Archie's POV
Facing the ruthless pursuers behind us, I glanced at the girl I had recently met; it was evident she and her servant were nearly exhausted. So, I gritted my teeth and made a decision.
I swiftly scanned the surroundings, found a concealed tree hollow, and ushered the girl toward it. "Get in quickly!"
The girl looked panicked, "Come in with me. This tree hollow is big enough for us—"
"I and my wolf, along with your servant, will split up to flee, responsible for diverting the enemies. Hide immediately, don't make any noise. I will use leaves and grass to camouflage the entrance. Once we have gotten rid of the pursuers, I will come back for you!"
"But—"
Without waiting for her to say anything else, I forcefully pushed her into the tree hollow, used branches to cover the entrance, concealing her scent. "Don't come out! Listen to me; don't waste my efforts, otherwise, all three of us will die here."
The girl tearfully gave up struggling.
Then, the trembling servant spoke up for the first time, "Please let me come in too, I need to take care—" Before she could finish, I interrupted her, "No, you run in a different direction from me. This will divert the enemy's attention and increase our chances of escape."
I knew this would be an immensely difficult task for this servant, meaning danger or even death. But at this moment, only the girl in the hollow was my priority. However, to assist the servant, I decided to let my wolf accompany her. "My wolf will be responsible for protecting you."
The servant glanced at my wolf, then forced a dry smile, lowered her head, and softly said, "No need, I can manage."
The enemies were closing in; I had no time to waste with her. So, I directed her in a direction likely closest to exiting the Dark Forest. If she were lucky, she might escape or encounter Blood Dawn werewolves patrolling nearby.
It was well known that Blood Dawn was responsible for guarding this hell of rogue gatherings. They were the cruelest enforcers and bravest defenders.
The servant swallowed hard, then ran ahead.
I planned to wait until the enemies were a bit closer before starting to run, so I could at least draw more pursuers.
I approached the tree hollow, and through the layers of branches, saw those worried, bright eyes inside. The howls of the pursuing wolves grew louder, and I softly said to her, "Wait here; I will definitely come back for you!"
"Please, make sure you come back safely. I haven't introduced my wolf to you yet!" she choked out.
I flashed a smile, deliberately ran in the opposite direction, making a lot of noise. As expected, a group of rogues spotted me from afar; their eyes were sinister and hungry, sending shivers down my spine.
After deliberately exposing myself, I separated from my wolf. When the pursuers on its side were about to catch up, my wolf vanished instantly, returning to my body.
Using this method, we played tricks on the rogues. However, that escape experience was the most thrilling I had ever experienced. If not for accidentally encountering a lake, pretending to fall in, and relying on excellent underwater breathing to escape that frantic group of pursuers, they would have captured me easily.
While the enemies were searching everywhere for me, I quietly swam to the other side of the lake and silently climbed ashore. At this point, it seemed the effect of the drug on my wolf had finally faded; it could speak. And its first words startled me, "Mate!"
"What?" I thought my wolf turned crazy again.
"Archie, I smell the mate's scent on her." my wolf explained.
I got fully stunned. My heart raced. I couldn't fathom having had a mate. I was a freak, how could I… But she seemed so unique, just like me, possessing a special wolf, as if Moon Goodness had tailored us for each other.
Learning this news made me more anxious; I wanted to see her immediately, confirm her safety. So, I carefully made my way back to the tree hollow.
However, all I found was a pool of blood and a servant lying unconscious on the ground. That girl disappeared. The servant didn't know nothing after she woke up.
I never saw that girl, my mate. She was like an angel, suddenly appearing in my life, bringing miracles and warmth; then vanishing without a trace, without any warning.
Searching for her became the chase of my life. I went back to the Dark Forest countless times, trying to find her, but found no traces.
But I never thought she would come to me on her own! And then, in circumstances where I knew nothing, I hurt her, and she chose to leave me forever!
Why is fate so cruel to me!
Alisha's POV
"I was hiding in the tree hollow, very scared, not daring to make any sound. Initially, the pursuers were drawn away, and I could hear their chasing footsteps fading into the distance, but later..." I sat on the bed, recounting to Orathe and Gray what happened after I was kidnapped and left them.
"What happened later?" Gray was extremely anxious to know.
I gave a sardonic smile. "After a while of no other sounds, I thought I was safe. I planned to take the opportunity to run out and find you guys or other patrolling guards for help. However, as I was about to leave the tree hollow, I heard voices outside. Erma had brought a stranger to the tree hollow and told them, 'She's in there.'"
Gray, upon hearing this, became furious. "That despicable slave rogue actually betrayed you? After you spared her life back then! I should have just killed her directly!"
Erma was a rogue who had wandered into our pack, severely malnourished and injured. Gray intended to execute her directly, considering Blood Dawn held hostility towards all rogues.
But I felt sorry for her, seeing she wasn't one of the evil rogues in Dark Forest, so I pleaded with Gray to spare her. Later, after she recovered, she stayed by my side and became my servant.
But I never expected she would choose to betray me!
Orathe, upon hearing this, commanded coldly, "Inform our warriors, capture this wretched person, bring her to Blood Dawn. I will personally strip her skin and drain her blood!"
"No, wait a minute!" I intervened.
"What? You still sympathize with her? She doesn't deserve your kindness and leniency!" Gray protested unhappily.
"No," I shook my head, "I won't sympathize with her. On the contrary, I am planning to take care of her personally! So, let me handle this opportunity myself! She owes me, and I will personally reclaim every bit she owes!"