Caitlyn's POV
"Cousin?" I couldn't help but shout at Zed's words.
"I've imagined the scene of you calling me cousin so many times, but never did I expect it to be on this occasion." Zed nodded with extreme satisfaction, seemingly flattered by my address.
I didn't have the heart to continue arguing with him. After giving Zed a blank look, I continued to observe the movements around me.
"Tell me the truth, did Talon not even arrange for you to save me?" I twisted my head around to scrutinize Zed.
Zed quickly shifted his eyes in other directions after glancing at me, his gaze becoming a little evasive.
"I'm doing it for your own good. I admit that you're a strong fighter after transforming into a wolf, but you can't even control the most basic transformation right now. You're only going to be Talon's weakness in your current form. If you really want to help Talon, come with me back to the clan pack."
Zed collected his smile and looked at me seriously.
"Go back?"
I tried to find a trace in Zed's eyes that he was joking, but unfortunately, his eyes were full of sincerity. It seemed like his duty from the moment he met me in the forest at the beginning of my transformation had become to take me back.
"I don't. That's my mother's pack. It has nothing to do with me, and I don't care about your so-called noble werewolf bloodline." I bristled, a hint of disdain escaping me.
"Caitlyn, I'm serious. With the kind of strength you have right now, let alone being able to help Talon, you'd just be more trouble than good in any danger he does encounter. And didn't you see Talon appearing by your side before the king was assassinated?"
Seeing my reaction, Zed didn't show any anger. Instead, he became more anxious and tried to convince me to go back with him.
"That's not Talon; he's just disguised as Talon. He..."
I was momentarily stumped. To be honest, Talon's purpose for doing this was suspicious enough, but no one had seen with their own eyes that he was the one who had assassinated the king.
"Then who knows?" Zed shrugged, returning to his old cynical look.
"I understand that Talon's power extends beyond what's in front of him. However, if he confronts the king head-on, it's like touching a rock with an egg. If you truly want to assist him, I hope you carefully consider my words."
Zed noticed my lack of enthusiasm, so he ceased pushing and stood up, ready to depart. I glanced towards the vacant back door, still no sign of Talon.
"Alright, I promise. If your pack truly grants me the strength you claim, then I'll join you."
My response caused Zed to momentarily pause before he turned to me, sporting a satisfied smile.
"We should leave early tomorrow before the King seals the exits. Until then, go back, bid your farewells, and prepare. I'll pick you up downstairs first thing in the morning."
Zed placed his hand on his chest and saluted me with a relieved smile, took two steps back, and gradually disappeared into the night.
I stared in the direction Zed had vanished for a moment, feeling as though it had all transpired in a dream. However, when I looked at the empty back door, my momentarily shaken heart solidified.
"Talon, when I return, I'll give you an unexpected surprise!"
Zed's words about the pack didn't truly touch me; instead, I harbored a vague sense of resentment. If the pack was genuinely as potent as claimed, why did they remain indifferent when my mother was threatened?
It wasn't until it was confirmed that those with the pack's bloodline could awaken their abilities that they would be accepted into the pack.
If I hadn't awakened my powers then, would Zed have stood by as I faced trouble during the hunting competition?
Lost in thought, I unconsciously found my way to Leona's floor. I've never been adept at goodbyes, especially since the last time I left the town for the palace. Leona didn't have to search far to find me; my heart had long been stirred beyond words.
I couldn't fathom the state of mind I'd be in if I let Leona know I'd be gone again.
I glanced at Leona's still-lit window and couldn't help but sigh. Just as I was about to leave, a voice filled with resentment suddenly came from behind me.
"You're trying to leave me behind without saying anything again, aren't you?"
I turned around, and Leona stared at a messy head of hair, standing in front of me in her pajamas with a sad face, even losing one of her slippers to catch up with me.
"Leona..."
I looked at Leona a little sheepishly, not knowing what to say for a moment.
"It's okay; I know what you want to say. Back when I was investigating, I knew that the ultimate goal of the Fullmoon pack's search for their stragglers was to return them to the pack. I just never told you."
Leona's eyes immediately grew dim as she said the last.
"Don't worry; I will return."
I walked towards Leona and gently gathered her in my arms.
"Well, I know you'll be back for sure; accidents always happen to you, and this one will definitely be the same."
Leona's voice trembled a little as she lay on my shoulder. She seemed to be trying to get her emotions under control, but the rolling tears still fell down her cheeks and onto my neck.
"Don't worry about it; I've got you here. It's getting late, and the guard will be tight in the morning. I'll take care of Talon; just go."
Leona wiped her tears with the back of her hand before gently pushing me away and waving her hand toward me. I tried to say something else, but Leona furrowed her brow and glared at me in feigned anger.
My eyes instantly moistened, and I turned my back and left without looking back so Leona wouldn't see my tears.