Ares POV

　　I've crossed so many lines, sending her that handwritten letter through Zyril was downright illegal. And yet, as she stands here, all she seems to think about is Bathel. It's enough to make me wonder if the rumors are true after all.

　　Shaking my head, I whisper, "No- "

　　"Dana?" But then, Bathel's voice cuts through the air, calling out her name, and in that moment, it feels like something within me ceases to function.

　　I watch from my concealed vantage point in the tree, my gaze fixed on the pair below. Dana's face lights up with a radiant smile at the sight of Bathel, a smile I realize I haven't seen directed at me. Despite knowing she once loved me, seeing her expression now fills me with a mixture of longing and resignation.

　　A lump forms in my throat, and my eyes soften as I continue to observe them, the depth of my emotions laid bare in the quiet solitude of the forest.

　　"You had me worried," Dana's voice softens as she reaches out to touch his hand before enveloping him in a warm embrace.

　　My brows knit together in confusion as I watch the scene unfold below. Why is she hugging a man she hasn't known for long? The question lingers in my mind, adding to the perplexity of the situation.

　　He gently plays with her hair, his voice laced with concern as he asks, "What are you doing here?"

　　Dana releases her embrace, meeting his gaze steadily. "Were you the one who sent that handwritten letter?" she questions, her tone firm yet tinged with uncertainty. "It instructed me to meet someone here at 8 PM, and I followed it."

　　His eyes flash with a sudden emotion, and I can't help but wonder if it's anger that flickers in their depths.

　　"No, I didn't," he responds defensively to Dana's accusation.

　　Confusion clouds Dana's expression. "But that's impossible- " she begins, but he interrupts her by taking her hand firmly in his.

　　"We need to return to the pack house immediately," he insists, his tone tinged with urgency and obligation.

　　She nods softly, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions as she stammers out, "Okay..."

　　He tightens his grip on her hand as they begin to walk away, Dana stealing one last glance over her shoulder. My heart quickens as she almost turns in my direction, but then, to my relief- or disappointment- she doesn't.

　　"Where are you?" Ander's voice snaps through the mind-link, breaking my reverie abruptly.

　　"Oh, well..." I murmur, feeling the weight of my inadequacy as I struggle to find the right words.

　　"I'll be back. Just patrolling the pack," I lie, forcing confidence into my tone despite the turmoil within.

　　"Just make sure you return. There's something we need to discuss, and Luna is concerned about you," Ander insists, his words falling on deaf ears as my mind remains preoccupied with other thoughts.

　　As I return to the castle, Blaire is the first to rush towards me, followed closely by my warriors.

　　"Oh my Goddess," she gasps, her expression a mixture of relief and concern. "We've been searching everywhere for you since you met with Dad," she sighs, her worry palpable in her voice.

　　"Just something important," I state vaguely, hoping to divert her attention.

　　Her jaw clenches visibly, and she continues with a steely resolve, "You didn't know that I had someone put in the dungeon level today." My brow furrows in confusion at her revelation.

　　"What? What's happened?" I inquire, my concern growing at the unexpected news.

　　"A man tried to harm me!" Blaire exclaims, her voice filled with indignation. "And there was no one there to protect me. So, I took matters into my own hands. I nearly killed him, but I decided to give him a chance," she adds, her tone still tinged with frustration.

　　I turn to face Ander and Drake, seeking answers. "Did you know about this?" I ask, my tone betraying a mix of surprise and concern.

　　They both sigh heavily. "Well, at first we didn't know because Luna was in the woods- "

　　Blaire's frustration cuts through the air like a knife as she rebukes Ander, her words sharp and pointed. "He asked you a simple question; there's no need for excuses," she snaps, her tone tinged with irritation.

　　Drake chimes in with an explanation, "We genuinely didn't know. It's not uncommon for Luna to venture into the deep woods without an escort," he says, attempting to provide some context. His words, however, elicit an exasperated eye roll from me, a silent testament to my weariness with the situation.

　　"I'm just grateful you were able to save yourself," I murmur, the weight of recent events weighing heavily on my mind, sapping my energy and leaving me with little desire to engage further in the conversation.

　　"Do you wish to confront him, at least?" she inquired.

　　After a prolonged moment of contemplation, I replied, "Certainly. I should face the man who attempted to harm you and address the situation."

　　Glancing at Ander and Drake, I sensed their reluctance to meet my gaze. Despite their other obligations, they were compelled to comply with Blaire's directive, leaving them no alternative.

　　Without further ado, Blaire seized my hand, urging, "Let's proceed."

　　As we descend to the dungeon level, the sight that greets us is unsettling. The man stands before us, bloodied and battered, bearing the unmistakable signs of brutal abuse. He has been subjected to a vicious assault, likely at the hands of an Alpha. Correction, it was Blaire Van Everhart herself who inflicted this punishment upon him.