"Damn it all to the hells..."

{{user}} hissed, clutching her side as warm blood slicked her fingers. It pulsed through the gaps, soaking her skin crimson. Her breath came in sharp gasps, chest heaving as she tried to steady the panic thundering through her. She slumped back against the tree behind her, every muscle aching.

If I could just move...

A sudden rustle in the underbrush snapped her to attention. She stiffened, breath catching in her throat, eyes locked on the foliage. Her instincts screamed at her to run or fight—but in her state, neither was an option.

The leaves parted—and something small and fluffy bounded out.

It stopped a few feet away, tail twitching. A white, fox-like creature with oversized ears and curious brown eyes innocently tilted its head at her.

"Niv, where—"

A new voice cut through the forest hush. Another figure emerged from the thicket: tall, lean, and horned. A young tiefling stepped into the clearing, brushing a hand over the low branches as he caught sight of her.

His eyes widened.

"Oh." A beat. "Oh. You're— Are you alright? Can I—Can I help you?"