The cave was quiet,but Selina quickly realize something important.
It was too empty.
She stood near the entrance, golden eyes sweeping over the space again the bare stone,the uneven ground, the complete lack of .... anything useful.
" This is bad ," she muttered, crossing her arms slightly. "I just moved in and it already feels like I'm living in a hole."
Her tail flicked behind her in mild annoyance before her gaze shifted toward the unconscious man resting where she had placed him.
"And you ..." She added, narrowing her eyes slightly, " are definitely not in the condition to help."
She crouched besides him again, brushing her fingers lightly against his forehead before moving to check his breathing. It was still there...but weaker than before.
"Mmmm...you lost too much blood," she murmured, her tone quieter now."if I don't do something , you might actually die."
She paused, then sighed softly.
"And I just picked you up too..."
Selina leaned back, tapping her cheek as she thought things through.
"Alright,"she said after a moment. "Food,water and something to treat your wound properly."
Her lips curved slightly.
".... And maybe something to make this place look less depressing."
She stood up, stretching slightly before glancing back at him one more time.
"Don't go anywhere" she said lightly. "I'd hate to come back and find you missing after all this effort."
With that , she turned and slipped out of the cave , her tail gliding smoothly over the ground as she entered the forest again.
Selina moved with more intent this time , her senses sharp as she scanned her surroundings. Every rustle, every scent , and every shift in the air carried meaning.
"Mmmm....so this is what hunting feels like," she murmured, a small smile forming. "Not bad."
It's didn't take long for her to spot something. A small animal fast ,but not enough.
"Got you," she whispered.
In a flash, she moved .
Her tail shot forward with precision, wrapping around the prey before it could escape. A quick, clean motion and it's over.
Selina blinked
Then looked down at what she caught.
"Wow " she said softly ." That's easier than I expected"
She lifted it slightly with her tail , inspecting it with mild curiosit.
"Mmmm.....this should work," she added. " At least you won't starve now."
After securing it, she continued moving, this time focusing on finding water . The sound of a faint stream eventually reached her ears, and she followed it without hesitation.
The sight of clear water made her pause.
Her eyes softened slightly. "Oh ....this is nice" she murmured, moving closer . " Way better than I expected."
She bend near the edge , dipping her fingers into the water before bringing them up , watching the droplets slide down her skin.
" Cold...clean..." She noted "perfect."
Her gaze shifted around soon she spotted broad leaves nearby along with flexible vines hanging from a tree.
"Mmmm ...I can use this" she said , her tone brightening slightly.
She began working without hesitation, gathering the vines and weaving them together with a surprising ease. The leaves were layered inside, forming a rough functioning container .
" A basket, " she said proudly after a moment, lifting it slightly. ". There we go . I knew I could figure it out."
She tested it with water, watching carefully for leaks .
"Not bad at all" she added with a small grin. "Look at me.... already adapting."
After filling it carefully, she moved again, this time searching for herbs. It took a bit longer, but eventually she found what she was looking for plants with a sharp scent and slightly bitter taste.
"Mmmm...this should help with the bleeding," she said , picking them carefully. "At least , I hope so."
With everything gathered food water , herbs , her newly made basket Selina finally turned back toward the cave.
"You better still be alive" she muttered as she moves "I did all this for you. "
By the time she returned, the light had shifted slightly, casting a softer shadow inside the cave
She moved in quietly then paused . She felt something different .
Selina's eyes immediately went to where she had left him .
But instead of the large , injured beastman there was something small.
Very small.
She blinked. Then blinked again.
"Wait" she said slowly, setting the basket down. " Where did the big one go?."
Her gaze dropped. And there curled weakly on the ground was a tiny beast.
Selina stared.
Completely silent for a moment .
"... No way" she whispered. She slowly moved closer, bending down as her eyes took in the small form . Soft fur , tiny body, weak breathing....but the same présence. The same faint scent .
" You turned into this?"she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
The little beast didn't respond,still unconscious. Selina reached out slowly, her finger gently poking it's side .
It didn't react much just a faint twitch.
Her expression shifted from surprise....to something much more dangerous.
"... You were big and impressive before,"she murmured. Then her lips curved slowly. " .... But this is even better."
Her tail curled behind her, almost excited now. " Small , weak...and completely helpless?" She continue softly "Are you making things hard for me?"
She carefully scooped the tiny beast up , far more gentle than her words suggested, holding it in her hands examining it closely. " Mmmm.... you're actually kind of cute like this," she admitted.
She stared at the small creature in her hands, her golden eyes narrowing slightly as she studied more carefully.
"You're white?" She murmured, tilting her head.
The tiny beast's fur was soft and pale , almost glowing faintly in the dim cave light. It made him look...fragile.very different from the strong, imposing man she had carried earlier.
Her lips slowly curved upward.
"Oh no..." She whispered, her voice soft with amusement. " You got even better"
She gently brushed her fingers over his fur , her touch light and curious.
"You're ridiculously cute like this" she added, her tone lowering slightly. " What happened to that intimidating look from before huh?"
The small beast didn't respond, still unconscious breathing shallow but steady.
Selina let out a quiet sigh , though her expression remained pleased.
" Alright, alright," she said . "Let's fix you up first...I can admire you later.