Caitlyn's POV
"Caitlyn?"
Observing my expression, Talon's voice wavered slightly. He appeared initially shocked, then overwhelmed, as if verifying whether I had truly regained my memories.
"Yeah, it's me. I'm back."
I nodded softly, intending to offer Talon a reassuring smile indicating that I was fine. However, the pain in my back caused me to involuntarily inhale sharply.
"Good."
Talon seemed momentarily unable to articulate his emotions as he gently caressed my face, his eyes moistening gradually.
"Caitlyn, I'll never let you leave me again."
Following that declaration, he enveloped me in a tight embrace, as if fearing my departure.
Resting in Talon's arms, I detected his unique scent.
"But this is not the time for talking."
Extracting myself from Talon's embrace, I surveyed the werewolf soldiers of the Fullmoon Pack, their expressions a mix of confusion.
Evidently, they were unaware of the situation, except for detecting a hint of unexpected hostility in my eyes.
"Gamma?"
The squad leader approached me tentatively.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you all. The former Gamma of the Fullmoon Pack no longer exists. I have always been myself, and my name is Caitlyn."
I offered a faint smile while raising my head, my gaze traversing the crowd until it settled on Zed, positioned on the raised platform.
Zed observed the unfolding events calmly, seemingly unsurprised by my accidental memory recovery.
My thoughts were consumed by the pill Zed had given me after awakening my powers and how it was evidently part of his plan.
That night, Talon had speculated that Zed aimed to keep me in the pack as a pawn in his dominance strategy. At the time, I believed it was the Alpha's decision, but it wasn't until now that I realized I had been deceived about the entire situation.
"Do it! Take them both down!"
The squad leader stared at me, noticing something amiss in Zed's gaze. He spontaneously issued the order to attack once more.
The surrounding werewolf soldiers hesitated momentarily but ultimately advanced toward Talon and me.
"Caitlyn, back off. Just leave this to me," Talon urged, gritting his teeth and preparing to stand once again. He opened his arms, shielding my body, and turned his head toward me, wearing a relaxed smile.
"Stop trying to be strong. You were the one who protected me before; now, I can protect you."
After uttering those words, I transformed into a white giant wolf under Talon's watchful eyes. The pupils of my eyes slowly turned purple, appearing even deeper and more mysterious than those of the previous werewolf soldier. My injured back emitted a green glow, and a potent vitality constantly coursed through my body. For some reason, after regaining my memories, I could sense that the power within me had become stronger than before.
My transformation captured the attention of the entire crowd, particularly the nearby werewolf warriors who had witnessed my previous battles. At this critical moment, the once hesitant werewolf soldiers lost their will to fight. They exchanged uncertain glances, and their footsteps gradually retreated.
"What are you afraid of? You are warriors of the Fullmoon Pack!" Azir's aged voice suddenly echoed, filled with resentment as he looked at me.
I growled at Azir while glancing at the silent Zed beside me. He stood motionless, his eyes showing no sign of emotion, as if the recent events had no impact on him. Although I felt puzzled, analyzing the situation had to wait, as the attack of the surrounding werewolf soldiers was imminent.
However, just before I could strike, Talon took the lead, rushing out into their encirclement with a resounding roar.
With a commanding howl, a berserk force condensed from Talon's body, and in the next instant, his physique rapidly expanded at a speed discernible to the naked eye. Veins on his body protruded like pythons, and as his flesh trembled, a terrifying power emanated, causing the surrounding werewolf soldiers to hastily retreat in fear.
"This is not the place for you to run wild!" At that moment, Zed, who had been silent for a while, finally struck out. With an indignant roar, he transformed instantly into a giant wolf, roughly the same size as Talon. Though his pace was somewhat sluggish, the terrifying power within that single move was unmistakable.
"Come on, let me see what you're capable of!" Talon's battle intent rose as he faced Zed, turning his body towards him and pouncing.
Zed, unwilling to show weakness, raised his hair and emitted a howl that could shake heaven and earth. He spread his sharp fangs to meet Talon. With a loud boom, an indescribable energy raged out, prompting the nearby guests to dodge to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
After the two combatants dispersed, the original spot was engulfed in smoke and dust that covered the sky. The impactful clash left everyone momentarily frozen; it was no longer a fight between ordinary individuals.
"Looks like you're not as weak as you appear." Talon wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his hand, looking at Zed with some relief.
"I really can't imagine that you've come this far. Aren't you afraid of exposing your identity here?"
Zed stood up straight and uttered something inexplicable to Talon. He then turned his head to spare a glance at me.
"You really aren't that simple.Tell me, what else do you know?"
Talon's face twitched after hearing Zed's words. Slowly narrowing his eyes, he revealed a faint hint of murderous intent.
"It's up to you if you want to know more. Would you rather die here just to take Caitlyn away?"
Zed looked coldly at Talon before giving a small wave of his arm.
Another group of people slowly walked up from the periphery, led by none other than Ornn, who hadn't appeared in a long time. Apparently, after the fight between Kayn and Zed, he had finally decided on his choice, and this siege on Talon became his way to demonstrate his determination.
Facing the approaching crowd, even Talon couldn't help but sigh. After such a prolonged battle, he was already on the verge of exhaustion. Nevertheless, Talon gave me a deep look, standing resolutely in front of my body.
"Anyone who wants to do anything to you will have to step over my dead body first."
"Talon..." I was about to say something when a loud roar erupted in the distance. Before I could react, an exquisite woman in fancy dress flew over from the sky.
"Zed, how long do you intend to play this childish game?" Kaisa looked at Zed coldly, a hint of anger on her face.