and edged with impatience, reverberated through the door. I sighed deeply, running a ha

s not just any subordinate; he was the leader of my soldiers and one of my most trusted conf

out," I replied, trying to mask the irritation in my voice. It wasn't that I disliked Kenzo; he was capable a

boots making soft thuds on the wooden

ially with our guest here. We don't want to

ll inform the others," he said before disappearing down the

planning on talking to me?" Grey's voice carried a hint of amusement, mixed with

s hinting at. Grey had a knack for pressing on sore spots, probing until he

e that belied his sharp, cat-like features. His grey eyes, a perfect mirror of my own, bore into me,

our contract. Damn, I was furious," I confessed, my voice tinged with frustration. The memory o

a habit he retained from his feline nature. It was a strange sight, this anthro

tness in my chest intensify. I began pacing, trying to shake off the agitation tha

n our bed?" Grey's voice was light, almost teasing, but t

hoice," I retorted, running a hand through my hair

chance to escape this world and live with the forest goddess, nurturing nature for us werewolves," Grey

cing my words. It wasn't just the slap; it was everything that came with

kled with mischief as he jumped onto the bed, his movements fluid and effortless. He

d aloud, my voice softer now, tinged with melancholy. The bond we shared was complex, a mix of companionshi

ght not be like every other werewolf, but that doesn't mean we're not one," Grey reminded me, his tone soberin

t times, I couldn't deny the bond we shared. "I need to clear my head," I muttered, heading towards the bathroom. The cool tiles underfoot wer

-

ra's

cutting through the sounds of the ocean and the creaking ship. Her silhouette was outline

yes wide with wonder as I gazed at the endless expanse of wa

, her gaze flickering between me and the darkening horizon. The wind

y voice tinged with disappointment. The sea at night was a mesmerizing sight, an

n watch the stars with Dad." Her voice softened, trying to coax me into compliance. B

ed, my voice small against the growing wind. The thought of being cooped up inside whi

said, her tone final. I knew that arguing further would be useless. With a he

er my covers, the sound of the wind and rain battering the ship echoing in

ructure amplifying my unease. Then, I heard a faint noise, like a soft whimper, coming from under

y heart melted at the sight. "Hey there, little one. Don't be scared," I whispered, reaching out a hand. But bef

dea formed in my mind-a way to go outside without getting in trouble. If I told Mom I n

hip shudder. Men were running about, shouting orders and trying to secure the vessel. The

alized how alone I was. The crew, focused on their tasks, paid no attention to me. Then, a sudd

ld onto. Miraculously, my fingers closed around a rope, and I clung to i

rror. The sea was merciless, tossing me about, the rope my o

t find her!" My mom's voice, filled with pan

face. I tried to pull myself up, my muscles screaming in protest, bu

, desperation giving her strength. I could see h

ry ounce of my being focused

!" My mom's voice broke with emotion as s

mething and hold tight!" a crew memb

he deck. The force of the water ripped me from the rope, and I was plunged into the cold, dark depths of the ocean. My

reminder of the day that changed my life forever. No amount of therapy could erase the images burned into my mind, the guilt that clung