Caitlyn's POV
After I kicked Talon out that day, I didn't see him again for days on end.
Talon's panicked face would always surface in my mind from time to time, as if reminding me of what a stupid fool I was.
Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that I had awakened some of my werewolf abilities. On the evening of the third day, I could feel the physical injuries almost healed.
But it was as if a stone had built up in my heart, and even my chest sometimes felt numb to the touch.
Whenever I was ready to speak, a burning pain in my throat emerged. The gas exhaled from my mouth was hot, and every mouthful of saliva I swallowed felt like swallowing a piece of burning coal.
"Father." I turned my head to see my father standing in the hallway in front of my room. Unlike the other day, he had changed into clean clothes. My father was a little surprised to hear my hoarse voice, and the depth in his eyes was immediately replaced by worry.
"Caitlyn, I know what happened. But whatever you choose, I'm going to trust your choice."
My father's brief words gave me great warmth, and this simple trust even flattered me a little. Earlier, I had angered my father for Talon's sake. If I had listened to my father from the beginning, I wouldn't have ended up in this pitiful situation.
"Father, I'm tired. Just like you said before, let's leave this place."
Hearing my words, my father stared somewhat incredulously, as if confirming the truth of what I said. Seeing that I didn't mean any jokes, my father sighed softly but didn't respond positively to my words.
"Well, the most important thing right now is to get your body well first. Last time you rashly transformed into a wolf in anger, a situation I've never encountered before. No one can guarantee if you'll have any after-effects in the future. So, you should at least figure out what caused it at the time."
My father's words snapped me out of my stupor.
The situation had been rather urgent; a great strength inexplicably welled up inside me at the sight of my father's blood-drenched appearance, followed by a heart-rending pain. By the time I regained consciousness, I was back to being human.
Everything had happened too fantastically at that time, which is why everyone found it surprising.
"Okay, I know, father." After pondering everything in my mind, I nodded solemnly.
My father was right. If I didn't grasp this law, the next time we were in danger, would I have to rely on another person to save us? No, it's impossible. There's no one else in this world besides us, father and daughter, who will guard us without reservation.
Seeing that I adjusted so quickly, my father's face also lit up with a pleased smile. He patted my shoulder and then walked out with a smile.
Observing my father's somewhat hunched back, I also reminded myself that even for my father's sake, I shouldn't sink like this. I have to carve out a new life for myself as well.
With this realization, I gathered the courage to push open the door of my room and stepped out. The blinding sunlight shone straight onto my face, making it difficult to open my eyes.
Perhaps related to the changes in my body, I used to be keen on sunbathing, but at the moment, I actually had some aversion to the warm sunlight.
A few days ago, when a maid brought me food, she mentioned the palace garden, saying that Talon wanted to talk to me there. Before, I didn't know in what state I should face Talon, but now I think it's time for me to break ties with him.
Outside the door, I followed the signs and hurried in the direction of the back garden.
"Excuse me, is this Ms. Caitlyn?" This time, a timid voice came from behind me.
When I turned my head, I realized it was the same maid who had served me earlier, except that today she had changed her uniform and was currently standing at the corner, curiously looking in my direction.
"Well... what's the matter?" This is the first time I'm talking to someone in the palace, and I'm inexplicably a little nervous.
"One lady said that if I see you go out, please make sure to ask you to come over," the maid said respectfully.
"Hmm... well, lead me over."
I sighed softly in my heart. Even though I had already mustered up the courage just now in the house, when it really came down to it, my heart was still a little uncomfortable.
"This way, please." After the maid finished speaking, she sidestepped and walked ahead of me. Based on the direction she was advancing in, it might still be the same place Talon had mentioned earlier.
Soon, after crossing a long alleyway, I could see a garden not far away, the air filled with a strong scent.
"Ms. Caitlyn, this is the place."
"Okay." I followed the direction the maid was pointing and realized there was someone standing vaguely at the end of the road.
I took a long breath and tried to keep myself calm. But just as I was getting closer to the person, I realized that something seemed wrong because, in front of me, stood not Talon at all, but Kaisa, who had saved my life earlier.
"What a surprise. I thought it would be a few more days before you were healed, Ms Caitlyn."
Kaisa had a warm smile on her face, giving off a feeling of gentleness like a spring breeze. If it weren't for that relationship with Talon, I would have even thought that I could become very good friends with her.
"Uh-huh." I nodded somewhat indifferently as a response.
I had an indescribable mix of emotions towards the woman who had saved my life. On one hand, my morals reminded me to be grateful to her, but on the other hand, my reason reminded me to hate her. So, I simply remained silent and waited for her next words.
"To be honest, I'm quite intrigued by you, especially now that I've discovered you're actually human," Kaisa said with a smile, pouring a cup of floral tea into the one placed in front of her. Soon, the rich aroma permeated the air.
"I witnessed the scene back then. Even I couldn't pull off such an amazing attack. I'm genuinely curious about how you managed it," Kaisa continued, narrowing her eyes as she looked at me. The sweet smile on her face would easily mislead others into thinking she was a harmless girl, but I vividly recalled her ruthless methods.
"Did you bring me here just to discuss this?" I asked, sitting down in front of her with a carefree grin.
"Now I understand why Talon was so captivated by you. You're just too much fun," Kaisa said, covering her face with her hands as she chuckled softly. Then, her tone suddenly shifted, "But that was in the past."
"What do you mean?" I asked, subconsciously furrowing my brow.
"As of today, you and Talon have no connection. He will be my mate, by the king's decree and my consent," Kaisa declared, looking up at me with unwavering determination.