Caitlyn's POV
Just as I was talking to my father, expressing my intention to search for Talon, his figure suddenly appeared around the corner.
Initially, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, as Talon was heading precisely in the direction where Kaisa was.
This caught me off guard, and a sinking feeling lodged in my chest.
In the past, I might have resigned myself to such a situation, but now that I had chosen a new path for myself, I faced all adversities with determination. So, armed with this conviction, I carefully followed Talon's lead.
However, as I reached Kaisa's room, I observed Kaisa rushing down the alley from the other side in a state of panic. Right after, both of them were ushered toward the palace by a man bearing a scar on his face. I promptly had a bad feeling and turned back to find Bard.
"Are you telling me that the Alpha was summoned to the palace by the king?" Bard frowned, his concern evident.
"Yes, I witnessed it firsthand. Talon and Kaisa departed together, and it didn't seem as simple as attending a party," I confirmed. Judging by Bard's reaction, it was clear that this situation exceeded their expectations.
"Either that or we organize a rescue mission for Alpha," I suggested.
Just then, Braum, who had remained silent for a while, spoke up abruptly. "What nonsense are you spouting? We don't even know what's happening in there right now. Instead of being useless, you're directly exposing Talon."
Frustrated by Braum's obtuseness, I couldn't help but vent my temper. "Then what's your suggestion? We can't just idly wait here when Talon's life hangs in the balance."
Braum muttered when he realized his plan wasn't being considered, "The first thing we need to do is determine what information Talon discovered inside, what exactly the king tasked him to inquire about. Has his true identity been exposed or not?"
I craned my neck to peer out the window, my worry for Talon intensifying as he faced interrogation in the opulent palace.
"Caitlyn, we're all ears. What's your take on the situation?"
Bard pondered for a moment, then directed his gaze toward me. I sensed in Bard's eyes that much of the respect he previously harbored for me stemmed from being Talon's Mate. However, post the recent war, he acknowledged my inherent power. In their minds, I wasn't just a mere human anymore.
"I've made up my mind. I'm going in."
"No, it's too risky!"
Upon hearing my decision, Bard unconsciously shook his head.
"As you mentioned, we're clueless about the current situation. If you charge in recklessly, who knows what might unfold? If anything happens to you, I won't be able to explain it even to Leona's satisfaction."
Bard tried to dissuade me, but after a few seconds of intense eye contact, he averted his gaze.
"My status differs from yours. If you rush in, it'll only escalate hostilities between both sides. Unlike me, at least I'm still Talon's mate. It's only fitting for me to go."
I spoke calmly, then looked up at Bard and Braum.
"Alright, but promise me that if anything happens, you'll prioritize your safety first. That's likely what Alpha would decide if he were here."
Bard's words tacitly approved my decision. Following that, he gathered his team and proceeded towards the palace.
"Caitlyn, based on our survey, this point has the weakest defense. We'll handle the guards, but once you're inside, you're on your own. It's not too late to turn back now. Our pack will forever be in your debt."
Bard spoke while vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
"Enough talk. Every minute wasted puts Talon in more danger."
I asserted in a deep voice, furrowing my brows.
"Alright, this way."
This time, Braum emerged from the corner and pointed to an entrance ahead of him.
Braum's voice was low, and two palace attendants lay beside him.
"Good luck, Caitlyn," Bard nodded solemnly at me.
I entered the hall, hurrying in its direction, when suddenly, a sharp pain pierced my chest. A searing heat welled up in my neck, threatening to burst into flames.
"Shit!"
Realizing that Talon was in danger, I forced myself to endure the pain and quickened my pace.
"Now I'll ask you again, are you Aatrox's son or not?" A thick voice echoed through the hall, the almost tangible pressure sweeping over everyone present.
Leaning over a nearby window, I saw Talon standing in the center of the hall, glaring indignantly at the man in front of him.
"No," Talon's voice emerged through clenched teeth, his tense body on the verge of an outburst. From a distance, I could sense the wolf inside him struggling furiously. However, it became clear that Talon hadn't revealed himself yet.
"I'll ask you again, what did you do with Caitlyn?" Talon grimaced, unafraid of the king's anger, and his aura slowly intensified.
As Talon uttered my name, a surge of warmth flowed through my heart, and my eyes moistened. It seemed that, in Talon's eyes, I was more than just a tool summoned at will. Perhaps my father was right—Talon bore a responsibility I couldn't fathom.
Thinking about this, I realized that my earlier harsh words had deeply hurt Talon.
"Interesting. You're the first person to question me in years." The king's mouth curved slightly, revealing a playful smile, before he crushed a necklace in his hand.
A necklace? It was then that I noticed the crystal pendant resembled the one Talon had given me earlier, likely the reason for Talon's explosive reaction.
Observing the king's actions, Talon roared unwillingly, his body beginning to swell—a precursor to his transformation into a giant wolf.
"Talon!" Seeing things spiraling out of control, I called out to remind him of my presence.
Hearing my voice, Talon froze for a moment, seemingly in disbelief, before slowly turning around. His eyes were filled with love and tenderness.