Dana

　　My pulse quickens to a frantic rhythm, pounding against the confines of my chest the moment Ares comes into view. It's as if an electric surge courses through me, awakening the dormant instincts of my inner wolf, drawing me inexplicably closer to him. Yet, amid this surge of sensations, the rationale behind my visceral reaction remains shrouded in mystery.

　　Bathel's abrupt turn to confront him is a spectacle of raw emotion. His features contorted by a tempest of anger, every line etched with resentment and indignation. The intensity of his gaze sends shivers down my spine, filling me with a sense of foreboding. In that moment, I can't help but feel a pang of disappointment, witnessing someone I once admired consumed by such consuming rage.

　　"It's your fault..." Bathel's voice was barely a whisper. I instinctively licked my lips, searching for the right words to soothe the brewing storm.

　　"Bathel-" My voice faltered.

　　"It's on you! You twisted Dana's world after what you pulled!" Bathel's voice thundered, his steps forward menacing until I intervened, but Ares erupted, eyes ablaze, hurling Bathel aside with a ferocious shove.

　　"Don't you dare accuse me! You're a vile hypocrite, coercing her into your arms after abandoning her for someone else." Ares' words pierced the air, and I couldn't help but glance at him, tempted to point out his own duplicity.

　　But no, Blaire seethed that he gave in himself when he found out I'm pregnant with Bathel's child.

　　"And you think you're better because of that!?" Bathel's voice boomed, rising to match the intensity of his glare as he rose from his seat, eyes flashing with fury.

　　"Enough," I murmured wearily, feeling the weight of the tension settling heavily upon me.

　　Ares met Bathel's gaze, his jaw clenched in restrained anger. "I'm not claiming superiority," he murmured, his voice tight with frustration. "But your behavior speaks volumes, and I could easily make that argument." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his retort, knowing it only escalated the tension.

　　"Damn you," Bathel spat, his words dripping with venom. "You're the one who caused us to lose our baby. You shattered everything when we lost our child!" His accusation hung heavy in the air, punctuating the already charged atmosphere with a bitter sting.

　　"Dana is not your damn pawn," Ares cursed furiously, his large hands now free as he strode menacingly toward Bathel.

　　This was spiraling out of control.

　　"It's on you for not fighting for her," Ares snapped, his eyes ablaze with anger as he confronted Bathel. "Dana isn't your plaything, you discarded because she couldn't bear you a child." His words cut through the tension like a knife. "And you know what? I'll stop at nothing to ensure Blaire pays for her actions." He declared angrily.

　　"She wounded the love of my life, and I've inflicted pain in return," Ares declared, his gaze shifting to me as I shook my head in denial, my heart pounding erratically.

　　The intensity of the moment felt suffocating, as if we were teetering on the edge of a life-and-death struggle.

　　"You both need to cease this," I commanded, my voice trembling with urgency. Ares met my gaze, his eyes silently pleading for understanding, while Bathel's gaze remained fixed on Ares, his anger simmering beneath the surface, poised to erupt with the next provocation. The tension in the room was palpable, each moment feeling like a ticking time bomb.

　　"I'm prepared to do whatever it takes, Bathel... to ensure those who've hurt her face consequences, even if it means enduring my own suffering-" Ares's words were cut short as Bathel suddenly lashed out, landing a brutal punch square on his face.

　　"Oh, God!" I cried out, watching in horror as Ares staggered back, his hand instinctively reaching to his injured face, blood staining the corner of his lips.

　　I found myself unable to look away, transfixed by the sight before me. It was unsettling, the way my eyes remained locked on him, as if drawn by an invisible force.

　　"Do you dare to speak like that!?" Bathel snarled, grabbing Ares's shirt, but before he could react, Ares delivered a powerful punch, sending Bathel crashing to the floor.

　　I gasped, my hand flying to cover my mouth in shock. "Enough!" I screamed at Ares, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and anger.

　　"He's right, you can't allow this man to continue tormenting you-" Ares began, but I cut him off with a bitter sneer.

　　"Get out of my room, both of you!" I spat, the words tasting of bitterness and betrayal. "None of you truly love me..." A painful acknowledgment of the shattered pieces of my heart.

　　"Bathel, if you truly love me..." I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, "you wouldn't ignore my pleas. You wouldn't subject me to this pain, making me feel trapped in this agonizing situation." 

　　The room fell into a heavy silence, and I don't think I ever have a plan to break the ice.

　　Bathel's gaze met mine, his eyes filled with concern as he lay on the floor, blood staining his lips, he looks at me with a silent plea for forgiveness and understanding but I choose to disregard it. Meanwhile, Ares stood nearby, his own eyes reflecting the pain and longing that had become all too familiar since he first begged for my love.

　　"And you..." I murmured, turning my gaze towards Ares. "If you truly love me, you wouldn't push me into something I don't want. Your words are appreciated, but actions speak louder." It was a lie, and I knew it. Despite my protestations, I couldn't ignore the earnest efforts Ares continually made to win back my affection. His persistence in seeking my forgiveness weighed heavily on my conscience.

　　But I have no time to feel bad for people at this time.

　　Ares wiped his lips with a trembling hand, his gaze softening as he spoke. "I'm sorry, Dana," he mumbled, his voice quivering with emotion.

　　"I know you're angry with both of us," Bathel interjected, his tone pleading. "But you have to make a choice. Stay with him and risk death at the hands of the Black River Pack, or come with me and be safe."