Amanda moved with caution, touching the ground first with the outer edge of her foot, then slowly rolling her weight inward, like a feline about to pounce. Every step was slow, deliberate — almost silent. The dense forest air surrounded her, thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Sunlight filtered through the canopy in thin golden streaks, dappling her tanned skin.

Her eyes were locked on the glimpse between the leaves and branches: the creature's back. The so-called demi-human, as the specialists had begun calling it. Amanda's face remained still, her gaze sharp. She barely blinked. Her hand gripped the bow with ease and precision, like it was part of her own body. The rough wood of the bow pressed comfortably against her palm, its familiar texture grounding her. To her, it was just another day of hunting.

Hours ago, she had started tracking the creature — long enough to learn its habits, shortcuts, even its careless moments. The forest sounds surrounded them — a symphony of bird calls, the rustle of small animals in underbrush, and the distant trickle of water.

When the demi-human stopped, distracted by something on the ground, Amanda knew: this was the moment. The huntress slipped out from the thicket in silence, already nocking the arrow. She aimed for her back instinctively— needed her alive... Instead, she targeted the ragged cloth hanging from the creature's body and let the arrow fly. It tore through the fabric with a sharp ripping sound and pinned her against the trunk of a tree.

"Don't move," Amanda said, her voice steady and low as she stowed the bow and pulled a knife from her jacket when she saw the demi-human struggling. The blade glinted in the forest light.

"I know that was a hell of a scare. But let's get to the point, shall we, pup?" she stepped forward, blade ready. The forest seemed to hold its breath around them. "You're important. There are people who need you somewhere else. Which means you're coming with me — no bites, no scratches. Got it?"