Vayne's POV
Watching Kyan's attack approach, I slowly crouched down, channeling all my strength into my legs. With a fierce stomp, my entire body became a bolt of lightning hurtling straight toward Kyan. Clearly caught off guard by my assertive move, Kyan's face contorted, and his eyes widened in shock.
As the distance between us closed in, Kyan's attack slowed down slightly. However, he bravely swung his steel blade towards me, risking a potential head-on collision.
"Go to hell!" Anger was written all over Kyan's grim face as he increased his strength upon contact.
"Vayne, watch out!"
"Caitlyn, watch out!"
Witnessing the shift in the situation, Zed and Talon warned me simultaneously.
Despite Kyan's onslaught, I remained calm. Violently employing my front paw above my head, I managed to block Kyan's forward lunge range. Simultaneously, without any hesitation, I flashed sideways, positioning myself beside Kyan, and fiercely bit down on his neck.
The dull ringing sound echoed as my fangs penetrated deep into his flesh and blood. Kyan recoiled in pain, his entire body flying backward, leaving a long trail on the ground before collapsing. Hot blood gurgled from the wound on his neck. Panting heavily, Kyan lacked the courage to continue the fight.
The crowd erupted into chaos at this unexpected turn of events. In the eyes of the treacherous werewolf soldiers, Kyan was considered the most formidable combatant. However, in just a fleeting moment, the prestige he had built up crumbled away. All his carefully laid plans were now in ruins.
The werewolf soldiers stared at me with wide eyes, a deep fear evident in their gazes.
"Kyan has already been defeated. I advise you not to resist any longer. If you choose to surrender at this time, I will forgive you for the mistakes you once made."
At that moment, Zed abruptly strode toward the elevated stage and bellowed at the werewolf soldiers below.
Upon hearing Alpha's words, the werewolf soldiers contemplating a fight to the death relinquished their weapons, dropping to their knees before Zed, wearing expressions of remorse.
"Alpha!"
Their synchronized shout seemed to puncture the sky.
Zed reveled in the embrace of his clansmen, then turned towards me, flashing a relieved smile. Moments like these affirmed that the Fullmoon Pack was truly the remedy to all troubles.
"Caitlyn, are you alright?"
Talon approached me at that moment, expressing concern as he surveyed my body. The previous skirmish with Kyan had left visible bruises.
"Could you please refrain from using that name again?"
My composed words caused Talon to twitch, but he gradually lifted his head, revealing a trace of bitterness, and nodded gently.
"Vayne, now that you've assisted Zed in resolving the issues with the Fullmoon Pack, come back with me. Your father and Leona are still awaiting your return."
Talon's gaze was earnest, and there appeared to be a hint of hesitation in his words.
"What the hell are you talking about? That's my pack, and handling such matters is my responsibility, isn't it?"
Talon's words prompted a furrowed brow from me. Examining his face, I sensed an internal struggle. This man, invincible before others, consistently revealed a softer side in my presence. Even his appeals to me held a touch of desperation, leaving me puzzled.
Once again, the unsettling thought intruded upon my mind. Was I truly the same Caitlyn Talon spoke of?
"Ms. Caitlyn, I don't know what transpired, but Alpha came all this way for your well-being. Whether you appreciate it or not, don't act like you don't know us. I won't recognize you as our pack's Luna if you persist in this demeanor!"
As I stood frozen, Bard beside me angrily shouted.
"Bard!"
Talon snapped at Bard, and the wolf within me howled indignantly, seemingly eager to confront Bard's wolf. His words unsettled me.
"I don't understand what kind of performance you guys are putting on. I've made it clear from the start that I'm not the Caitlyn you're searching for. Even if it turns out I am Caitlyn and returned to the pack just to help you in the future, why would I make that choice?"
I gazed up at Bard without a hint of fear and took a bold step forward to scrutinize the imposing man.
"As the Alpha of a pack unable to protect the woman beside you, relying on a woman to risk her life for your protection, do you think that's honorable?"
I redirected my words toward Talon, awaiting his response.
"Caitlyn, I'm sorry for... I know I owe you a lot."
Talon pursed his lips, a trace of remorse in his eyes. This sight eased my heart a bit; I couldn't understand why warmth enveloped me every time I saw Talon's face.
I averted my gaze, trying not to let Talon's face disturb me further.
"And the grand cause you all are talking about is merely letting a woman to return to the pack as Luna? That's pathetic. You fail to appreciate what you have when you're together and regret it when you're apart, wearing a solemn expression to compensate for past mistakes. What did you all do back then?"
I paused, taking a deep breath.
"I genuinely feel sorry for that Caitlyn girl."
I declared as I walked toward Zed without glancing back.
"Ms. Caitlyn, you!"
Bard's indignant voice came from behind me; he seemed eager to detain me for an explanation.
"Bard, come back."
Talon spoke softly, and Bard immediately halted. This piqued my curiosity, prompting me to turn around and face Talon.
"You're right. If I had known it would end up like this, I should have cherished her sooner."
Talon lowered his head slightly, a relieved smile on his face. Afterward, he raised his hand toward me, waving gently. It seemed like he gathered courage, looking at me with a profound gaze.
"Vayne, goodbye. May you become the person your heart desires."
Talon turned away after his words, not looking back. I don't know why, but tears welled up in my eyes as I watched Talon's gradually fading figure.