Yoa didn't go very far and any animals within their perimeter scattered. Only some colourful birds dared to remain, watching them from high above like the pair were live entertainment. Nova swore she could hear them speaking but that was impossible. Right?
Nova gazed up at them, arms still looped around Yoa's neck, taking in everything from this height. They must be parrots and were repeating words said by others before—she rationalised. There was only so much she could handle right now. Men transforming into beasts, a lake that looks like a galaxy, giant eagles, but talking animals… That's too far.
Yoa set her down after a few paces. "Come here." He knelt and started drawing into the ground with a stick. Nova furrowed her brow at the doodle.
"We'll head West. It is a longer route but safer during the day. We'll try to avoid these tribes." He drew circles and carved a line of what Nova presumed was a route.
"What's that?" Nova asked, pointing at three wider lines curving out.
"River Soluma. She splits into three, and that part ends in a waterfall. We will need to sneak around the waterfall. Once we pass here," he pointed at the second tribe further away. "We can sneak past everyone going through sacred land, Moon Lake and to the beach your resort is meant to be."
"This sounds more tiring than going past Oncari land and-"
"You want to be eaten?" Yoa arched a brow at her, those red-rimmed golden eyes sharpening on her.
Nova shook her head swiftly. "Absolutely not."
"Listen to me, mouse," Yoa holds her gaze, imploring with her, the edge of command in his guttural tone. "I know this island better than anyone. I will return you to where you belong. Do you trust me?"
"I feel like I should answer with yes… But I don't know you," Nova admitted truthfully. He might have helped her, but this was a jungle full of these supernatural beasts. She was most likely the weakest person here, with little knowledge. If she were to put her trust in Yoa, then she might be a fool.
This guy was dangerous. No matter what he has done so far to help her. No matter his rugged and handsome appearance. Yoa was dangerous.
Yoa's expression changed upon hearing her response. Instead of the fiery balls shooting daggers at her, or his face hardening, disliking her comment, he looked impressed, almost proud. "That's a start," he said quietly, so quietly Nova almost missed it. "If you don't trust me, trust that I will return you to your people. You don't belong here, and it's my duty to return you there."
"Your duty?" Nova's head tilted, but Yoa was already standing up and holding his hand out for her. She accepted it, and he hoisted her to her feet. He was about to lift her into his arms again. "I can walk." She held her hand up. "And call me Nova. Not mouse," she firmly stated.
"Nova..." He said her name like tasting wine on his tongue, his voice so deep it made her insides do a backflip, and her breath halt. Maybe she should have kept him calling her mouse or little mouse. But even those nicknames made her toes curl. It was why she was so frustrated by them.
She couldn't have this little crush on a giant man she will never see again. She was returning to her modern reality, none of this jungle adventure business. It was best to keep a thick line between them. Not that she sensed much more from him besides ensuring her safety so she could leave.
"Let's go." Yoa turned abruptly like he hadn't just made her insides somersault from the way he said her name.
Nova had to pick up her pace, almost jogging to keep up with Yoa. Those damned legs… She followed through the bushes, sticking to some path. Unlike him, Nova stumbled a few times and winced as her feet were too soft for these grounds.
"I can carry you-"
"I need to walk," Nova insisted.
"Stubborn little mouse," Yoa grunted, looking ahead again.
"What was that?" She called out to him again but he looked behind him, eyes glittering in amusement, a smirk tugging at his lips before looking forward again.
Nova narrowed her eyes at him, but she didn't comment further when his pace slowed, and she realised it was because of her. She could tiptoe or avoid rocks or insects without panicking about keeping up with Yoa.
"Thank you," she murmured.
Yoa nodded. They ventured through the thick forest, the trees so tall and disorientating. Nova didn't know how Yoa knew where to go, everything still looked the same.
The sound of running water drew Nova's attention away from her thoughts, and the slight distraction of watching Yoa's back muscles flex as he walked made her stumble a few times.
Nova peered her head to the side, looking past Yoa's body as sunlight started to filter through the forest more. Light and shadow danced around some of the trees; tiny flecks of rainbow colours were scattered along the bark, and light reflected from the river came into view.
Yoa signalled her to stop as his gaze swept along the trees, the river and the sky. He stepped closer, his attention now locked on the water, almost searching it for hidden dangers. "Drink. You must be thirsty," he said, his gaze still fixed on ensuring the area was safe.
Nova hesitantly came forward even as her mouth was dry like sandpaper had been scrubbed down her throat and along her tongue. She'd made no complaints, aware she would be at the resort within the day. After Yoa urged her forward with his hand, she quickened her steps and knelt by the river.
Nova cupped her hands into the clear, cool water and brought it to her lips. She gulped it down greedily, a quiet sound escaping her as the refreshing liquid eased the dryness in her throat. She dipped her hands again, this time dabbing the back of her neck, even though the forest air hadn't grown heavy with heat—yet.
She felt disgusting and sticky from sweat. Her hair must be a mess, and her makeup—gosh, her makeup must look awful right now— it felt icky on her face.
Nova threaded her fingers through the water again, to scoop it up when water squirted into her face. She leaned back, eyes clenched shut and wiped at her eyes. A series of rapid clicks and squeaky trills that sounded uncannily like a laugh followed.
Before Nova could react, Yoa had pulled her back and growled at the water, his body shielding hers, crouched and ready to pounce at whatever dared come close.