The next day, Drew resolved to fetch some peaches for Felicity. However, with Holland keeping a close watch on him, he struggled to find a way to slip away unnoticed. After some contemplation, he decided to feign tiredness and claim he needed a nap as a cover for his escape.
Following a typical bout of playful training with Holland, Drew said, "Um, I'm feeling a bit tired; I think I'll take a nap." Holland raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical of Drew's sudden desire for rest, as he was well aware that napping was not a usual habit for him. Having spent time caring for the boy, Holland could easily sense when Drew was up to something.
Drew recognized that his excuse was weak, but it was the best he could devise. He retreated to his room and shut the door, planning to sneak out through the window. First, he needed to stay put and pretend to be asleep, anticipating that Holland would likely check on him.
He lay in bed, feigning slumber. As expected, he soon heard the door creak open, and Holland chuckled, "Looks like you really are tired," he remarked to the seemingly sleeping boy.
After a short while, Holland exited the room, allowing Drew to spring into action. He quickly got out of bed and approached the window. Although he hadn't yet shifted into his wolf but he was naturally agile and strong. He leaped down from the window, reminding himself that he only had ten minutes to make his move.
He sprinted frantically upon entering the forest, convinced he was nearly there. He continued running until he reached the eastern side, where a peach tree laden with ripe fruit stood by the lake. He dashed toward the tree, eagerly plucking peaches and placing them into his bag.
Everything was going smoothly; he had gathered a sufficient amount and slung the bag over his shoulder when, out of nowhere, he heard the snap of a twig. He froze, a thought racing through his mind: the bandits had arrived.
Quickly, he concealed himself behind the tree, hoping that whoever was there would not notice him and would leave. Suddenly, he felt a hand grip his arm, and he instinctively tensed, ready to defend himself. To his surprise, it was Holland.
"I sensed something was off when you mentioned wanting to take a nap," Holland said, his tone revealing his irritation. Drew exhaled in relief, realizing just how frightened he had been. "Felicity asked for some peaches," he added, prompting a smile from Holland. "You should have let me know instead of coming here alone; this area is perilous. Let's go." They started to walk, but Holland abruptly halted, sniffing the air.
Drew was puzzled by Holland's sudden shift in demeanor. "What's wrong?" he whispered, but Holland quickly shielded the young boy behind him. "I can sense you; come out," he called out defiantly. Instantly, a group of at least twenty individuals emerged, surrounding them.
Drew's eyes widened in fear. While Holland was strong, he knew he couldn't fend off so many attackers, especially while protecting the young boy. However, Holland had already sensed their presence and had mind-linked with Dominic, who assured him that help was on the way. He knew he had to do everything possible to delay these men.
A figure draped in a dark blue cloak stepped forward, his face obscured. Holland wondered if this was the leader of the rogues. "What gives you the right to invade our pack and act as you wish?" he demanded, shielding the young Drew. The cloaked man replied, "Just hand over the boy; we'll be done quickly. He possesses a powerful scent." As he advanced, Holland shouted, "Stay back!" He was prepared to shift into his wolf form, determined to protect the young pup at all costs. "You'll have to get through me first," he declared, transforming into a massive white wolf with striking black eyes, ready for battle.
The other bandits followed suit, charging at Holland, but he easily dispatched them; they were no match for his strength, despite their numbers. In the midst of fending off the attacking wolves, he failed to notice that Drew was being pulled away. The instant he felt hands on the young alpha, he lunged at the assailant, swiftly ending the threat.
The cloaked man remarked, "It appears you are quite formidable." As Holland continued to fend off the weaker wolves, a sudden awareness struck him, and Holland became dizzy, accompanied by Drew's terrified scream. "He's using magic; he's a witch!" they both realized, shocked at the presence of a witch, a being long thought eradicated due to their malevolent actions.
"Just surrender the boy without resistance, and we may let you leave," the cloaked man taunted, a sinister chuckle escaping him. Drew thought to himself that he had brought this upon himself and wished to spare Holland from danger. However, Holland had other intentions. He lunged at the cloaked figure, who vanished and reappeared behind him. "Look out!" Drew shouted, but it was too late. The witch plunged a sword into Holland's back, causing him to scream in agony as he reverted to his human form.
The cloaked figure drew his sword with a laugh, the young Drew collapses to the ground, clutching his head and murmuring a desperate "no."
Observing the warrior gasping for breath, the cloaked man turned his attention to the young boy. As he approached, he noticed a strange red smoke emanating from the child, prompting him to step back. This boy was no ordinary wolf, he thought to himself. Suddenly, the young boy let out a piercing scream of "NO," and the air around them grew intensely hot. Although there was no visible fire, the heat was suffocating. Realizing the danger, he shouted to his remaining men to retreat, fearing that the young pup might inadvertently cause his own demise.
One of his men warned "the warriors of the crimson pack are approaching" and they all fled, leaving the tormented young man behind.
When the warriors arrived, the heat was overwhelming. Alpha Dominic called out to his son, "Drew, regain your composure!" But the boy was lost in his own turmoil, unable to hear. "You'll endanger everyone!" the alpha shouted, yet Drew continued to clutch his head, repeating "no." In a moment of desperation, the alpha rushed to his son and struck him gently at the base of his neck, causing Drew to collapse. The contact burned the alpha's hand slightly, but the boy lost consciousness.
The alpha then sprinted toward where his beta lay motionless. "Holland!" he called out, but received no reply. Blood and a dark substance oozed from the wound on Holland's back, revealing that the sword used against him was poisoned.