Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Clara wasn't about to let him have his way, especially not now. She gently pushed him back and straightened her clothes.

"I'm heading out," she said.

He didn't try to stop her, just nodded quietly from his spot.

Clara had always had a unique taste in men. She never believed a guy had to be all strong and powerful. Someone like Z, who needed her protection, was just fine by her.

She hopped in her car and drove off, setting her GPS for home. It was a long drive, and she nibbled on a couple of cookies to keep hunger at bay.

Her first stop was at an old herbalist's place. He was out in the yard, busy with his herbs. When he noticed her, surprise flickered across his face, but he quickly recognized her.

"You're Clara, right?"

The directions had been sketchy, and without asking around, she might never have found the place.

"Hi," she greeted politely. "My brother Ryan said he'd come here for some herbal medicine, but I can't reach him. I'm worried something's up."

"He already left," the herbalist said.

"Which way did he go?"

He pointed down a path, and Clara was about to jump back in her car when he called after her.

"Clara."

She turned, sincerity in her eyes. "Yes?"

He set his herbs down. "I've got some stuff here that's great for your health. Take it home and make some chicken soup."

"Thank you. I rushed over and didn't bring anything to offer, I'm really sorry."noveldrama

The herbalist disappeared inside and returned with a large jar full of herbs. It was packed to the brim. These wild herbs were pricey these days, and Clara felt awkward accepting them without payment. She fumbled for her phone to transfer money.

But the herbalist gently held her wrist, checking her pulse, and sighed.

"No need for money. Just take it."

Clara sensed he had more on his mind.

As she was about to drive off, he appeared again, standing in the snow by her window as if he'd always been there.

"Clara, even if you don't get around to making soup, don't toss the herbs. They'll keep for years."

Clara felt his genuine concern and nodded quickly.

"Don't worry, I won't throw them away."

He seemed relieved and turned to leave. Clara wanted to say something but couldn't remember any previous encounters with him, so she just drove on.

Two hours later, still no sign of Ryan. She only found long skid marks an the lonely road as if something had rolled off it. Her heart skipped a beat, and she got out to take a closer look.

The slope was steep and seemed endless.

She climbed out and started down on foot, shouting as she went, "Ryan!"

"Ryan!"

It was an eight-hour drive from the Capital, freezing cold, and she

terrified something terrible ha wase

happened to Ryan. She'd never forgive herself if it had.

The snow was deep, her steps uneven as she made her way forward for an hour, finally spotting a car stranded in the snow. It was mangled, like it barely made it there before breaking down.

Clara rushed over and peered inside the broken window.

No one was there, and she sighed with relief before continuing her search.

But then, the sky opened up, dumping even more snow. The roads would soon be blocked, and staying here would be dangerous.

"Ryan!"

"Ryan!!"

She kept calling, following the path through the dense forest with no signs of life. Why had Ryan come all the way out here?

After half an hour, she spotted a cave with smoke drifting out. She hurried inside and found Ryan, sitting quietly by a fire. Her frustration flared.

She'd been yelling for ages. He must have heard her. What was he thinking, ignoring her like that?