Caitlyn's POV
When looking at Kaisa, almost everyone was taken aback. Especially the words she had just spoken were a bit perplexing to me.
"Game?" I mumbled, then turned my head to glance at Zed.
"What brings you here?"
At that moment, Zed also seemed a bit surprised by Kaisa's words, but he quickly regained his composure, waving his hand towards her as if he were in the harmless state he once inhabited.
"This trick of yours might fool the others, but it won't fool me."
After Kaisa finished speaking, she turned her head to look at me. The surprise in her eyes flashed by, but I could clearly sense her slight shock. Perhaps she didn't expect that in such a short period, I would possess such formidable strength.
"What do you mean? Does it imply that this is all part of his plan?" Talon was the first to catch on, resuming his human form with a frown as he scanned between Kaisa and Zed.
Zed shrugged noncommittally, not offering any explanation to Talon. However, when he looked at me, he seemed a little apologetic.
"Alpha, this..."
Azir, observing the scene in front of him, looked a bit puzzled. It was evident that by the current stance, Zed didn't intend to continue making a move against Talon and me either.
"Grandpa, I know what I'm doing," Zed said calmly, slowly placing his hands behind his back.
"Alpha! Vayne, she's a..."
"There never was a Vayne; she was always Caitlyn," Zed interrupted Azir abruptly, his face appearing icy. It was the first time I had seen him lose his temper towards Azir.
"Cut the drama here; don't think I can forgive you for what you did to Caitlyn just because you're pretending to play something here."
Talon, clearly running out of patience, put away his attack. The look he gave Zed grew colder and colder.
"Caitlyn, I'm sorry. It's true that I lied to you all along, but one thing is true—because you really are a member of the Fullmoon Pack, and Gamma's identity was obtained through your own strength," Zed said, ignoring Talon's resentful eyes. He then slowly walked to my side, looking at me seriously as he spoke.
Upon hearing Zed's words, I revealed a bitter smile.
Because I had regained all my memories, I reminisce about the time when I fought for the Fullmoon Pack, and the pride and honor that once enriched my life now haunt me.
However, Zed had truly deceived me. If I hadn't suddenly regained my memories, I fear I would still be facing off with Talon at this very moment.
"I admit to some selfishness in the beginning. I'm sorry for what happened to your mother. I was moved when I discovered your strength. And it was also true that the pack was in a precarious situation both internally and externally," Zed said softly.
"I would have helped you if you had just told me," I inquired with confusion.
"There's no time for that. You showing up expedited Kyan's plans, forcing him to reveal his wild ambition," Zed explained, looking up at me.
Ornn, standing in the corner, wiped sweat from his forehead, showing that he hadn't considered Zed, who appeared so young, to be so astute.
"I also thought I could use this opportunity to test Talon's resolve," Zed suddenly shifted the conversation, a teasing smile playing on the corner of his mouth.
"Me?" Talon frowned, looking furious. He had long been prepared to die, unaware that this was just a part of Zed's game, causing understandable anger.
"Fortunately, his performance was not bad in the end, allowing me to safely hand you over to him," Zed chuckled softly, making light of the situation.
"And what if he hadn't chosen to do that in the end?" I couldn't help but feel a pang of fear and hesitated, pursing my lips as I asked Zed.
"Then I wouldn't have arranged for someone to jog your memory, ensuring you'd forget about him completely. We would take good care of you for the rest of your life, making amends for what happened to your mother," Zed sighed, appearing a little helpless.
"Who are you to decide Caitlyn's fate? Who do you think you are?" Talon stared at Zed with indignation.
"I don't trust you. I won't leave Caitlyn in the hands of an irresponsible person. If you had hesitated at all just now, I can guarantee you would never have walked out of here," Zed asserted.
Zed forced a tight smile.
"Okay. I need some time to calm down."
I stepped in between Zed and Talon, forcefully interrupting their conversation.
I felt a bit teary-eyed in the face of my experience. I sensed that what Zed was saying should be the truth, but I didn't realize he would orchestrate such an elaborate plan just to test Talon's sincerity. It was just too mind-boggling!
"Why?" I took a deep breath and looked up at Zed.
"Because from you, I felt an unprecedented power unrelated to bloodline or potential. In other words, I've been planning this from the very beginning when you agreed to follow me back to the pack. Initially, your motive was to master turning into a wolf to better help Talon. I've always been puzzled by that motivation, but after spending so much time together, you've made me realize it's the power of love."
Zed's eyes brimmed with sincerity, his discreet glance sweeping over Kaisa filled with love and tenderness.
"Love conquers all," Zed concluded, drawing strength from my affirmation.
I didn't know how Zed and Kaisa had secretly connected, but it made me understand why Zed kept pushing and chose to refuse when he learned he was going to form a Mate bond with me. Turns out, he had his heart in the right place all along.
"Now I can finally trust you with Talon. Caitlyn, welcome back."
A smile spread across Zed's face, as wide as it was when he first met me.