Caitlyn's POV
I found myself immersed in a realm of utter darkness, my body plummeting uncontrollably. In this vast, desolate expanse, vibrant fragments floated above me, resembling paintings that dispersed in an instant.
"Caitlyn, did you know? People replay the joyful moments of their lives in their minds like a movie before they die, freeing themselves from any burdens as they transition to the next phase."
I didn't know what transpired, but Leona's words suddenly echoed in my mind. The happiness fragments before my eyes encapsulated moments I believed were my happiest.
Was I dead?
Sadness gripped my heart as a baby's cry resonated from all directions.
"Mommy." The voice, gentle yet distinct, reached me, accompanied by the subtle sound of sniffles. However, when I turned around, the emptiness persisted, unchanged.
"Mommy." The voice returned, now tinged with laughter, reminiscent of a child yearning for a playmate.
In a flash, memories of the battlefield flooded back, bringing with them the recollection of the wound once etched into my belly—the result of the love shared between Talon and me.
Talon had sworn that our child would grow into a formidable Alpha.
Yet, at present, I lowered my head. A light materialized ahead, and within its haziness, a small childlike figure crawled towards me.
"Mommy." The child twisted its head, laughter still evident in its voice. However, the distance obscured the child's face, prompting me to sprint desperately towards it. With the intensifying light, I drew closer to the child with each passing moment.
But just as I was on the verge of touching the baby, a blinding light made it challenging to open my eyes.
"My baby!"
I cried out nervously and snapped my eyes open.
The black space instantly disappeared, replaced by an opulent room.
Colorful totems adorned the ceiling, sunlight outside the window reflected in the room through stained glass, and a faint fragrance filled the air.
It turned out that what I had just experienced was merely a dream.
Subconsciously, I stroked my stomach in celebration.
The previously bulging stomach was now incredibly flat, and it was only at this moment that I fully woke up from my dream. I had experienced a miscarriage; my child with Talon was gone!
I sat up slowly and surveyed my surroundings. The luxurious style was obviously not the pack's room.
In a trance, I recalled the woman named Kaisa whom I had met before passing out. I vividly remembered her claiming to be Talon's fiancée.
What in the world was happening?
I couldn't help but let out a long sigh; the pain in my body felt like a million bugs gnawing at my wounds. However, compared to the physical pain, my heart felt as if it was being twisted by knives.
In the current situation, it was evident that the girl named Kaisa had saved us.
But if that was the case, what kind of person was she to Talon, and why had I never heard Talon speak about her before?
"Talon?" Just as I was wondering, there was a sudden rustling of footsteps outside the door, so I immediately asked. The door to the room opened, and my father slowly walked in, scars from the recent battle vaguely visible on his face.
"Caitlyn, you're awake. Have something to drink first; you've been in a coma for a week." My father carefully carried a bowl of hot soup in his hand, the aroma filling the room. However, at the moment, I had no appetite.
"Father, I..."
I thought I could calmly accept the fact that I had miscarried, but when I saw the apology in my father's eyes, I couldn't contain myself any longer. My rolling tears instantly burst forth, and my eyes became a blur.
"Oh my dear, I'm sorry. I didn't protect you."
My father sat down on the edge of the bed and cradled my head in his arms before gently patting my back with his hand.
My father's tears fell onto his cheeks, reaching down to my neck. The cold touch made my body stiffen, like relentless rain washing over my wounds once more.
I had never seen my father cry before, but I also understood that, in that moment, he wasn't some powerful wolf warrior; he was just an old man who had lost his grandchild.
"Do you know where Talon went?"
After calming my emotions for a while, I took a deep breath and asked my father.
"Well..."
Hearing my words, my father froze for a moment. His eyes became a bit evasive, followed by a soft sigh and a shake of his head.
"I'm not too sure. Probably called away by the king."
"The king?"
I was immediately alert. After all, the battle that Alpha Shaco had planned earlier was to apprehend Talon to hand him over to the king.
"Is this the palace? Didn't Alpha Shaco say earlier that Talon was the old king's bastard son? Wouldn't he be shooting himself in the foot by coming here?"
I said anxiously before preparing to climb up and look for Talon. However, the pain from my wound made my body go limp, and I instantly collapsed helplessly onto the bed.
"Caitlyn, what are you..."
My father's eyes quickly supported my body. He pursed his lips and gave me a complicated look.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure he's fine here."
"Is it because of that Kaisa?"
I asked softly, listening to my father's tone of voice. After contemplating for a moment, I inquired further.
"Yes."
My father nodded, then averted his gaze.
"Caitlyn, I mean, if, once you're healed, would you like to leave here with me and go to another place together?"
"You mean leave Talon?"
Upon hearing my words, my father paused for a moment. He remained in the same position and didn't dare to turn his head to look me in the eyes.
It took a long time before my father answered my question.
"Forget it, pretend I didn't say that. You should rest early; getting your body well is the most crucial."
My father said as he slowly stood up and started walking towards the door.
"Thank god, Caitlyn, you're finally awake!"
Just as I was about to say goodbye to my father, a familiar voice suddenly sounded outside the door, and my eyes immediately lit up again.