Caitlyn's POV
Upon hearing Leona's words, I hesitated. Honestly, I wasn't ready to meet Talon right now.
"Don't hesitate. Aren't you genuinely worried about Talon choosing Kaisa?" Leona glared at me, unmistakably pushing me out of the room.
"Don't come back until you've seen Talon tonight," her voice echoed behind me, closing off any chance of retreat.
I strolled into the moonlight, heading in the direction where Talon was, relying on my memory. It wasn't a long walk, but I proceeded slowly, troubled by the emotions I should harbor towards Talon. I wondered if what Leona said was true – that he was just acting in front of others, but hadn't genuinely grown apart from me.
"Caitlyn, is that you?" I stood beneath Talon's room, torn between retracing my steps when a familiar voice came from behind me. There was a hint of shock and unhidden elation in that voice. As I slowly turned around, Talon's figure appeared around the corner.
"Caitlyn, I didn't think you'd come to see me tonight."
"No, I just happened to be passing by." I responded to Talon with a calm face, though my heart burned like a flame.
"Caitlyn, I know you're still mad at me. I can explain everything about that day." I couldn't seem to hide any of my emotions or secrets from Talon.
"What else is there to explain? I would know what to choose if I were you. One is a powerful Alpha, and the other is a human woman who will only cause trouble. Any fool knows what to choose." I responded to Talon's words without grace. Even if Talon was acting at the time, the moment hurt me irreparably.
"Caitlyn, I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have been hesitant at the time, and I shouldn't have left you out in the cold. Do you still doubt my heart for you?"
Talon gazed up at me earnestly, a softness lingering in his eyes.
"Caitlyn, Bard has filled me in on everything about that day. I'll be honest, the moment I laid eyes on you at the palace, nothing else in the world seemed to matter. You were ready to risk your life to save me, and I was genuinely moved at that moment."
Observing my lack of response, Talon slowly approached, gently taking hold of my hand. I attempted to break free from his grasp, but it was evidently futile.
"Caitlyn, look into my eyes."
Talon's words held a certain enchantment, and despite my efforts to avert my gaze, I couldn't look away when I saw the depth in his eyes.
"I know you've faced numerous trials and tribulations during this time. I've dragged you into trouble like a loser, even putting you in dangerous situations a few times. But you never backed down. As you once said in front of your father, you chose to stand with me no matter what happened."
Talon's voice carried a hint of agitation, and his body trembled slightly. In the bright moonlight, I noticed his reddened eyes.
"I'm sorry; I admit I let you down. I acknowledge that my behavior didn't provide you with enough security. There are so many things I want to tell you, but, just like what I once kept from you, it's not the right time now. When my power reaches that level, I will undoubtedly share everything with you."
Talon gripped my shoulders, sincerity evident in his gaze.
"I recall you saying this more than once—each time you believed it would protect me. However, I always found myself entangled in the storm, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Since you claim your feelings for me haven't wavered, why can't you just be completely honest with me? I have the courage to face any difficulties together with you."
My heart raced as I spoke those words, my gaze fixed on Talon's face, anticipating a satisfactory response.
"Caitlyn, I'm afraid I can't promise you that."
Talon spoke while turning his face to the side. The moonlight illuminated his handsome profile, momentarily leaving me in a daze. However, even though this was the expected outcome, there was still a twinge of sadness in my heart.
"But I can assure you that I won't entertain thoughts about anyone else as you may believe. When I chose you as my mate, it wasn't a decision made on a whim. Instead, I followed the call of my heart, aligned with the will of the Moon God."
Talon slowly moved closer, and I could feel the warmth of his breath on my face. My heart raced instantly, and the mark on my neck tingled faintly.
"Caitlyn, I swear I'll never let you get hurt again in any way." Talon's words faded as he tightened his grip on me, holding me in his arms.
The familiar scent of Talon's body made my heart resist loosening its grip a little. I attempted to break free from his embrace, but this seemed to anger him. Instead, he held me even tighter, his solid chest now pressed against mine, causing my heart to sway uncontrollably.
"No, I don't want to hear your false promises anymore." My body slowly burned, and my strength began to disintegrate under Talon's onslaught. I had no choice but to resist while retaining my sanity. However, my voice unintentionally sounded like a seduction to Talon.
I noticed Talon licking his lips, his breathing becoming ragged. He lashed out at me, his powerful lips meeting mine. As our lips pressed together, a sense of unease crept into my soul. Once again, the wolfish howl resonated from within me, louder than before.