Killian swore again as he rushed after the woman, muttering darkly under his breath as he watched her retreating figure, clad in crimson that seemed to cling to her in places that dresses around here would never, make her way towards the forest. Gods alone knew what sort of things were lying in wait for her in there, and he'd be damned if he let something happen to her on his conscience. He had already been responsible for so much pain, so much death…Liam, Milah. He was not about to let this nameless woman join them, not if he had anything to say about it.

Unfortunately, the lady had other ideas.

"Stop following me!" she turned to shout at him, still glaring daggers as she whipped her head over her shoulder. Killian rolled his eyes.

"You may want to reconsider your words," he said smoothly, jogging to catch up with her as they neared the forest canopy. "Hear me out, milady." That phrase seemed to appease her anger somewhat in spite of herself, and he wondered how true the title was. She certainly held herself like a noblewoman, and the fabric and cut of her clothes was clearly fine. Had he stumbled upon some princess of a foreign realm? Oh, just what I need…

Using his hook (and trying not to smirk at the fact that her eyes widened as he did so) he gestured towards the darkened forest. "Of the two of us, I am the only one familiar with our surroundings. Trust me, you do not want to go walking into that forest alone. I'm doing you a favor."

He saw it, the faint twitch of her lips that could have been a smile or a snarl, it was hard to tell. "And what if I don't want your help?" she asked.

"Lass, just beyond those trees are all manner of dangers—bandits, wild beasts, and gods only know what else. If you'd like to risk it on your own, be my guest."

The woman—he supposed he would have to learn her name at some point, as it seemed he was cursed to remain by her side lest some horrible danger befall her on his watch—gazed at him haughtily for a moment before lifting her skirts just enough for him to see her shoes. With an exaggerated air, she took a pointed step forward, then another, as if daring him to follow.

He watched her a moment, almost impressed. "You're either a very tough lass…or a very foolish one," he remarked before following her yet again.

"I'm neither," she replied immediately. "I don't need your help. This forest doesn't seem too dangerous, anyway." They were just at the edge still, but already the leaves hid the sun from their view and the air seemed colder. She almost smiled. "Not dangerous at all."

Before Killian could respond, another voice cut through the trees, high and sing-song and enough to set the captain's entire form on edge. "Are you quite certain of that, dearie?"

Hook's gaze hardened, and when he spoke, his voice was a low growl as he reached for the sword at his belt. "The Dark One," he hissed.