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 carelessly," Yone remarked, shaking his head disapprovingly.
"The king has imprisoned my father and my best friend. I had no choice," I explained in a hushed tone, despite the fact that the man before me was Talon's father. Recalling the harrowing events at the palace that day filled me with tension, yet I forced myself to remain composed given the current circumstances.
"Does Talon know?" Yone's tone carried a hint of hostility as he regarded me from above.
"He does, and he's out there now to rescue them," I replied, my words met with skepticism.
"Nonsense!" Yone snapped. "Do you think the king is foolish? It's evident this was all a ploy to draw you out." He cast a sidelong glance at Leona, who remained concealed, before sighing softly. "I anticipated this; one day, Talon's actions will jeopardize the entire plan because of you."
Yone's gaze bore into mine, tinged with resentment.
"So, do you know where my father is being held?"
Seeing Yone's reaction, I immediately realized that he might possess more information, so I summoned the courage to ask.
Yone scanned me and paced in place, then fell into a long silence. Watching the time pass, my heart couldn't help but grow anxious; after all, I was still in their territory. If they were to notice any discrepancy, they would undoubtedly track me down immediately. In that case, not only would my rescue attempt fail, but there's also the possibility that they would retaliate.
With these thoughts in mind, my expression became austere as I focused on Yone's demeanor, slowly gathering my resolve.
"I know," he finally spoke, just as I was about to take action.
"Then tell me!" I responded impatiently.
"But I have one condition." Yone lifted his head, looking me squarely in the eye.
"Say it."
Taking a deep breath, I already sensed that Yone's condition would demand a significant sacrifice on my part. "What is it?"
"I want you to leave Talon."
Boom!
Yone's words echoed like thunder, stirring the wolf within me to unleash a fierce howl. My aura intensified, and I regarded Yone with cold determination. It was evident that he was resorting to blackmail, leveraging my father's life—a demand I couldn't entertain under any circumstance.
"It surprises me that you still harbor such latent power," Yone remarked, unperturbed by my rage-filled glare. He even displayed a hint of admiration, though it quickly dissipated. "If you believe you can aid Talon solely with your power, you're gravely mistaken. You have no comprehension of what you carry within you. If Talon continues to invest time in you, everything will be lost!"
His words stung with indignation, yet they also carried a weight of truth, causing a significant blow to my resolve. Despite recognizing my capabilities earlier, he still delivered such a harsh verdict.
"How do you presume to know the extent of my power?"
I let out a sneer, my eyes flickering with a purple glow that stood out in the dimly lit space.
"Even though you're Talon's father, I want to make it clear that the bond between us was a choice we made freely. It's our love for each other that gives us strength. We've given more to each other than you realize. So, I don't need anyone else to validate my worthiness to stand by Talon's side. As long as Talon chooses me, that's all that matters."
"But if someone interferes with that, I won't hesitate to give them trouble," I said coldly. In fact, the moment Yone held my father for ransom, he violated my trust.
Yone froze for a moment, a strange light flashing in his eyes. He seemed stunned, unsure of his thoughts, but I sensed his hostility towards me had lessened somewhat.
Seeing that time was passing, I grabbed Leona's arm and broke away from Yone's side. I was prepared to confront Yone, but strangely, he didn't stop me. He simply sidestepped and let me pass.
Just as I was puzzled, a loud noise erupted nearby, a parade of neat footsteps indicating someone had discovered the end.
In that moment, I lamented. With Leona's physical condition, it was impossible for me to rush her out. Returning to the cell and strategizing was the most prudent course of action.
Yone witnessed this, but I had no time to dwell. Opting for the safest approach, I took Leona back to the cell and retreated into the darkness, quietly observing my surroundings.
Yone remained still, showing no signs of change.
"Yone? What are you doing here?" A hoarse voice interrupted, and the person I found utterly repugnant stood before me unexpectedly.
My heart instantly leapt into my throat, and I clenched my fists tightly. This very Fandom was the reason my father and Leona had suffered so much pain. He wasn't far from me now, but I felt powerless to act.
"It's okay, I'm just here to ensure security," Yone reassured.
Yone hesitated for a moment, glancing discreetly in my direction before positioning himself just out of Fandom's way.
I couldn't help but feel confused. Earlier, he seemed intent on getting rid of me, but now, with Fandom's arrival, he had changed his tune entirely.
I couldn't figure out why Yone chose not to turn me in at this moment. If I were caught, it could be Talon's greatest weakness.
"So, anything unusual?" Fandom scanned his surroundings until his eyes confirmed that Leona remained in her original position, then nodded softly.
"Nope," Yone replied firmly.
"Good. I will report your performance to the King accordingly," Fandom said in an emotionless tone, almost robotic.
With that, Fandom turned and led his men away. I leaned against the wall, exhaling a sigh of relief, only to realize that my back was already soaked with cold sweat.