Caitlyn's POV
I 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 once again felt like it had been stabbed with a needle.
I lay on the bed where I used to lie side by side with Talon, my thoughts in my heart as tangled as a ball of yarn mangled by a cat.
From the very beginning, from the first time I met Talon, I was ensnared in an inescapable whirlwind, and from that moment on, the gears of fate began to turn.
And when my heart pulled towards Talon for the first time, I tried so hard to suppress my feelings, but it was as Leona had once told me – like a werewolf's destined mate. Regardless of what happened between us, fate bound us tightly together.
I thought I had steeled myself enough to have the courage to stand with Talon against everything, but when Talon coldly turned away and still hadn't given me a clear answer, my faith crumbled.
I didn't know when Talon's feelings for me were genuine and when they weren't, and everything became inexplicable once more.
It made me feel terribly inadequate, and I also resented the life growing inside my stomach. It wasn't the result of my love with Talon; it felt more like proof of my foolishness.
I strolled over to the window and couldn't help but release a sigh. Just at that moment, I suddenly heard someone downstairs calling my name.
Initially, I thought it might be an illusion, but I soon realized that the voice was growing increasingly familiar. I pushed the window open and stepped out onto the balcony.
"Caitlyn!"
Leona tilted her head and whispered my name while glancing around, as if she were a bit worried that someone else might have spotted her.
"Leona, why don't you come up here?" I frowned, looking at Leona with a hint of confusion.
"I don't have time to explain. Alpha Shaco has gathered a group on the north side of the square, and there are no plans for external combat in the near future. I'm concerned that he's targeting Talon!"
Leona's words sent a shiver down my spine, and I gripped the railing tightly, biting my lip, unsure of what to say.
"Warn Talon as soon as possible, and I'll go inform Bard." Leona waved her hand at me before darting off in the direction of Talon's camp without looking back.
I was taken aback by the sudden turn of events, and it suddenly dawned on me what my father had mentioned earlier. I feared that there had been hidden tensions between the packs for days.
My heart urged me to rush and inform Talon immediately, but I still harbored anger toward him from earlier.
"Who am I to go to him after he broke my heart?" I muttered to myself, twisting my face to the side. I then returned to my room, sat down, and picked up one of my favorite books to read.
But no matter how hard I tried to appear composed, the words on the page seemed to dance before my eyes, making it impossible to concentrate.
"I'm such a fool," I sighed, putting the book down and heading out the door in the direction of Talon's camp.
"Caitlyn, where are you going?" My father's voice called out from the doorway, and I didn't respond, merely waving my hand casually to make him think it was a routine outing.
As I neared Talon's camp, a sense of solemnity hung in the air. The streets around me were eerily quiet, and the streetlights cast dim shadows. There wasn't a soul to be seen in the once bustling alleys.
The only sound on the deserted road was the echo of my footsteps on the stone pavement. I took a deep breath, turned a corner, and dialed Talon's number on my cell phone, anticipating the inevitable rush.
"Leona was right. Talon must be in trouble."
I put away my cell phone, my heart raced as I quickened my pace towards Talon's camp. Just as I had taken a few steps, a loud explosion suddenly erupted nearby, illuminating the sky and sending a fireball soaring into the clouds. An intense wave of heat washed over me.
I froze for a moment, realizing that the explosion had occurred right in the direction of Talon's camp.
"What on earth just happened?" I panicked and continued running forward.
Immediately afterward, a cacophony of sounds reached my ears—heavy footsteps, shouts, screams, and even a few wolf howls.
"Damn!" My heart pounded as I sought cover in the gap between some crates, peering out.
Several towering wolves, judging by their attire, appeared to be part of Talon's group. They bore visible scars on their bodies, and the lead werewolf had a deep, bleeding wound on his back. He remained stoic, occasionally gazing into the distance, and his brow bore a resemblance to Bard.
"Braum, how's Alpha?" Bard suddenly emerged, his clothes soaked in blood, though no wounds were apparent. It looked as if all the blood was from their enemies.
"Don't worry, brother, Alpha has already evacuated to a safe location." The earlier werewolf nodded at Bard, then pointed in the direction ahead. "Jayce from the Purple Moon Pack is about to launch an attack."
I couldn't help but stare in disbelief at the mention of Jayce.
"Jayce?"
What in the world was happening here?"