Caitlyn's POV
Bard 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 pack and Talon. Alpha Shaco even announced his intention to capture Talon alive!"
Leona scanned her surroundings as if expecting movement nearby. As soon as her words were spoken, I couldn't help but feel shaken. Not long ago at the party, Talon had been seen standing with Alpha Shaco, smiling and taking pictures together. How had everything suddenly turned upside down?
The commotion nearby intensified my worry about Talon's predicament. If Alpha Shaco and Talon were facing off, Shaco would undoubtedly be overmatched. He had to strike when Talon's forces were relatively small, or he would face a devastating defeat. I knew this reasoning, and Alpha Shaco was certainly well-versed in it as well.
At this moment, Talon was likely confronting the entire Purple Moon Pack.
"I'll go check the situation first, and you can inform my father."
Hearing the nearby tumult, I recalled something my father had mentioned earlier. Judging from his tone, he had anticipated a clash between the pack and Talon, but he likely didn't realize it had escalated to this extent.
Otherwise, he would have prevented me from leaving.
And the Alpha must have deliberately concealed this from my father.
"What about you?"
Leona froze and looked at me with concern. After all, I was just a vulnerable human at the moment.
"It's okay; they shouldn't harm me."
I flashed a confident smile at Leona before waving my hand to signal reassurance.
Leona hesitated for a moment, then nodded and turned to run in the direction of my house.
"Stop them and give Alpha some time!"
Suddenly, Bard's muffled shouts came from not far away, his massive figure running towards us from a distance.
"Bard!"
I stood up from my hiding spot and waved at Bard.
Upon hearing his name, Bard looked around alertly, his eyes gradually relaxing when he realized it was me.
"Ms. Caitlyn, what are you doing here? It's too dangerous; you should get out of here!"
Bard frowned slightly, his eyes fixed on the scene in the distance.
"Where's Talon?"
I asked a bit impatiently.
"Why are you looking for Alpha?"
Bard froze for a moment, then his eyes narrowed as he watched me cautiously. His body lowered slightly as he awaited my response. After all, the situation had developed suddenly, and he didn't know whether I was a friend or a foe now.
"I... I just wanted to make sure he was safe."
Before, I had always thought of Bard as following us like a big, naive bear. However, it was only now, as he stared at me, that I could sense his true imposing presence.
"Alpha is fine, Ms. Caitlyn. You should go home now."
Upon hearing my reply, I could clearly see relief in Bard's eyes as they returned to their original innocent look.
"What was that all about?"
Amidst the intense yelling, there was also a faint scent of blood in the air, which made me feel a bit nervous, causing my body to tremble slightly.
"Alpha doubted... Ouch."
Bard took a deep breath and was about to explain to me when suddenly a pained expression crossed his face.
His left hand tightly restrained his right arm, and it was only then that I noticed Bard's arm bore a scar deep enough to reveal the bone, with blood slowly trickling out.
Bard's forehead glistened with perspiration, and his face grew slightly pallid.
Although feeling a bit anxious, I cautiously moved closer and slowly extended my hand.
"Ms. Caitlyn, I'm fine; you don't have to..."
Bard started but suddenly froze, looking at my palm in disbelief.
"You've unlocked the ability to heal?"
Bard's words carried a touch of surprise.
"Well, let's not talk; it can interfere with my concentration."
I nodded, then gritted my teeth as a radiant green light emanated from my palm, which I carefully directed at Bard's wound.
"Ms. Caitlyn, thank you..."
"Quiet."
I interrupted with a frown, and Bard scowled resentfully before gazing silently at my palm.
As the treatment progressed, Bard's wounds slowly mended, and a hint of surprise and gratitude sparkled in his eyes.
"Alpha would be pleased if he knew."
Bard flexed his arm and looked incredulously at the unblemished wound.
"Oh, he already knows."
I took a deep breath; the healing I had just performed had been somewhat overwhelming for me.
"Alpha was ambushed in the morning, and it was Jayce who led the way, but they didn't have the courage to dare touch Alpha on their own, and the forces behind them might be connected to the Lycan King."
Bard sneered, a hint of disdain showing at the corner of his mouth.
"The Lycan King?"
My mouth dropped open in surprise.
"It's best to wait until you meet the Alpha for more details."
Bard said and slowly stood up. After recovering from his injuries, he revealed his old confidence again. It seemed that being around him always put people at ease.
"Leona is still safe, by the way."
Bard hesitated for a moment, then looked down at me, a hint of a blush flashing across his cheeks.
"Yeah, it's okay. It was Leona who informed me of the news."
I answered truthfully, instantly putting Bard at ease.
"The Alpha is in the church up ahead. I'm on guard here. Anyone who tries to approach the Alpha will have to step over my dead body first."
Bard's imposing figure stood in front of me, like a solid wall providing shelter for those behind him.