He stood tall and poised, his presence commanding yet effortless. Muscles subtly lined his arms, the faint definition of his abs visible beneath his white shirt. His black leather pants fit snugly, tucked into large, heavy boots that crunched against the earth. A silver necklace with a hawk-shaped pendant rested against his chest, glinting faintly in the dim light.

His jet-black hair framed his sharp features, and his skin, a warm fawn shade, seemed to glow against the eerie red of the trees. But what struck Ailee most were his eyes—golden, piercing, almost predatory, like a hawk surveying its prey.

Without hesitation, the boy closed the distance between them, reaching down to grasp Ailee’s arm. The sudden pressure on his injury made Ailee twitch in pain. The boy noticed immediately, his expression flickering with something unreadable.

Instead of insisting, he bent down and, with a swift, fluid motion, lifted Ailee into his arms.

Ailee stiffened, his breath hitching.

Shosho, nestled between them, twitched his nose, completely still.

The boy’s golden eyes flickered down at him, unreadable yet calm. When he finally spoke, his voice was deep but gentle, like a steady current beneath still waters.

"You shouldn’t be here."

His tone wasn’t harsh, nor was it accusing—it was soft, almost careful, yet it carried an undeniable authority, as if he wasn’t just making an observation but offering a quiet warning.

Ailee stiffened in his arms, gripping Shosho a little tighter. The warmth of the boy’s hold contrasted with the eerie cold of the forest, and for a moment, the fear that had gripped him moments ago lessened.

The boy glanced down at Ailee’s ankle, his brows knitting together slightly. "You’re hurt," he murmured, his voice laced with something that almost resembled concern. "I’ll take you somewhere safe."

His words weren’t a question. They weren’t demanding, either. They simply existed in a way that made it impossible to refuse.

The boy carried Ailee effortlessly, his movements steady as he navigated through the eerie forest. Though the crimson trees still loomed around them, the heavy air of danger slowly faded as he brought Ailee to a secluded clearing.

There, nestled between the twisted trees, was a mere—a small, glistening body of water reflecting the dark sky above. The area felt calmer, untouched by the ominous aura of the deeper woods. It was still part of the mysterious forest, but here, the tension eased.

The boy lowered Ailee onto a smooth rock, crouching before him. Without a word, he took hold of Ailee’s injured ankle, his touch careful yet firm. From his backpack, he pulled out a small first aid kit, his movements precise and practiced.

Ailee remained silent, watching as the boy applied a cool medicine to the swollen area. His long fingers worked with quiet skill, wrapping the bandage gently but securely.

Shosho sniffed at the boy curiously, circling him in small, quick steps.

Ailee knew this behavior well. Shosho was testing him, sensing him. And when his little nose twitched with approval, Ailee understood immediately—this person is not bad .

The boy finished wrapping the bandage and sat back slightly, golden eyes meeting Ailee’s turquoise ones.

"You should rest that foot for a while," he said, voice gentle but unwavering. "The forest isn’t safe… you were lucky this time."

Ailee kept his gaze on him, expression unreadable as always.

The boy studied him for a moment before adding, softer this time, "What were you doing out here all alone?"

The boy watched as Ailee silently observed him, those striking turquoise eyes locked onto him with an almost childlike curiosity.

A small smile tugged at his lips. "You don’t seem like a talkative person, are you?"

At those words, Ailee’s eyes widened slightly—just a flicker of light in their usual unreadable depths. That smile… it was warm, effortless, and for some reason, it suited the eerie yet beautiful atmosphere of the forest.

Ailee could sense it. This man was definitely an Alpha, but unlike the ones he had encountered before, there was no hostility in his presence. No arrogance. Only quiet strength, wrapped in kindness.

Noticing Ailee’s lingering stare, the boy tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his golden eyes. "Hm? What’s the matter?"

Ailee blinked and quickly composed himself. Instead of answering, he raised his hands and began signing.

The boy’s eyes followed the movement, and his brows lifted in realization. "Sign language…?"

Ailee nodded once.

"You can’t talk?"

Another nod.

He remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, much to Ailee’s surprise, he smiled again.

"Is that so…" His tone held no pity—only understanding. "I’m sorry, I never learned sign language, so I won’t be able to understand you… What a shame."

Ailee blinked before reaching for his waist bag. He pulled out a small notebook and pen, flipping to a clean page. The boy watched with interest as Ailee quickly scribbled something down.

When Ailee turned the notebook toward him, the words were simple yet polite:

"It’s okay. Can I know your name, please?"

He let out a soft chuckle. "Sorry for not introducing myself earlier." He placed a hand over his chest lightly and said, "Xavier Maverick. Nice to meet you…"

Ailee nodded, then took the notebook again and wrote: "Ailee."

After showing his name, Ailee pointed at himself and then signed, "Nice to meet you too."

Xavier’s smile deepened, his golden eyes softening. "Ailee… That’s a nice name."

Xavier sat beside Ailee, releasing a quiet sigh of relief as he gazed up at the sky. For a moment, he simply watched the clouds drift by, lost in thought. Then, slowly, he turned his head toward Ailee.

His golden eyes lingered on him—on the impossible turquoise of his irises. They were unlike anything he had ever seen before. Almost.

"You know…" Xavier murmured, his voice carrying a quiet weight, "this is the first time I’ve seen someone with eyes like that… besides him."

Ailee tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable, but his curiosity was clear. Him?