Caitlyn's POV"Caitlyn, are you waiting someone else?" My father asked deliberately as he looked at me, lost in thought."No, I'm probably just a little tired." I barely managed to muster a smile and nodded toward my father. The situation was just as I had suspected—how could someone as high and mighty as Talon lower himself to come and apologize?"I was so foolish," I thought to myself, then shook my head, feeling a bit embarrassed."Caitlyn, maybe he really has something to deal with?" Leona pursed her lips in concern, though she seemed unconvinced herself."Hmm," I nodded softly, then glanced at the turkey on the table in disbelief.This Christmas Eve had been rather dull and uneventful, and I realized that I was the root of the problem. In the past, on Christmas Eve, Leona and I would huddle together and savor a meal prepared by my father's hands. It wasn't as lively as other celebrations, but it was cozy. However, tonight was different; everyone sat together in silence, as if a
Caitlyn's POV"You got shot?"I was a little taken aback and looked at him with a mix of concern and sympathy."Well, it's nothing, just a couple of strays."Talon winced and twisted his face to the side, inadvertently aggravating the wound, causing him to suck in a sharp breath."I need to remove the bullet, but we don't have any anesthesia at the moment, so this might sting a bit.""Don’t worry, I can handle it."Talon's face displayed a mixture of concern and determination, though I could sense his attempt to be brave.I examined Talon's wounds somewhat helplessly since he had attempted some makeshift treatments before arriving.To prevent further blood loss, he had opted to simply seal the wound.Looking at Talon's mangled skin, it was hard to fathom the amount of pain he had just endured."What's wrong?"Talon lowered his head to meet my gaze, beads of sweat forming on his forehead."I'm going to deal with your wound."I took a deep breath, and it was evident that Talon was strug
Caitlyn's POVMy heart raced as I looked at Talon's wound and I could only imagine the horror of what had just happened."It's not entirely clear yet, but I suspect it might be the same individuals who attacked you," Talon ventured.Talon shook his head, his eyebrows pressed together, as if trying to guess who had the nerve."But I didn't get much out of them. They were determined to die when they were preparing for the attack, and I barely touched them before they chose to kill themselves.""Perhaps someone was controlling them?" I suggested my suspicions."Or maybe it was the result of some kind of temporary drug-induced frenzy. In any case, it's far more sinister around here than you might imagine," Talon remarked undeniably before rising and stretching.I recalled Talon's earlier warning. Perhaps I was overthinking it, and it was true that he simply wanted to protect me from any potential danger."By the way, Bard has regained consciousness. He should still be at the hospital at t
Talon's POV"Do you mean that you found out a letter?"I was seated in the backseat of the car, with the street outside the window adorned with lights, creating a festive Christmas atmosphere in every home."Yes, but it appears to be sealed, and we can't discern its contents," Bard replied with a solemn expression.In the dim light, I could make out the prominent scars on Bard's face, and even the bandage on his forehead hadn't been removed yet."Why don't you wait in the hospital until you're fully healed before getting discharged?" I asked Bard, who was sitting in front of me and simultaneously driving."I'm concerned about your safety, and I feel partially responsible for Caitlyn's previous car accident," Bard replied earnestly, his words touching my heart."It's been a busy time, and I haven't been able to visit you much in the hospital," I admitted, feeling a pang of guilt when I saw Bard in this condition."That's alright; Leona has been taking care of me all this while," Bard s
Caitlyn's POVMaybe it was what happened on Christmas Eve that made Talon realize my place in his heart. During this recent period, he would often come over to my house. Judging by how busy he was, I could easily envision him as a future family man."Caitlyn, what has your father been up to lately?" Talon finished peeling an apple and handed it to me with a gentle smile."Hey, do you have something on my father? I can't remember the last time you asked about him in the past two days." I teased, pretending to be angry, and playfully swatted at Talon. Instead of ducking, he responded with a couple of smiles."Just stay home and rest these days; I've already arranged everything with the hospital for you," Talon said with a smile, his hand gently stroking my stomach."Why did you make decisions without discussing them with me?" I looked a bit disgruntled, but deep down, it warmed my heart."I was afraid you might get hurt again," Talon's eyes displayed determination, and his handsome face
Caitlyn's POVI returned home disheartened, my time with Talon flashing in and out of my mind like a slideshow."Caitlyn, you look a little pale. Did something happen?" My father asked with concern as he sat in the living room and stood up upon seeing me."Nothing, just feeling a bit tired." I dragged my hand over my stomach and forced a smile, determined not to let my father be saddened by what had happened to me."By the way, try to stay home and avoid going out during this time," my father said, his expression suddenly turning solemn as he hesitated."What's wrong?" I held my hand on the railing and looked at my father curiously."Nothing, it's just that there might be some changes in the pack. Talon might be a bit busier during this time, and your Uncle Taric has also advised you to get some rest lately," my father explained, trying to sound relieved.But it was obvious to me that my father was hiding something from me. Hearing Talon's name come out of my father's mouth, my heart
Caitlyn's POVBard gave Braum's shoulder a reassuring pat and then nodded in relief. Braum led the other werewolves toward the front, leaving Bard and a few other werewolf warriors at the rear.As I was about to approach Bard and inquire about the situation, another ominous sound of violence echoed from nearby. Bard growled and rushed forward once more."Caitlyn, what are you doing here?"Just as I was becoming flustered, a surprised voice sounded from behind me. I swiftly turned my head and found Leona looking dismayed."I tried to come and inform Talon like you instructed, but there was no sign of him. I overheard Bard saying it seemed like Jayce was the one who attacked. What in the world is happening here?"I felt a bit bewildered; everything was unfolding so quickly that I was becoming overwhelmed."Uh, actually, I don't know much about it. When I arrived at the camp, Bard mentioned there appeared to be an irreconcilable conflict between our p
Caitlyn's POVI walked in the direction Bard had given, and it didn't take me long to stumble upon a somewhat decrepit church. Underneath the towering church, several other werewolves stood with solemn expressions, their faces showing fatigue, but their eyes darting warily."Who are you?" One of the werewolves took a decisive step forward and looked at me condescendingly."Bard sent me. I'm here to find Talon." I straightened up, revealing my bulging stomach, which seemed to make the werewolf soldier a bit uneasy, causing him to hastily step back."Ms. Caitlyn? Please, come inside." As I hesitated, a person's suddenly appeared at the second-floor window, frowned as he assessed me, and then instructed the werewolf guarding the door to let me in.Glancing at his appearance, I soon remembered that he was none other than the werewolf who had crossed paths with Bard earlier. Judging by Bard's reaction, it seemed that this man, called Braum, was Bard's brother.
Caitlyn's POVI sidestepped to evade the attack of the werewolf standing before me, masquerading as my father. Just then, a cacophony of noise erupted from outside the church, signaling that we had been part of their plans since the moment we breached in."You go first, I'll handle this," Bard commanded coldly, standing guard at the doorway with a stern expression. The heavy, blunt footsteps outside, akin to a horn urging me forward, sank my heart."Let's deal with the immediate threat," I urged. Seeing his failed strike, the werewolf in front of me grew annoyed and transformed into a wolf in the confined space. With a bloody mouth, it lunged straight at me. I even caught a whiff of the strong fishy odor emanating from its body."Go to hell!" I shouted. Just as I contemplated transforming into a wolf myself, Bard swiftly spun around and with a forceful blow, knocked the werewolf aside. It crashed into the hard wall, whimpering in pain."It must be Yone who p
Caitlyn's POV"Any idea where my father is being held prisoner?" I inquired.Upon hearing my question, Bard didn't hesitate for a second; instead, he appeared somewhat eager."Well, earlier I overheard Yone and Talon talking, and it seems Yone is the one holding my father captive."I attempted to conceal my anger with a calm tone. As I spoke, Bard fell silent for a moment before nodding softly."In that case, let's not waste any time. We should move tonight. If the king hasn't stationed anyone there, the two of us should be able to handle it," Bard suggested as he swiftly removed his bandages."Are you sure you're up for this?" I couldn't help but notice the shocking scars on Bard's body, causing me to inhale sharply."Just a minor inconvenience, nothing serious," Bard grinned before taking the lead."But won't it be risky for just the two of us?" I hesitated slightly, still half-expecting Talon to materialize by my side. However, I knew
Caitlyn's POVWhen I confronted Talon and Yone, I could clearly discern a hint of panic in Talon's eyes."Caitlyn, what are you doing here?" Talon asked, managing a strained smile."If I hadn't stumbled upon this, I still wouldn't have known that my father was imprisoned by your men. No wonder you've sworn a few times to rescue him, yet there hasn't been any action," I remarked, casting a skeptical glance at Talon."It's none of Talon's business. It was my decision.."To my surprise, Yone, who had previously tried to intervene between Talon and me, suddenly spoke up in Talon's defense, deepening my suspicion."There's no need for so much explanation. I'll settle this," I said icily to Yone, brushing off Talon's attempt to restrain me and striding toward the door.Meanwhile, Yone stood in the corner with a faint smile on his lips, suggesting that perhaps this outcome was his true intention all along."Caitlyn, it's not what you think. Let me ex
Talon's POV"Talon, as the Alpha of the pack, what you're doing right now is incredibly irresponsible. You mustn't forget the duty that rests upon your shoulders. There's simply no time for you to play so called love game anymore," Yone chided me, his tone subdued, ignoring my anger."Who are you to dictate my actions? Don't forget your own place."Be questioned by Yone, my frustration grew."I'm sorry, but I can't stand to witness the pack’s decline. Almost every aspect of the current situation is controlled by Tryndamere. He's reaching out to numerous packs covertly. In the end, we'll be left passive when we finally launch our offensive. We should have acted sooner instead of wasting time here for a useless werewolf."Yone bristled at my words. "Firstly, he's not just a useless werewolf. He used to be my father’s most loyal subordinate and he's Caitlyn's father. I won't allow any harm to come to him.""But he once deserted us!"
Caitlyn's POVListening to the bursts of cheers outside, I cautiously maneuvered my injured body through the gaps in the ruins, moving slowly and quietly. Fandom, sporting a smirk, appeared fully absorbed in the euphoria of victory and remained oblivious to my escape.However, as the cheering subsided, his demeanor shifted, his expression gradually contorting into a frown."Descend a couple of levels and investigate. She couldn't have gone down that easily," Fandom commanded, his tone betraying a sense of suspicion.Sensing something amiss, two werewolf soldiers hurried toward the ruins, frantically scouring the area where I had concealed myself. As time elapsed, Fandom's smile waned."Interesting," he remarked.After a thorough search, the two werewolf soldiers straightened up, exchanging nervous glances with the stern-faced Fandom. Meanwhile, I had been observing the spectacle from the sidelines, hidden from view.The werewolves, upon
Caitlyn's POVAccompanied by a gruesome cacophony of killing sounds, I noticed a burly figure struggling amidst the crowd at the perimeter of the abandoned hospital.With his roar, unlucky werewolf warriors were sent flying. Clutching an extremely delicate-looking woman in his arms, he stood protectively in front of her, regardless of the damage he incurred.Who else could this steel-like werewolf be if not Bard?Perhaps initially, no one expected Bard to dare to infiltrate the heavily guarded camp alone, hence the obviously insufficient initial defense. Yet, this provided Bard with the opportunity to truly rescue Leona from the jail with just his punch and his kick.However, at this moment, Leona seemed to have little energy left, her head drooping in Bard's arms as if she were fading away.The werewolf soldiers, slow to react, encircled Bard, but none dared to approach after witnessing his strength. They resorted to harassing Bard fr
Caitlyn's POVAfter returning to my place, I found myself replaying Yone's words in my mind, and coupled with Talon's peculiar reaction, I had a vague sense that there was something I didn't know.Pondering this, I felt a tightness in my chest, so I rose from the bed and headed to the balcony for some fresh air.The bright moon hung in the night sky, casting the heavens as an infinite, transparent sea—quiet, vast, and mysterious. The air carried a chilly edge, adding to the melancholy ambiance. The memory of Leona's final, resolute gaze caused a pang in my heart.Ever since I was a small-town girl, Leona had protected me like an older sister, standing unwaveringly by my side through betrayals and persecutions.Leaving her behind in that jail felt like an unforgivable sin. The mere thought of it made my chest tighten, prompting me to step onto the balcony and release a long breath.It was then that I noticed a stealthy figure lurking in
Caitlyn's POVAfter confirming that Fandom had left, Yone slowly walked back. I didn't know why Yone obscured my trail just now, but at the moment, I was still impatient to get Leona out of there.Because there was been too long a delay since I arrived, I was worried that Talon, who was meeting me outside, might not be able to wait to make any risky moves."Thank you, Yone, but if that's what it takes to get me out of Talon's way, I'm afraid I'm not in a position to comply," I said unassumingly as I stood in front of Yone while carefully watching his reaction."That won't be necessary; I just don't want Talon to lose its mind because of your stupidity," Yone remarked with a glance to the side, appearing a little disdainful.Seeing this reaction from Yone, I also decided not to pay any more attention to him and prepared to take Leona with me for another exodus.But just as I grabbed Leona's wrist, Yone twisted his head, his
Caitlyn's POV"Hide," Leona urgently admonished me before pulling me into the crevice, shrouded in darkness.I stood in the corner, holding my breath, relying on the hope that the visitor hadn't detected anything unusual. However, even if they had, I knew I might have to transform and forcibly extract Leona from this situation.With that belief, I listened intently to the distant footsteps echoing in the alleyway—thud, thud—each step feeling like a blow to my heart.Soon, a tall werewolf emerged before us, his silhouette flickering in the dim candlelight, casting ghostly shadows on the empty wall.For a moment, I froze, meeting the man's gaze, my breath growing heavy."You're Caitlyn, aren't you?" His voice carried a stern, murderous aura, his brow furrowed in suspicion."Yone," I murmured, my voice trembling slightly as I cautiously approached the light."You're the one who dispatched those people outside? It was done too careless