Caitlyn's POV
When 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 explain," Talon implored, rushing forward to grasp my hand as I rounded the corner.
"What else can you say?" I responded indifferently, feeling a pang of resentment.
"It's true that Yone has been advising me to distance myself from you for a while now. He mentioned something similar when you first tried to rescue Leona. But you should know where my loyalty lies. We've fought alongside each other, and our hearts have been entwined. I can't abandon you, no matter what he says," I explained, softened by Talon's affectionate grip.
"So, you all conspired to keep my father captive? I wonder what role he truly plays in your plans. Maybe, as you suggested, you rescued him merely to exploit his power," I continued, trying to suppress my anger and the pain of realizing that my father was being held captive by those affiliated with the man I loved.
"No, that's not true. I only only tried to put him at ease temporarily so he could feel comfortable revealing where your father is being held."
Talon frowned, seeming slightly offended by my questioning.
"Do you really need to go through all this trouble between you and your father?"
I snorted coldly, cocking my head to the side.
"This isn't the time to talk about it. All I can say is that I have a clear conscience towards you. If you're inclined to think otherwise, there's not much I can do."
Talon froze for a moment, then opened his mouth to explain something. In the end, he looked at me with a cold expression.
"Oh? So now you're saying that you've joined forces to imprison my father and claim it's for my own good. Do I have to thank you for that? Is that the privilege of being an Alpha?"
Hearing Talon's words, I shook with anger and raised my head to look at him with an indignant expression. The wolf inside me made low, intimidating noises along with my anger. But perhaps because it was facing Talon, it only emitted a few low whimpers, even after feigning anger, which only fueled my frustration further.
"You're so stubborn. You always live your life the way you want. But things aren't as you perceive them to be. Yone isn't like the others. He's only looking out for my best interests. Moreover, your father was the one who taught him his skills, so he would never have treated him the way you think he did."
"Now that I know where your father is being held, just in case, I will free him myself tonight!"
Talon clenched his teeth, visibly emotional, gripping my shoulders tightly and holding my gaze.
"No need to! I know all my actions seem irrational to you, from the moment I followed you out of town to the palace, to when I risked my life to awaken my powers to help you, to when I returned to my pack to learn how to transform into a wolf for you. But all of this is not without reason!"
I brushed Talon's hand away, feeling as if my heart were leaking blood.
"I don't blame anyone right now. I only hate myself for being so naive, believing you would love me wholeheartedly. Turns out, it was all a lie. Nothing compares to that vengeful glint in your eyes!"
My eyes widened, and I gasped.
"My father's salvation rests solely with me. From now on, we have no ties. I'll return to the Fullmoon Pack to protect my people, so you can pursue your mission in peace."
After uttering these words, I gave Talon a profound look, then departed without a backward glance.
With each blunt, heavy footstep, it felt as though my heart endured a series of brutal hammer blows. A profound sadness surged from my chest, enveloping my entire being. My vision blurred slightly, and the once-beautiful memories of Talon and I together now felt like poisoned daggers piercing my heart.
Clutching my chest, I fled from Talon as if running for my life.
Talon remained motionless, silent.
Braum, stationed at the doorway, appeared mildly surprised but made no move to intervene.
I stumbled, veering to the side. My mind raced, fixated solely on liberating my father. I paid no heed to the soldiers patrolling the streets, risking exposure.
Just then, a large hand intercepted me, guiding me to a dim corner.
"Ms. Caitlyn, I understand what just occurred. You must calm yourself now, or it will all be in vain," Bard said, his body swathed in thick bandages, evidence of recent injuries. Despite his condition, he had hastened to aid me upon grasping the situation.
His gesture warmed my heart, helping me regain some semblance of composure.
"You've assisted me greatly. I'll always carry this debt in my heart. Whatever troubles you face, know that I'm here to help, even if it defies the Alpha's wishes," Bard spoke solemnly, his towering stature and unwavering commitment instilling a sense of security within me.
With gratitude, I wiped away tears with the back of my hand.
"I'm going to save my father out."