kaidan’s expression darkened. “Traps are necessary. Now go inside.”

Nova hesitated, but his urgency was contagious. She retreated to the cabin, the man following closely. Inside, she spun to face him. “Answer me! Who are you? How did I get here?”

Kaidan deposited the firewood, his movements economical. “My name is Kaidan. I found you at the base of the cliff—it looks like someone pushed you. You are not safe until you regain your memory.”

Nova’s mind reeled. Pushed? Someone wanted her dead?

Kaidan’s eyes narrowed. “You should rest. You will regain your memories.”

Nova’s frustration boiled over. “That’s not enough. Tell me more!”

Kaidan’s gaze lingered on hers. “What do you mean, someone pushed you? Why would they do that?”

His expression turned guarded. “I don’t know. You were unconscious when I found you.”

Nova pressed on. “How long have I been here? And where is this place?”

Kaidan hesitated before responding. “You’ve been here a few days. This is Evergreen.”

Nova’s frustration grew. “What’s going on with me? Why can’t I remember anything?”

Kaidan’s gaze dropped, his voice low. “You’ve been through trauma. Your memories will return when you’re ready.”

Nova sensed he was hiding something. “Who are you really? And why do you live out here?”

Kaidan’s eyes flashed with warning. “I am just a recluse. I like solitude.”

Nova’s intuition screamed there was more to his story. “What’s going on in these woods? Why the traps?”

Kaidan’s jaw clenched. “Protection from wild animals.”

Nova’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t believe him; she needed to know the truth. “Do you live here alone?” she asked, skepticism lacing her voice. “Do you have family nearby?”

Kaidan’s gaze flickered, his expression tightening.

Just then, a loud crash echoed outside, making Nova jump. The sound was primal, like the snapping of woods by a snarling beast.

“What was that?” Nova’s voice trembled, her eyes wide with fear.

Kaidan’s expression turned grim. “That’s the wild animal I was talking about.”

Nova’s skin crawled; the darkness outside seemed to press in, amplifying her fear.

“Stay inside,” Kaidan commanded, his voice firm. “Don’t step out for any reason.”

Grabbing a nearby flashlight, he moved toward the door.

“Wait!” Nova called out, but Kaidan was already disappearing into the night. The door creaked shut behind him, leaving Nova alone with her fears.