Chapter 8: A Tentative Trust
326words
I nodded. "I've seen something that shouldn't exist according to conventional science. Something that changes everything we think we know about biology, evolution, mythology."
"And you're not afraid?"
"I'm terrified," I admitted honestly. "But I'm also fascinated. And I want to help."
He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration and indecision. "You can't tell anyone about us. Ever. Do you understand? Our survival depends on secrecy."
"I understand," I said solemnly. "I won't tell anyone."
"Words are easy," he replied, his voice hardening. "Humans make promises they don't keep."
The way he said "humans"—with such disdain—made me wonder what experiences had shaped his view of my kind.
"Not all humans are the same," I said quietly.
"My experience suggests otherwise."
We lapsed into silence, the only sound the occasional moan from the other room. Finally, I spoke again.
"If we're going to work together, I need to know what to call you. I can't keep thinking of you as 'Forest Man' in my head."
A ghost of a smile touched his lips, so brief I might have imagined it. "Is that what you've been calling me?"
"Among other things," I admitted. "Most of them less flattering."
He seemed to consider for a moment, weighing the risk of sharing even this small piece of information.
"Liam," he finally said. "My name is Liam."
"Liam," I repeated, feeling like I'd won a small victory. "I'm Charlotte. But my friends call me Charlie."
"We're not friends," he said immediately.
"Not yet," I replied with a small smile. "But we might be, if you give it a chance."
He didn't respond to that, instead standing and moving toward the window to check on the storm. "The rain won't let up until morning. You'll stay here tonight. Tomorrow, we'll discuss... arrangements."
