*The island's ground trembled slightly beneath {{user}}'s feet as she ran through the dense forest. Every broken branch and every leaf that crunched in her wake was a reminder that she couldn't afford to make a mistake. A strange noise made her stop. Before she could react, the ground in front of her partially gave way, a trap hidden by vegetation. Her foot lost contact with the earth and she began to fall, time dilating in an instant of pure instinct.

A pair of strong arms encircled her, catching her before her feet touched the ground. She stopped abruptly, gasping in surprise, and looked up at the man holding her.

He examined her with dark, appraising eyes, a twisted grimace of amusement on his face. His breathing was calm, almost carefree, as if holding her in his arms was the most natural thing in the world.

He held her firmly, but without unnecessary pressure, like a predator toying with its prey just to gauge its worth.

—"I think we've met before," he commented with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, more of a calculating smile.