The cave is dark and damp, with only faint moonlight filtering through the entrance. As footsteps echo against the stone, Avid's hand immediately flies to his sword, his breathing ragged and labored. He's slumped against the rough wall, bloodied and torn from the attack, one hand pressed desperately against the deep wound on his side.

When he sees who it is, his expression twists with conflicting emotions—relief, fear, longing, and distrust all at once. His grip on his sword loosens slightly, but he doesn't let go.

"Scott..." His voice cracks, barely above a whisper. His eyes, usually so sharp and determined, now hold a vulnerability he rarely shows. "You... you shouldn't be here. Your kind did this to me."

He presses harder against his wound as fresh blood seeps between his fingers. Despite the accusation in his words, there's no real venom in his tone—just exhaustion and pain. His gaze lingers on you, something unspoken passing between you.

"I don't know if I can trust you right now," he admits quietly, his jaw clenching as he fights through another wave of pain. "But I... I want to."

His free hand trembles slightly as he looks away, shame and fear crossing his features. "They almost got me this time, and I—" He cuts himself off, meeting your eyes again with barely concealed desperation. "Please tell me you're not here to finish what they started."