Chapter 6

Ardolf's heart was pounding in his chest as he knelt beside Athena's unconscious body. He could feel the panic rising within him as he tried to think of a way to revive her. He knew he had to act fast.

He thought back to his time as a young werewolf, when his pack would often venture into the forest to gather medicinal herbs for their injuries. Maybe there was something in the forest that could help Athena.

Ardolf knew that he had to act fast. He had heard of a rare plant that grew deep in the woods, one that could heal even the deadliest of wounds. But it was a dangerous journey, and time was running out.

He transformed into his wolf form, his senses heightened as he began to search for the plant. The forest was dark and dense, and he had to move quickly to avoid being seen.

The moon shone down on him, casting an eerie glow over the forest floor. The rustling of leaves and twigs filled his ears as he ran, his powerful legs carrying him deeper into the woods.

Finally, he found it. The plant he had been searching for. It was tall and slender, with vibrant green leaves that shimmered in the moonlight. He carefully picked the leaves and wrapped them in a cloth, gathered them up in his jaws and ran back to Athena.

Once he was back at her side, he transformed back into his human form and quickly got to work. He ground the leaves and herbs together, creating a paste that he applied to Athena's wound.

Athena's chest rose and fell in time with her breathing, and Ardolf could see color beginning to return to her pale face.

Suddenly, Athena's eyes fluttered open, and she gasped for air. "Ardolf?" she whispered, her voice weak and hoarse.

He smiled with relief. "I'm here, Athena. You're going to be alright."

She looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you, Ardolf. I don't know how I would have survive without you."

He watched over her throughout the night, ensuring that she was comfortable and resting. As the first light of dawn began to peek through the window, Athena's strength had returned, and she sat up, fully healed.

"I can't believe you were able to do that, Ardolf," Athena said, still in awe.

"You're truly a remarkable werewolf."

Ardolf smiled. "I'm just happy that you're alright, Athena. That's all that matters to me."

As they embraced, Ardolf couldn't help but feel grateful for his werewolf abilities and the bond he shared with the forest. It had allowed him to save the woman he loved, and he knew that he would do anything to keep her safe.

Athena walked beside Ardolf, her steps slow and measured. The events of the previous night still weighed heavily on her, and she couldn't shake the feeling of fear that lingered in the back of her mind.

"How are you feeling?" Ardolf asked, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

"I'm okay," she replied, her voice soft. "Just tired."

Ardolf nodded, his eyes scanning the forest around them. They had been walking for hours, and still had a long way to go before they reached Esteros.

"I need to talk to you about something," he said finally, his tone serious.

Athena turned to him, a frown on her face. "What is it?"

"It's about Luka," he said, his jaw clenching.

Athena's eyes widened in surprise. She knew that Ardolf and Luka had a complicated history, but she had never heard him talk about it before like he is at the moment with her.

"What about him?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I want to get my revenge," Ardolf said, his voice low and dangerous.

Athena's heart sank at his words. She knew that revenge was a dangerous game, one that could end in tragedy.

Ardolf, I don't think that's a good idea," she said, her voice pleading.

He turned to her, his eyes blazing with anger. "He took everything from me, Athena. My position, my family, my pack. I need to get it back."

"I just can't stand the thought of him being in power," he said finally. "I know it's dangerous, but I have to try."

As they continued their journey, Athena couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that Ardolf was determined to get his revenge, but at what cost? She didn't want to see him get hurt or worse.

"I'm tired, I need to rest" athena said after long hours of travelling. "don't worry, you will rest. Let's just get to a place thats well hidden so as to prevent invaders from seeing us. Moreover, the omega lab guards might still be tracking. Athena's heart skipped on hearing that the omega lab soldiers might still be trailing and her eyes were filled with worry.

"It's fine athena, ardolf told her as he looked into her eyes." we won't be caught, I made sure I covered our track so be rest assured we won't be caught".

The night had fallen, and Ardolf and Athena were both exhausted from their long journey. As they searched for a place to rest their head, they stumbled upon a small inn on the outskirts of town.

As they settled into their room, Athena couldn't help but feel drawn to Ardolf. He was strong, brave, and fiercely protective, but there was also a vulnerability in him that she found endearing.

"Ardolf," she said softly, breaking the silence between them, "thank you for everything you've done for me. I wouldn't have made it without you."

Ardolf turned to her, a warm smile on his face. "Don't mention it, Athena. I couldn't leave you out there in the forest."

Athena smiled back at him, feeling a warmth spread through her body. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him, but she wasn't sure if he felt the same way.

"Ardolf," she said, her voice shaking slightly, "can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Ardolf replied, his eyes locked onto hers.

"Do you feel it too?" Athena asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "This...this connection between us?"

Ardolf's eyes widened in surprise, but as he looked into her eyes, he knew that he felt the same way. There was something about her that drew him to her, something that he couldn't explain.

"Yes," he said finally, his voice barely audible. "I feel it too."

Athena's heart soared at his words, and before she knew it, she was leaning in, her lips meeting his in a gentle kiss. At first, Ardolf was taken aback, but as he felt her soft lips on his, he knew that he didn't want it to stop.

As they broke away from the kiss, they both knew that there was something special between them, something that couldn't be denied.

"Athena," Ardolf said softly, his eyes locked onto hers, "I don't know what the future holds for us, but I do know that I want to be with you."

Athena's heart swelled with love and affection. She knew that they were both on a dangerous path, one that could lead to pain and heartache, but at that moment, she didn't care. All that mattered was the warmth of Ardolf's embrace, the softness of his lips, and the love that they shared.

"Me too," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and emotion.

As they settled down for the night, wrapped in each other's arms, they both knew that their journey ahead would be a difficult one, but as long as they had each other, they could face anything that came their way.