Dana

　　Ares's facial expression turned into confusion as Bathel's words hung in the air. "What are you talking about?" Ares demanded, his voice rising with urgency. "How can you guarantee her safety from the Black River Pack if she goes with you?" He closed the distance between them, his eyes searching Bathel's for answers, but Bathel remained silent, his gaze fixed on me.

　　"Answer me!" Ares's command echoed through the room, his frustration boiling over as he delivered a swift kick to Bathel's face, causing me to jolt in shock.

　　"Stop it!" I ordered, my voice trembling, as I stepped between them, pushing Ares away in an attempt to diffuse the escalating confrontation.

　　"You should know it yourself," Bathel spoke, his voice strained as he touched his injured face. "I'm here to save Dana, but I suppose you know what comes next..." He trailed off.

　　"You honestly believe I'm incapable of saving her?" Ares shot back.

　　"She's uneasy around you!" Bathel exclaimed, his words hitting me like a blow to the gut, causing my fists to clench involuntarily. I wished he hadn't uttered those words, knowing deep down that there was truth in them, even if I wished there wasn't.

　　It filled me with a twisted satisfaction to witness Ares squirming in discomfort.

　　Ares turned to me, his gaze pleading. "Dana," he murmured, desperation lacing his voice. "Please, tell me what's going on. I'll do anything to ensure your safety-"

　　"It's because of you that she's in danger!" Bathel's voice thundered, cutting him off. I remained silent, refusing to acknowledge his offer, determined not to give him the satisfaction of thinking I would ever accept his help.

　　He appeared oblivious to Bathel's words, his attention wholly focused on me as if my words were the only ones that mattered.

　　"You know I won't trust anyone else's words about you except yours, Dana-"

　　"He was correct," I interjected. "I feel uneasy around you, and it's something you should be aware of," I asserted.

　　"Isn't it obvious?" I challenged him with a resolute tone.

　　His jaw tightened as he drew nearer, his touch on my hand disregarding Bathel's presence as if he didn't exist in our world.

　　"Please," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Tell me what I can do to regain your trust..."

　　"Hands off," I commanded, and without hesitation, he obeyed my directive.

　　He licked his lips, his gaze now filled with anger as he finally acknowledged Bathel's presence.

　　"What? Planning to summon your guards to escort me out of this territory?" Bathel taunted him, his tone dripping with mockery.

　　Ares clenched his jaw, his gaze shifting to me, seeking my approval before taking any action against Bathel.

　　"What should I do with him?" he inquired cautiously, ensuring his actions wouldn't upset me.

　　"Remove him," I commanded firmly.

　　I observed the shift in Bathel's demeanor upon hearing my directive. He likely expected my support, but I remained impartial.

　　"But, Dana..." Bathel's voice trembled with panic. "Please, believe me. I'm here solely for your sake-"

　　"She's made her decision," Ares interjected firmly. "This is my domain, my pack. We have no allegiance with you. You're not welcome here. Dana has spoken." He concluded, and I nervously licked my lips, running my fingers through my hair.

　　"I expect you to make the right choice," I stated, my disappointment evident as I glanced at Bathel. "Avoid conflict," I added before walking past Ares without further words.

　　I exit my own room, I wished for Bathel's departure from the pack without witnessing it firsthand. To my surprise, the beta and gamma were already on their way as I left. Without hesitation, I knew Ares would swiftly communicate with them via mind-link.

　　He might obey like a loyal dog, but deep down, I know Bathel's words could hold some truth. The threat of the Black River Pack loomed, demanding action from me. However, I'm aware I can't manipulate Ares into handling every situation for me. It's time to take responsibility and address the looming danger head-on.

　　Bathel got booted from the pack, but I don't think he's ready to give up, especially with his fake concern for our child. 

　　Here I am, stuck in my safe space, trying to figure out what to do next. I'm torn about what to tell Ares after hearing everything. Just when I'm about to go to him, he shows up at the door, his face unreadable.

　　Summoning my courage, I spoke up, my voice barely above a whisper, "Hey."

　　Ares, his tone subdued, relayed, "I've arranged a meeting with the council... Even if you won't confide in me-"

　　"I will," I interjected firmly. "I might not be fond of you, but that doesn't make me like the others who've hurt me. I can't inflict suffering like my parents endured." 

　　"Like how I suffer..." I murmured, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as he watched me with those gentle eyes.

　　Oh, dear.

　　His gaze had a way of disarming me, making me feel utterly foolish.

　　"Please, tell me," he pleaded softly. "You know I can put an end to all of this. I'd sacrifice anything, even if it means the pack falls apart, as long as you're safe with me." His lips moved.

　　"And I still don't know what to do since the Black River Pack has stopped contacting me, and Blaire didn't manage to reach them either-"

　　"I know," I interrupted, exhaling deeply.

　　"I want you to stop, Ares," I said firmly, without hesitation.

　　He regarded me with those intense eyes. "Stop what?" he inquired.

　　I glanced down briefly before meeting his gaze again. Closing the distance between us, I spoke softly, "Stop trying to protect me at the cost of everything else."

　　"I need you to stop trying to protect me," I stated firmly.

　　Deep down, I knew I had considered using him, but I also knew I couldn't keep exploiting him, especially after what I'd do to Blaire. There was a nagging feeling that I shouldn't subject Ares to the same pain I intended for Blaire.

　　"But-" he began, his voice tinged with protest.

　　"Whatever you do, things can never return to how they were, and I'm sorry," I interjected, my smile masking the bitterness within. "I'm only here to claim what I deserve." My smile twisted into a fake, sinister grin.