The midday sun pierced through the gaps in the forest canopy, casting long shadows on the dusty ground. Helkan walked at the front of his group, a large bone spear glinting in his hand under the sunlight. Their breaths were heavy, sweat dripping down their bodies, yet their steps remained steady.

"I heard a herd of deer passed to the north," one of his companions said.

Helkan nodded shortly. "Don’t talk too much. Focus. The wind is from the east, don’t let them smell us."

They crouched, moving carefully. Soon, a large deer emerged from behind the trees. Helkan signaled with his hand, then sprinted forward. His bone spear flew and struck the deer precisely in the rib, and the animal let out a low roar before collapsing.

"Hah! Well done, Helkan!" one companion cheered, laughing with satisfaction.

Helkan exhaled sharply, eyes still on the deer. "This is enough for the village today. You carry it home. I have other business."

His companion frowned. "Other business? Aren’t we going back together?"

Helkan’s eyes shifted toward the river, sharp and unwavering. "I need to bathe. And I need lion fur for winter. Don’t wait for me."

His companions exchanged glances. "You are stubborn. Fine, be careful."

Helkan smiled faintly, turning toward the large river. The splash of water echoed as he stepped into the clear stream. The cold cut through his skin, yet he welcomed it. He submerged briefly, then wiped his face and untamed black hair.

"Refreshing… exactly what I need," he murmured to himself. Gazing at his reflection on the water, his hardened face appeared calmer. "Helkan… stay alert. Lions are always watching. If you want the fur, you must be ready to die."

Just as he was about to step out of the water, a mighty roar shook the air. Birds scattered from the trees. Helkan froze, his body tense. Then came a woman’s scream—sharp, panicked.

His eyes narrowed. "A woman? Here in the forest?" he muttered, grabbing the bone spear lying at the riverbank. Without hesitation, he ran, pushing through the undergrowth toward the source of the sound.

Helkan moved steadily, eyes locked on the distant figure: a foreign woman, bewildered, with a massive lion lunging at her. His instincts flared. "No… I will not let you be eaten," he muttered, raising his spear high.

The lion leapt, claws striking the air, but Helkan was faster. He thrust the spear into its chest repeatedly, dodging fangs and claws. Blood coated his body, dripping from his face and arms. With one final strike, the lion collapsed, its breaths ragged before stopping entirely.

Helkan ran to the woman, eyes scanning her fearful face. "Are you alright?" he asked, voice firm yet caring.

Suddenly, she fainted, her body going limp. Helkan caught her in his arms, holding her securely to prevent her from hitting the ground. Blood from the lion still stained his body, but his focus remained on her. He stared closely at her face, murmuring softly, "Beautiful… so beautiful… I’ve never seen anyone like this…"

Gently, he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, ensuring she remained comfortable in his embrace. Slowly, he walked toward the village, strength and composure intact, carrying her in one arm while dragging the lion carcass with the other.

Upon arrival, his companions stared in awe and villagers whispered among themselves, curious. "Who is that woman, Helkan?" one asked.

Helkan set her down carefully, still holding her slightly to keep her stable. His voice deep and commanding: "She is my future wife, given by the gods."

Hours later, in his house elevated above the others, Helkan prepared raw deer meat and river water served in a neatly cut bamboo cup. When the woman opened her eyes, Helkan approached steadily, looking at her with an intense yet calm gaze.

"Are you alright?" he asked, offering the bamboo cup of water. "Drink."

He leaned slightly, examining her face, murmuring softly, "You are unlike anyone I’ve ever seen…"

"I am Helkan," he continued, his voice deep and firm. "What is your name?"