Ares POV

　　"My thoughts are consumed solely by her. Despite convincing myself otherwise, it's more than mere antipathy. My heart longs for her deeply," he admitted, pausing for a significant moment. "She has been my sole beacon of happiness, particularly since the affection from my parents began to wane."

　　"It wasn't some fleeting infatuation or a product of youthful naivety. My feelings for her are genuine, and I'm painfully aware of my selfishness and folly in sacrificing our relationship for the sake of pack power and petty distractions," my voice trembled with emotion, noticing the shift in his expression.

　　"I refuse to let her slip through my fingers," I declared. "Even if she hasn't officially assumed the role of Luna within that pack. I won't allow it. I'm indifferent to the potential loss of alliances or even an entire pack. All I care about is having her by my side once more. I need her back with me."

　　"Because she belongs to me..."

　　My exchange with Ander concluded with a steadfast declaration that I would never relent in my pursuit of Dana. Meanwhile, Ander sought counsel from the Elder Council regarding the affairs of the Black River Pack, given my decision to confine Blaire to the dungeon.

　　Now, as I make my way to the dungeon, I can feel the weight of anticipation building with each step. As soon as Blaire catches sight of me, she rises to her feet, her expression a mix of surprise and apprehension.

　　"Why are you subjecting me to this?" she pleaded, reaching out from within the confines of the cellar. "You have to release me!" Her voice escalated into a frustrated shout, provoking a surge of irritation within me.

　　"You brought this upon yourself," I conceded, observing her nostrils flare with anger as she shook her head in disbelief.

　　"You exploited me," she murmured bitterly. "You only allied with our pack to protect that woman!?" The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning, and she erupted in a sudden outburst of anger. I remained motionless, a small smile playing across my lips.

　　She growled in frustration, her attempts to break through the barrier only fueling her rage further.

　　"Damn you!" she cried out in anguish. "I loved you, and I gave my all to earn your affection, but this is how you repay me...?" Her lips trembled with fury as she spoke.

　　"I never demanded your love. It was your choice to love me," I corrected her calmly, watching as her entire body shook with anger.

　　"I didn't choose to fall for you..." she fumed, her eyes flashing with shifting colors, a testament to her rising emotions.

　　"Well, that's not my concern. It's not my duty to reciprocate your feelings out of pity. You're delusional if you think I ever loved you," I sneered, my tone dripping with contempt.

　　"You tortured her! She was on the brink of death, and she even lost her child. She's fortunate her rogue was apprehended before any further harm befell her!" I roared, advancing towards her. She flinched, retreating despite the confines of the prison cellar.

　　She let out a bitter laugh. "Why do you even care? She doesn't love you anymore. She's just a..."

　　"Don't use that derogatory term," I interjected sharply, cutting her off before she could finish her sentence.

　　She continued to shake her head in disbelief, her voice escalating into a bellow of frustration. "So, it's all just a lie...?" she bellowed, her words echoing off the stone walls of the cellar. "All those times you claimed to love me, and you professed to hate her? Did you honestly believe she would ever return to you after everything you've done to her!?" Her rant filled the air with a mix of anger and hurt.

　　"Don't even entertain that thought because I won't-" Her words were abruptly cut off as a deep, primal roar reverberated through the cellar, emanating from the depths of my wolf. The sound pierced the air, causing her ears to ache with its intensity.

　　"No!" she bellowed defiantly, her voice echoing off the damp walls of the cellar.

　　My wolf halted abruptly, sensing the defiance in her tone, and my eyes narrowed into a glare as I locked gaze with her, my expression conveying a clear warning.

　　"Whatever you have in mind, she's never coming back to you," she taunted with a smirk. "She's found happiness and fulfillment in the Sun Flower Pack." Her laughter rang hollow in the confined space. "You should be content that she's lost her child and weakened, delaying her ascent to the role of official Luna in that pack." Each word dripped with venom, highlighting the depths of her cruelty.

　　"You're nothing but a jealous, psychotic bitch," I muttered under my breath, unable to contain my disdain. Yet, instead of remorse or self-awareness, all I received in return was a fierce glare, confirming my growing realization of her instability.

　　"I won't release you," I stated firmly, causing her to shake her head in disbelief as I turned my back on her.

　　"Ares, please!" she begged desperately, but I remained resolute, continuing to walk away without a backward glance.

　　"Ares! No!" Her cries echoed through the dungeon, but I pressed on, ignoring the anguish in her voice.

　　Another day dawns, yet Dana still occupies my thoughts. Despite my respect for her privacy, the mere notion of her with Bathel sends a pang of discomfort through me, triggering a cascade of questions about the emotions she experienced while I was entangled with Blaire. It's a relentless cycle of introspection that weighs heavily on my mind.