*Nemesia's POV*
As dusk approached, Athena and Ragnar stood at the edge of a clearing, their senses heightened and every muscle tensed for the hunt. The air was heavy with the scent of moss and early evening dew, a perfect camouflage for predators like them. They had tracked a sizable boar, a beast with tusks sharp enough to gore through the underbrush with ease. Athena admired the creature's brute force but knew it would soon nourish them.
Ragnar signalled with a slight nod, and they split up, moving into position. Athena circled to the left, her paws silent on the leaf-strewn ground, her eyes locked on the boar. The boar sensed danger and began to trot, but Athena was quicker. She lunged, her powerful jaws aiming for the hind leg to slow it down. The boar squealed a raw, primal sound that echoed through the forest, fighting back with wild swipes of its tusks.
Ragnar joined swiftly, attacking from the side, his black form a blur of motion. Together, they brought the boar down, their teamwork flawless. As they stood over their prey, Athena felt a surge of respect for the life they had taken, a necessary act for their survival.
While feasting, Athena shared her thoughts with Nemesia through their bond, reflecting on the raw beauty and brutality of nature.
"Do you see, Nemesia? This is life in its most honest form. It's fierce, and it's real," she thought, her respect for the wild life far from cosy royal attires and rooms growing... as well as her respect to this rouge wolf.
*Third person's POV*
The scene shifted to a dimly lit room, the air thick with the recent closeness of Melody and Marco. Melody lay wrapped in a thin sheet, her eyes reflecting a mixture of awe and devotion towards Marco. He sat at the edge of the bed, a satisfied smirk playing across his lips as he revelled in her adoration.
"Melody, you've shown me what it's like to feel truly admired," Marco said, his voice smooth, feeding into her longing for a protector. Melody's face lit up, her scars from past abuse momentarily forgotten in the glow of his attention.
She hesitated, then shared her painful past—how her own pack had mistreated her, leaving her body and soul scarred.
"But you'll protect me, right? From Nemesia and anyone else? And your bond with her, it's not broken. How can we truly be together if she's still connected to you?" she asked, seeking reassurance.
Marco's eyes hardened for a moment, thinking of Nemesia's strength and resolve, so unlike Melody's delicate naivety.
"Of course, my sweet. Nemesia will no longer be a problem. We'll make sure of that. We'll be unstoppable together, you'll see."
His words were a balm to her fears, yet they concealed his true contempt for Nemesia's power, a power that outshined him.
*Evar's POV*
As the night wrapped around our sheltered cave, I watched Nemesia tend to the fire. Her face, illuminated by the flickering light, showed traces of her earlier pain.
"So, that hurt you felt earlier while we were running... was he...?" I trailed off, not needing to finish.
Nemesia's jaw clenched.
"Yes. He was with her, just as we were hunting. I felt the bond twist, a pain sharp enough to cut through soul and sinew," she admitted, her voice reflecting the sharp sting of betrayal.
My gaze softened, but my mischievous nature sparked a risky thought. I leaned forward, my elbows resting on my knees.
"You know, there's a way to counter betrayal with betrayal... to balance the scales, so to speak." I locked eyes with her, gauging her reaction to my bold suggestion.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, a spark of interest flickering within them. Before she could respond, I continued, "There are many strong wolves among the rebels. Capable... and more importantly, willing to be of use to a beautiful woman, I'm sure." My tone was suggestive, deliberately leading.
"You're saying I should take a lover among the rebels?" Her voice was steady but her eyes were alight with a mix of shock and intrigue. It was clear I had struck a nerve.
"Not just any lover," I clarified, my voice softening. "Someone who can make you forget the pain, even if just for a moment. Someone who can help you regain your power over him." I paused, letting the words hang in the air.
She leaned in, her face illuminated by the fire, her eyes searching mine.
"And what about you, Evar? Are you offering yourself in this game of revenge?" Her tone was playful yet charged with an undercurrent of seriousness.
My heart raced at her directness. For a moment, I considered denying it, but the truth was in my eyes before I spoke.
"Would that surprise you if I were?" I smiled, a slow, knowing grin.
Our faces were inches apart, the warmth of the fire mirroring the heat building between us. She reached out, her fingers brushing against my cheek, her breath mingling with mine.
Just then, I leaned in, my whisper a velvet touch, "What do you want, Nemesia?"