It was only when Hades reaches the border of the wolf territory that he realized a problem.
"How is your skill in stealth? Can you move without getting caught?" He transmitted to the young silver wolf at his side. He had no other way to communicate. The proud wolf barked at him in assurance and raised her head with a smirk, wearing a 'leave it to me!' Face.
Relieved, he moved with silent steps, crossing brush and trees without a sound. Without thinking, he moved along swiftly, he already had his next destination in mind.
He planned to head to the Divine Hall he caused a disaster in. There was something he wanted to try.
All he had to do was drop off this escort of his at the Chen sisters' place and-
He just realized something.
His steps stopped gracefully. Where did that wolf princess go?! He then remembered the words the wolf matriarch said before she left.
"The reason I'm sending my only daughter, is because I will know if anything happens to her. And if something does happen to her, a tracking mark will automatically bind your soul, so I can find you at any time."
He did not take the words to heart. He had thought it was just an insurance so he wouldn't try to settle their past grievances. But he realized something else now.
If he neglected the little princess, and she got into trouble, then the only result would be his head rolling.
Then he heard a commotion. Multiple sets footsteps could be felt through the earth. He hen heard some distant growls. Panthers. He knew he was near their territory.
What could they be chasing? Then something fearful crossed his mind. Could it be?
He quickly rushed silently toward the source of the scuffle.
The sounds were getting closer, they seemed to be coming in his direction. He knew what it meant.
Sure enough, a silver wolf leaped through the brush noisily. She was running in desperation as several panthers rushed through the brush in pursuit.
None noticed him due to his low presence and high stealth skill. He followed them quickly, and decisively leaped on a panther at the back of the pursuit.
He ruthlessly tore its throat out with his fangs before it could muster a cry for help. It died without suspense.
Without missing a beat, he continued to follow them. The other panthers didn't seem to notice their fallen comrade, as they were focused on chasing the silver wolf.
He caught up to the next panther, and this time wasted no time in sliding his claws down its side as he passed it.
The panther let out a cry of alarm, causing two panthers to run back, but Hades had already jumped at them.
He knocked one to the ground with this pounce and proceeded to tear out its throat before lashing his tail at the other attempting to pounce him from behind.
The blade flew past its neck, and the body went limp in mid air before falling to the ground.
There were only 3 panthers chasing the silver wolf now. But if the rest weren't taken care of soon, then others would gather.
Fortunately, panthers weren't naturally pack predators, so they didn't have the ability to make resonating roars like lions, apes, and wolves to call for help. If they were to forcefully unite, then they could only send one of their own to spread their messages.
It was for this reason that the only panthers pursuing the silver wolf were the few panthers who heard the commotion of the scuffle.
"Turn back and fight! There's only three now!" He transmitted to the silver wolf, who turned around and saw the diminished panthers. Delighted it stepped lightly, and rebounded toward one of the panthers.
They were shocked that the intruder wolf suddenly started fighting back, and the targeted panther was directly torn up by the silver wolf's attack. With a quick follow up It's throat was torn out, leaving two panthers.
No, one panther, Hades had just slain another one.
The last panther was flanked, and it quickly realized it's disadvantage and fled. Hades would not let it go though, he sprinted toward the fleeing panther, and soon caught up.
His jaws were already open as he leaped into he air, and landed atop the poor panther. Sharp fangs sunk into the panthers neck, and the panther began to wither.
It was Plunder, Hades was draining its blood. It wasn't big so it didn't take long. He finished quickly and rendezvoused with the silver wolf, who glared at him like it was his fault.
He glared back.
"How were you discovered, I thought your stealth was sufficient." It was phrased less like a question, and more like an accusation.
The silver wolf was indignant, and growled at him. She gestured at him accusingly, and tried to say something to him.
"You **** fault **** too **** fast ****!" He was able to glean broken pieces of her words. This was because he'd been focused on analyzing their language from his previous interactions with the wolves, and comparing them to the intent they portrayed and the abyssal wolves' language. It was difficult though, as the words he exchanged with them were few.
Fortunately she seemed to be good at charades, as she explained through gestures.
She pointed at him, made fast pacing motions whilst in place, then at herself, and made slower movements. He understood this, he also got that from the few words he could understand from her. She couldn't keep up with him.
She then made a surprise face, and increased her walk in place to a run in place. So she was rushing to keep up, and was thus discovered.
He suddenly realized another reason she was made to be his escort. In order to leave safely and quickly, he must teach her somethings so he can arrive back to the house in time.
He resolutely turned to the silver wolf.
"I will train you. Listen to everything I say. No questions. No mistakes." He decided to mentor her.