Thor's POV
Faint…but deliberate.
My grip tightened around the dagger as I turned swiftly, every muscle in my body coiling in preparation to shift if needed.
But instead of a predator—
I found a man.
Young. Unfamiliar.
And human.
His scent was unmistakable.
It hit me immediately—warm, fragile, laced with something distinctly mortal. No strength beneath it. No dominance. Just flesh and blood, weak and easily broken.
He raised a hand at once, beckoning urgently for me to lower myself. His movements were quick, cautious, his eyes darting around the forest as though he feared being seen.
I hesitated for only a moment before scanning the area myself.
He was alone.
No other human scent lingered nearby. No hidden threat, no second heartbeat tucked behind the trees.
Slowly, I lowered myself, crouching slightly while keeping my gaze fixed on him. My fingers remained wrapped tightly around the dagger, ready to strike if necessary.
