Caitlyn's POV
"It's too soon to confirm; that's for sure. Zed isn't here to harm you," my father muttered.
My father's explanation allowed me to understand why Zed was so cared for me earlier. Perhaps it was my awakening of my werewolf powers during the hunting competition that attracted his attention in the first place. Through his power, it was easy to ascertain my identity. I was the Fullmoon Pack's left-out member, not to mention that I had awakened my werewolf abilities.
"But Caitlyn, the reason why I've been hiding this news from you is because I don't want you to get involved in any more strife. The Fullmoon Pack is strong, but there will still be a lot of people coveting it in the shadows," my father frowned and couldn't help but sigh.
I certainly understood my father's good intentions, so I didn't yell at him like I once did. Although the perception of my identity was a little too much for me to take in for a while, it was undoubtedly a powerful boost for me as well.
"Caitlyn, why are you still here? The ball is about to start!" Just as I was about to continue my conversation with my father, Leona's anxious voice rang out of the window.
"What's going on? Isn't the ball next week? Hahahahahahaha, what's with the costume?" I pushed the window open to find Leona in a fiery red tuxedo with an exaggerated mask over her face. If I wasn't extraordinarily familiar with her voice, I would never dare to recognize the girl in front of me as Leona.
"Don't laugh! The king changed the time and also changed the ball to a masquerade. Everyone is rushing to the hall now, so don't gloat here," Leona said as she rushed in with her dress in hand.
"When did they change it? I haven't prepared anything yet," Leona's words made me a little flustered as well, and I hurriedly dug into my room to find something suitable for tonight's attendance.
"Here you are!"
Leona had rummaged from out of nowhere for a black gown with a golden swan embroidered on its neckline.
"And, by the way, don't forget your mission for tonight; you have to make sure the king agrees to your request if you want to be with Talon properly," Leona said, handing me a white mask of a cute-looking white wolf.
Sometimes, I really wonder where the hell Leona finds so many things.
"It's getting late; let's get going," Leona urged impatiently once I finished changing, snorting towards my father and pulling me out the door.
"Caitlyn, be careful," my father suddenly and inexplicably admonished me as we walked to the door. Though I found it a little odd, I nodded.
Leona and I hoofed it to the venue, and from a distance, we could see glowing blue crystals dotting either side of the stone pillars at the entrance, streaming with light and adding a layer of mystery to the ball. The werewolves were dressed in gorgeous gowns, cloaks, and masks hiding their true faces, with only their smells and sly eyes revealing their identities.
I had just entered, holding Leona's hand when a werewolf in a black suit approached us. Even though his face also wore a mask, I guessed his identity at a glance. After all, Bard's tower-like figure practically burst the suit.
"Hey honey, you look beautiful today," Bard bent down to give Leona a little nudge on the lips.
"What day am I not beautiful?"
I felt the corners of Leona's mouth rise, even though it's through her mask. "Caitlyn, we'll leave you to it, then," Leona nudged me angrily before taking Bard's hand and turning toward the crowd.
Before I had a chance to react, I saw Talon appear in a gorgeous white tuxedo. His face was also masked, but the eyes that were revealed were deep and bright, revealing confidence and grace.
The spotlight on the stage seemed to shine only for him, accentuating his presence like the brightest star in the night sky.
"Hey, Talon."
My heart couldn't help but beat faster as Talon got closer to me.
"Caitlyn, you look beautiful."
Talon took my hand and placed a soft kiss on the back of it.
I could feel the wolf in his body howling restlessly.
Before I could respond, the lights dimmed across the dance floor, and a lilting melody echoed over the venue. People around me immediately understood, pulling their partners into a slow twist.
Talon took me gently in his arms, running his hand softly down my back as he moved closer to my ear.
His warm breath rushed into my ear, making my entire body go a little limp.
"Caitlyn, listen. Whatever happens later, you need to prioritize taking care of your own safety."
Talon leaned into my ear and spoke in a voice that only the two of us could hear.
Talon's words made me immediately conscious, and I subconsciously grabbed his hand. At that moment, Talon's hand was covered in sweat.
"What do you mean?"
"I can't tell you now. After tonight, I'll tell you everything."
Talon finished by lifting his head towards my face and kissing me softly. However, I was completely out of the mood at that moment, feeling a wave of panic inside.
I tried to grab Talon's hand, but he broke away and slowly moved away from me. My heart suddenly felt empty, as if a big piece of it was instantly missing.
"No!"
I subconsciously raised my voice. Talon turned his head and gently shook it towards me. I pursed my lips and watched Talon disappear into the crowd.
In the center of the dance floor, Zed and Kaisa danced under the spotlight, holding hands as the people around them clapped and erupted into applause.
I fought back tears, but my eyes still became a little blurry.
Just at that moment, a bright pillar of light appeared in front of my eyes. The spotlight hit me, and everyone's eyes instantly converged on me.
"Guests, let's all welcome today's protagonist, Ms. Caitlyn!"
As the King's voice rang out, the entire dance floor erupted into a shocking cheer.