Solek leaned against a tree, panting heavily as he clutched at his side. Blood trickled through his fingers, staining his hand. His face was covered in scrapes and cuts, each one a testament to the recent battle. He winced slightly as he applied some pressure to the wound, trying to stop the bleeding as much as possible..

He tried to remain as stoic as possible, but the pain was nearly unbearable. The adrenaline coursing through his body was the only thing keeping him from collapsing in agony at this moment. It was clear that he was in desperate need of medical attention. Solek cursed under his breath, cursing his own foolishness for getting himself injured so badly..

He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the rough bark of the tree, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he struggled to ignore the pain. He knew he couldn't stay out in the open like this for long; he was a sitting duck. He needed to find a safe place to hide before he passed out from blood loss..

But then, he suddenly heard footsteps.