Chapter 15: 14

Chapter 14

"Not here," Amber murmured to herself.

When the villager disappeared out of nowhere, it took her a while to reaffirm herself that it was okay to come down.

She had witnessed many bad things go down in the last couple of years as a trainee, including the fatal injuries of River Severn's pack warriors that were sustained in the line of duty, so she thought nothing could faze her anymore—that she could stomach any gruesome scene this time.

Now, that argument was proven wrong.

Amber didn't expect that she would witness it one day, the act of cannibalism.

And it was only after a few more encouragements to herself that she got down the tree, and it wasn't easy.

She kept reminding herself that the man's disappearance was only temporary.

After all, it would be risky for him, and their entire village if the dead wolf's body were to be discovered lying around on an area not too far from them.

He will be back—she's sure of it.

Considering that he was able to make himself scarcely unnoticed, Amber needed to make sure first that her normal route was safe for her to take; that he wasn't in that direction, playing with flower petals, waiting to pounce on her.

"He's… nothing special."

When she said that, she wasn't trying to insult him.

The man smelled like a normal wolf.

Werewolves with a significant standing in packs have unique spiritual pressures, making their positions identifiable by whoever encounters them. But in his human form, the villager didn't even stand out that much.

No one would ever suspect that he was capable of doing such things, especially that she was a witness to how caring he was toward the children their organization had abducted.

It seemed to her now that everything was just for show.

Does that mean they're aware that their village is being watched?

Amber refused to jump to hasty conclusions.

She would only panic more, and her emotions would bring her peace of mind to ruin.

Her wolf sniffed around the area patiently. It agreed with her when she said that they shouldn't go back just yet without confirming the direction where he took off.

Not only was it dangerous for her, her thoughtlessness might also bring harm to the twins.

Amber was no martyr, but she was well-aware of the fact that it was her own doing that caused her to face such a situation.

Yes, she's concerned about Salt and Pepper's safety, but it doesn't mean that she's going to abandon all hope, and sacrifice herself here.

She's not that… sappy.

'Could you take a closer look at the young wolf?'

'No,' Amber firmly said. 'Let's not do that.'

'Are you that scared?'

'I'm disgusted by what the man did, and it's basic courtesy to not stare at the body of the dead. Those are my reasons.'

'I won't force you to speak of your real feelings this time.'

'I've been real from the get-go. Do you think it's safe for us to leave now?'

'It's hard to confirm where he went to. His scent, plus the stench of flesh have already mixed up—and it's all over the place.'

Amber hummed contemplatively. 'I agree.'

It would be reckless of her to leave without knowing anything, but at the same time, she must avoid staying in the area any longer. He could be back anytime, and things would get ugly if she had been discovered—not to mention she would be the sole reason why Salt and Pepper's hard work would irrefutably go to waste after this.

She doesn't mind getting punished alone for she's the one who started this, but if they're talking about collective responsibility… then she must not get caught no matter what.

She still has to try to avoid that at least.

'Shall we?'

'Yes.'

And by that, Amber and her wolf sprinted out of the area with a heavy heart.

Amber was sad that she couldn't do anything for the young wolf—that all she could do was watch, and cover her mouth in shock.

She had never felt so powerless in her life until now.

She knows life doesn't simply stop just because you no longer feel like going, but she's too heartbroken, angered by the idea that there are other forms of crimes in the world she's yet to see apart from that blood-curdling act.

And no matter how strong her desire is to put a stop to that crime right here, right now, she's not a god.

There's a limit to her capabilities, and to be almighty is still a far cry for someone as young and inexperienced as her.

Suddenly, she remembered Alpha Severus' words…

For her to be chosen by the Werewolf King, she has to be the 'strongest'.

Innate talents aren't all that. She needs to surpass her limits every day.

'You're distracted, Amber.'

'I'm not.'

'You were thinking about the pup, weren't you?'

'I feel like I need to avenge it somehow…'

'In your own way?'

'If that's possible.'

'And what about fleeting emotions? You were dead set against them, Amber.'

Amber's eyes mellowed briefly. 'This one won't be fleeting though.' And her voice held a note of unmistakable promise her wolf couldn't even refute.

Now, she's starting to see why the Werewolf King wants cannibals to die by his hands.

He has probably witnessed the act himself, too.

And this must be the feeling that he felt during that time.

Unadulterated rage.

Amber's knowledge of cannibals is limited. After all, it was beyond her expectations to meet one.

They're still werewolves, so silver will definitely work on them—though she's not sure if its potency remains the same.

It seems like after this mission, she will have to treat the library like her room once again.

'If I just can manage to injure him…'

'You couldn't stop thinking about him, could you?'

'The Werewolf King is one lucky person.'

'And your reason for saying that is?'

'He's absolute; the only being who's allowed to feel the joy of squeezing the life… out of a cannibal.'

Because if that's the condition to be able to kill corrupt creatures…

Then, she really needs to be the strongest.

There's no other path for her, is there?

'Watch out!'

Amber maneuvered her feet to make a quick turn to her side.

Her wolf was breathing heavily.

A flying machete just got hurled their way…!

What was that?

Where did that even come from?

She and her wolf remained frozen in their spot, watching their surroundings cautiously for any other attack attempts, and waiting for somebody to come out, and show themselves.

To be able to throw that machete… it must be a human's doing.

Are they hunting wolves?

Her wolf's eye color keeps shifting from brown and silver, swirling with dark malice. Amber doesn't back out from a fight, but there are more pressing matters than getting herself into a brawl.

She's willing to take on enemies of her level, but now isn't the time for that…!

She must not get carried away.

"So, that was you…?" A man had showed himself up.

And he was hiding behind a tree all this time, but it was too misty.

Amber missed the signs.

"What a lovely wolf you are…"

Amber ground her teeth in distaste.

It was the caretaker from the village…!

He was now wearing a different shirt.

Did he go back to the village?

For the machete…

Such dedication.

"I must admit, you were quite good at concealing your presence. You've managed to impress me, girl. If this uncle may ask, how old are you?"

A low, rumbling growl reverberated from deep within her chest.

He's trying to act all friendly now?

After what he did…?

Does he take her for a fool?

The man chuckled amusedly, and licked his lips wet while walking toward his machete. He looked so confident—he didn't even bother watching out for her wolf's movements.

Amber thought she would be at a serious disadvantage if she let him retrieve the weapon, so what she did was distract him.

How?

By moving.

By letting him think that she will not hesitate to go underhanded.

Like attacking him while he's not looking.

It seemed to be effective because his grin froze, and steps halted.

She just took one step forward to make him believe that she's not afraid.

But, in reality…

It just had to be one step.

She didn't want to get any closer.

"Aren't you brave, little one?" he taunted with a wicked glint in his eye. "It had never crossed my mind—getting tailed by a… younger wolf. So, tell me, how old are you?"

It was that question again.

Why is he so fixated on knowing her age?

Her wolf's snout wrinkled with the motion of her fangs being bared.

"Why are you so damn worked up!?" he yelled all of a sudden, his playful gaze turning hostile.

But… that was only for a moment because his expression softened shortly afterward.

Then, he smiled warmly at her. "Could you shift back for me? I have no intention of engaging myself in a fight, you see."

No.

Amber is certain that she can't outrun him in human form.

And he was trying to convince her with a lie, so that he wouldn't need to shift.

Because if he did that…

It would give her a head start.

His plan was obvious right from the start.

He was trying to prevent her from running away.

"No?" he asked, feigning sadness. "Don't you trust this uncle…? I won't hurt you…"

What's wrong with him?

Did he think she was going to buy that?

He literally hurled a machete at her…!

Had she been slower by a second, she would have gotten hit, and only God knows what could have happened to her next.

His face turned serious. "You've seen this uncle's bad side, haven't you?" He licked his lips suggestively, and it looked far more sinister now compared to what she saw earlier from a mere side view. "Everything."

'Amber…'

'I know.' But they can't turn their back to him, or else, he will afford the time to pick up his machete. That's what he's been waiting for.

His arms were very muscled.

And if he throws it one more time… it will certainly reach her.

Unless she could predict the timing, and where exactly it would hit her.

Which was, at any rate, impossible in this case.

"You wanted to attack me, right?" The man crouched down, and opened his arms, wide, for her. "So, why don't you come a little closer?"

He is fearless.

The fact that he is so carefree around a wolf while he's in a more vulnerable form means that he's used to this.

How long has he been doing this?

Are those pups his guinea pigs?

How… despicable.

"Don't make me come, and get you," he warned in a singsong voice.

'Stay calm. He won't get us.'

Amber refused to pull away from his rotten gaze. 'Let's pull back. I have a plan.'

His forehead knotted in confusion when she started walking backward. Each move was calculated as to not startle or provoke him into shifting, and charging at her mercilessly.

Right now, they were both wary of each other.

The villager was especially rattled—of course, in fear of his secret finally being out in the open.

He wouldn't want that—and addiction played a part in his character.

According to the higher-ups, their bogus organization started its operations approximately eight months ago.

But…

That couldn't mean he wasn't a cannibal until recently.

Because if they had come to the point of scamming legit packs in the region without worrying about the consequences, then they probably reached the point of no return.

The addiction.

Meaning, they've been at it for a while now, and turned more desperate… greedy.

"Aw, come on. You're doing the opposite of what I'm asking you." Irritation crossed his features, but it was gone in an instant. He did it again—changing his mood frequently. "Don't be difficult, little one."

That deceiving smile of his…

Amber wants to rip it off his face.

'Composure…' she reminded herself. 'Compose yourself.'

The man was actually goading her.

He needs her to be out of control, so it will be easier for him to seize her.

After all, the most formidable enemies are the calm ones.

As long as they don't get swayed by emotions, they have the upper hand.

When he realized that she was not going to listen to him no matter what, he stood up, and began approaching her—resolute.

It looks like she has exhausted all of his patience, and playtime between them is now over.

His gaze on her was predatory, it was almost… mind-numbing.

Amber could not think of anything else aside from the fact that she was staring right into the eyes of a cannibal, a murderer, and most of all, a potential kill.

He's the kind of werewolf who deserves a slow, agonizing death.

Not the innocent ones.

Not the pups…!

Amber was planning to shift.

She already knew the dangers it posed, but it was a gamble she must win.

It was clear that they were trying to outsmart each other, and at this rate, there wouldn't be an end to it. The creature before her is more experienced, and she's no match to his physical strength, his overall physique.

She has to remember that he is not just a simple man, he's a cannibal.

And he must have a reason for that choice.

However…

Amber is not in a position to understand him—to understand that sickening choice.

And even if she is, she will never understand his desire to hurt other people.

Because of what?

Insatiable hunger?

She will condemn him on his actions.

Amber lost count of how many times she had to swallow inwardly.

What she's about to do will probably get her scolded—criticized even.

She would be putting her life on the line, and not everyone had guts to do that.

But… arrogance wasn't what pushed her to dance like a fool in front of this werewolf.

It was desperation.

Sheer will.

If working smarter doesn't work for her…

Then, all she has to do is play harder.

Amber brought a flare with her, and it was strapped around her wolf's body. She actually carries an antidote for silver poisoning just in case, too, and it is inside a small box attached to the flare.

Once she has shifted back, she will use it like a decoy grenade.

She just needs to polish her acting.

Make him think that it is real.

"You've got your tail between your legs now," he mused nonchalantly. "You don't wish to do this anymore, don't you?" The villager lifted his brow at her. "Why don't you shift back? I'll keep our talk short and simple. Let me just confirm something. Can't we act the civil creatures that we are?"

Even with the reassuring message, he still couldn't hide the underlying motive in his gentle tone.

This must be how he tricked the other young wolves, right?

But…

That was all she needed right now.

To hear him make another request.

So, when she finally shifted back, it threw him off. He looked puzzled—as if he was trying to figure out what changed her mind all of a sudden, what made her pay some regard to his insincere words.

Amber took that opportunity to pick up the item on the ground, and tossed it his way, her expression marked by eager anticipation.

She had to make it seem like it was going to explode, so she looked at him with a triumphant smile.

The man looked alarmed after realizing that he'd been had, so he scurried to the opposite direction without any hesitation.

He really looked ready to let her go just so he could take cover, and save himself…

So, while facing his back, Amber rushed to the side where the machete was, and picked it up.

And it was heavier than what she expected…!

But she had been lifting weights, too, as part of her kickboxing training menu.

She should be able to carry it with her for quite some time before her muscles gave up.

Though it seems like she won't be able to do that because the man has finally come to his senses. The explosion should have taken place within a few seconds, but nothing happened.

And now, he stood several yards away, looking so livid.

His pride as a wolf was tarnished.

A child just made a complete fool out of him…

How could this be?

He snickered bitterly. "You're good."

Amber shook her head. "No, I'm not…" she let the words hang before she continued, "you're just… that bad."

His face reddened in humiliation. "You…"

"Surrender yourself," she cut him off. "I guarantee that my Alpha won't touch you." It was not a bad offer. If she explains to Alpha Severus that this man did not try to harm them, he will send him straight to the Midlands for his Capital punishment.

Alpha Severus won't give him the time of day.

However, it could take a turn for the worse once he learned the truth.

The Alpha can get very personal at times…

He will never let this man leave for the Capital unscathed.

"Could you repeat that for me please? The one that you just said." The man pointed to his ear, wincing. "You see, I am a bit deaf to the left."

Even if he was clearly messing with her, Amber didn't hesitate to say that again. "My Alpha won't touch you."

This time, he stifled a good laugh. "And what made you think I'm scared of them?" he asked with a curious smile.

The way he phrased that question as if he needed a reason to feel the same way as others somewhat befuddled Amber.

Is he real?

"You look bothered," he pointed out after a while. "Does it feel new to you? To be asked such a question…"

He is not bluffing.

Amber could say that at the very least.

But…

Should she drop names then?

"I can't exactly tell whether or not Alpha Severus is a magnanimous person." She looked him in the eye. "Please yield."

Finally, she got some reaction from the man—his gaze wavered for a second.

And it was because of the specific mention that she made.

"Severus?"

"Alpha Severus," she corrected. "It appears to me that you know him."

The man smirked at her dangerously. "Are you threatening me, mutt?"

All of a sudden, Amber began to consider that being shallow shouldn't hurt sometimes.

At first, she actually thought that given his age, she should still mind her manners, and refrain from speaking so downright rudely.

But what she can't accept is… a lowlife like him actually called her 'mutt'?

"It's not a threat but a leeway," she replied, her voice strained. "Though I think I've been too generous with that offer." Amber tightened her grip on the machete. "I've changed my mind. Please don't surrender. Just… get caught."

His jaw ticked. "You should work on your communication skills. They can get you in big trouble, girl."

She was starting to get on his last nerve, and Amber thought he deserved it.

He deserved to gnash his teeth in anger, not being able to do anything.

He deserved to be insulted right to his face.

He deserved the hate in each and every word that she spat.

"I don't mind," she stated warily. "Trouble and I get along."

On one of her heart-to-heart conversations with Alpha Severus, he once opened up to her, and said that she was a trouble-magnet.

No, she wasn't the one who loved causing troubles, but instead… troubles pined after her.

And he reasoned to her that, perhaps, the universe was challenging her—that it could recognize her abilities, and wanted to test her.

Amber had no idea what he was talking about, but that time, she could feel the sincerity in his voice—that he was just as confused about what he was saying.

The Alpha was not blaming her for all the headaches that she caused him though.

"You are too young to be conceited," the man remarked. "I suggest you stop provoking the person before you too much."

"I didn't know there was an appropriate age to puff up myself with conceit…" she mused.

Ah…

She couldn't just shut her mouth.

She needs to get out of here right now.

But first, she needs to take care of the machete.

She has to make sure that he won't be getting his hands on it anymore.

The cliff…

The villagers must have been avoiding certain locations here because they're too unsafe for them—and not just that… they're probably worrying for the pups, too.

They wouldn't want to lose even one of them, would they?

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After all, their organization is thriving at the expense of those poor children.

They're their source of income… and food.

"Thinking of a way to get away from me?" The man shook his head, feigning sympathy. "Good luck."

Amber is positive that she can—and she will.

But only on the premise that she's not handicapped.

Taking on her human form is already putting herself at a disadvantage. Her chances of losing him are higher when she's in beast form.

And right now, those chances are leaning more toward the losing end.

It goes without saying that his strides can cover twice the distance as she can.

Amber couldn't care less about his wolf. His heavier body constitution shall be her lifeline.

'Your contingency plan.'

'That's where we're heading.'

'You can never outrun him without shifting. Drop the machete, Amber.'

Her lips quivered. 'I… I can't.'

'You must.'

'And what if he uses it to harm more wolves?'

'You'll just have to make sure he gets caught then.'

Amber felt conflicted.

It is true that the machete is just going to impede her, but for some reason, she can't let go of it.

'I'll run with this.'

'You…!'

The villager was amused by the scene before him. The girl's expression told him everything—that she was communicating with her wolf, and they were onto something.

He could not help but wonder… what kind of vain plan was it?

He was dying to find out.

He craved to be humored.

He likes it when young wolves think they've got fangs.

It will be more fun to play with them… keep their hopes up… and shatter their dreams by the end.

'I don't know how she was able to follow me, but that ends today.'

'Her grip on my machete, too…'

It is so damn obvious that she won't give it back even if he tries to coax her.

He has to admit that she is clever for her age.

Too clever, actually.

If she were some other werewolf… she would have fled from the first sight—but she didn't.

Instead, she stayed, and even became a form of entertainment for him.

'I mean, who does that?'

Can't she see that she won't stand a chance against him no matter what?

Her threats earlier…

How much of them is true?

She even used a famous Alpha's name to scare him.

That Alpha was far from stupid though.

Why would he let a young wolf step outside his territorial land?

Did he send her out on a mission?

Ha.

So, they are out of decent pack warriors now?

'Unbelievable. This is too absurd.'

He was too engrossed in his funny thoughts that when he looked up, the girl was no longer at the spot where she was standing literally just seconds ago.

'What…'

She bolted when he was not looking, and she took the weapon with her, too…!

He chuckled at that.

She's the most ridiculous person that he has ever met.

She thinks she can actually do this without sacrificing anything?

His maniacal laughter echoed in the forest, and after that… he chased after her.

'Ah, there's no better feeling than this…'

Personally, he prefers children who are sassy. He enjoys every second of taming them through ways unimaginable.

He gets off it.

Boring people will never understand the feeling of being on the edge of your seat every second of your life.

It lights up a fire in him—fire that's unlike any other.

Fire that can vanquish anything.

"What's with her pace…" the villager muttered to himself.

Does she really want to live?

Who runs in such a slow pace…?

"I'm coming to get you."

"No, you won't," she screamed back.

"How old are you?" he asked once again.

"Go ask my parents once you meet them up above!"

Oh?

An orphan?

And a real one at that…

Things are getting interesting…!

"You think they're with Selene?"

"No."

"Then, why did you say up above?"

"Why don't you try looking up?"

The man snorted. "Nice try. You can't play the same trick twice on me, little one."

Suddenly, she came to a halt, then faced him. "I just did though."

Hang on.

The machete…

It was no longer in her hand.

But where—

Amber thought she heard the loudest scream in her whole life that was made by a man.

Her Papa once showed him a trick that could fool any man so easily.

However, there are three conditions that must be satisfied first for the trick to become effective.

Amber was glad that she suddenly recalled it at the last minute of her conversation with the villager.

First, a weapon.

Nothing specific.

As long as it can inflict injuries on the other person, it is good to go.

Then, so, the first condition has been met.

She has the machete.

Second, the pace.

But this time, it must be specific to the weapon one is planning to use.

The machete is heavy. Once it gets thrown high up in the air, its weight will get pulled down by gravity in no time. Therefore, she needs a precise calculation for the pace she's setting for herself.

Once again, it shouldn't be the speed that's of benefit for her but the weapon—the machete.

So, she took off with a slower pace than usual.

It was risky because she might get captured instead, but her father, Cain Santiago, hardly made mistakes about these things. In a real fight, nobody ignores a weapon; it is quite the opposite, everybody goes for it.

And only the seasoned pack warriors know the real value of weapons in battles.

Amber still believes in her Papa after all these years.

Even though her memories of him are starting to fade away every passing day…

Third, a distraction.

And the perfect way to distract a person?

Talk to them.

The more personal it is about, the better.

That is why, she revealed the status of her parents without a second thought. She had been avoiding his question regarding her age the entire time, and then, she suddenly decided to share something more… intimate?

Of course, the man would be caught off-guard.

And he did not necessarily have to be stunned.

She just needed to throw him off for a second.

And she could use that second to press the attack.

And she did.

Amber let her arm to get used to the machete's weight, that is why, she didn't attempt to drop it. She needed to familiarize herself with it because it would help her determine the right amount of force she had to use once she threw it into the air.

And for her to make it happen, she utilized 'that' one second to place it in front of her body—a blind spot for the man.

Then, she hurled it upward.

An attack, specific to targeting the rear or the flanks.

That's what it was.

And the machete wouldn't have cut one of his toes if it weren't for his… cooperation. He made things possible for her, Amber felt like thanking him for that matter.

Yes, it landed right on the man's foot, what's what made him scream. He didn't see that move coming.

And Amber's hand… it's still twitching.

"Ah… damn it!" The villager let out a string of curses.

She clicked her tongue, and shook her head.

It appears that aside from acquiring herself the learning material about the existence of cannibals, she is going to need to work on darts, too—on how to get the bull's eye. She meant the weapon to hit him on the head.

It would have been over if she succeeded.

Good for her, she knew how to read the situation well.

It was impossible to finish him off when all he got was a missing toe.

Amber was on all fours.

At least, before she gave up possession on the machete, it was able to be of use to her.

She then wasted no moment, and ran. She bought herself some time, and it was enough for now.

A good warrior knows when to retreat.

The contingency plan her wolf was talking about moments ago was the leg-hold trap. She did set-up not just one, but three—and on different locations.

It was common sense that the man would chase after her when she saw the horrible things that he did.

Naturally, he wouldn't want anyone to speak of that.

And Amber was smart enough to realize what her plans and actions could bring upon her.

The traps were meant for the catching of their food, but she wouldn't mind using hers to stall an enemy.

Now, all she has to do is return to the hideout, and inform her teammates of her discovery. She lost her flare during that battle, and howling was not really ideal in this situation.

Flares are color-coded, and only the pack warriors of River Severn are educated of their meanings.

So, even if the villagers were to hear a flare shot, and see its color from the sky, they were bound to get in a state of confusion.

Amber is conscious of the fact that she has ruined the mission for the squad.

Something of this scale should already be out of their hands.

They are not supposed to touch anything not included in their scope.

The twins are going to be disappointed in her, but she needs to focus on the bigger picture. If the cannibal gets punished for his crime, then it is a success for everyone.

She's going to feel sad and guilty, but… that's the price she gets for getting involved.

Her actions may seem self-serving for now…

But at the end of the day, it is still the whole werewolf community that is going to benefit from the intervention.

Not her wolf.

And not her.

Amber never stopped running even when she felt like she was running out of oxygen.

Thankfully, her wolf was a good support, and very tenacious, too.

Her goal right now is to reach Salt and Pepper, alert them of the happenings, and fall back.

She's really hoping that she will be able to convince them with the last one though.

Pepper may be jolly as a person, but she's one to take her tasks seriously.

The Gamma Chief made it to the point to inculcate into deep within their bones the sense of responsibility of a true pack warrior.

This is their first official mission as a squad, and Amber knows that Sir Brandon is looking forward to a fruitful result from them.

The twins are just as competitive as her.

Asking them to consider everything null would be… too much.

Salt generally has his own timeline for when he wishes to complete things—and that goes the same for the tasks he is given. That is why, working with others isn't really his forte.

If he wants to end something now, he will really do it.

He won't wait for the others.

He refuses to allow them to influence his decisions, especially when it comes to deadlines. The word 'later' doesn't exist in his vocabulary.

So, his reaction will probably be more violent than Pepper's.

Amber is already expecting that, but… why?

Why is she detecting his faint scent in the forest?

Did he come here?

If he did…

What for?

Salt would never leave Pepper's side, especially during these times.

They're on an unclaimed territory, and that pretty much sums up everything…!

Amber stopped, and shook her fur swiftly to dismiss those bothering thoughts before she went back to speeding her way through the muddy paths. She didn't have to take the route to the high cliff all because she was able to make a run for it without getting chased right away.

If that man doesn't know how to perform 'scent isolation', he won't be able to find her—even if he has decided to follow the prints that her paws left on the soil.

Mud isn't pure water.

It has its own… smell.

And it largely depends on the elements surrounding the area of how it would turn out as a result.

Coniferous trees.

More than half of the forest was covered by them.

In addition to that, Amber can tell for certain that there's a waterfall around here that's yet to be explored.

Thud.

Thud.

Her ears pulled back in apprehension.

That should be 'him'.

It seems like he has finally gotten over his situation.

Losing one toe won't kill him—it is not enough to kill a werewolf.

Werewolves have exceptional regenerative abilities, but they can't grow back a body part that they've lost—or that has been severed.

They are mortals after all.

They have weaknesses, and they can't persist forever.

Amber thought she still had five more minutes before the man was composed enough to shift. It was common for their kind to lick their wounds to make them feel better.

Although, it is just for temporary relief, they still do rely on the mechanisms of their saliva.

'He's drawing closer.'

'Yes, he's fast.'

He's injured, yet he can catch up?

'Focus, Amber.'

'I don't have anything with me now,' she informed her wolf briskly. 'When we come across each other, a fight is inevitable.'

'You rely on material weapons too much.'

'He's a cannibal.' Her tone sounded somewhat… vexed. 'How am I supposed to gauge his real strength?'

Silence.

Amber can't possibly know the limits of a cannibalistic werewolf.

She just met one today, and deep down, she was still horrified by the numbing truth.

Amber doesn't think she can move on from that so easily.

Thud.

Thud.

Ah…

Her legs were already hurting as she pushed harder to break her limits. She feels like she's setting a new record of speed for herself again, but there's no way for her to confirm that in this situation.

Is this what the adults usually say… 'to run like a madman'?

And the only difference is that… the words 'to run like a mad wolf' sound better.

Her ears started ringing again.

'Please stop that!' she scolded her wolf.

'That wasn't my doing, Amber. That's just how your body is when it develops and grows.'

There must be pain.

Of course.

Amber would never forget such an important lesson. Her first shift which happened four years ago persisted for a little over an hour, and if it were to be compared to others', it was actually a lot… quicker.

But that moment, she was taught all kinds of pain she didn't think she'd make it out alive.

Therefore, she should already be used to the ringing in her ears by now.

However, her ears and her brains were a lot more connected than one could think. The ringing doesn't just hurt her ears.

It's torturing her head as well.

Thud.

Thud.

Even if she could sense the man's foreboding presence, Amber couldn't concentrate on him alone.

Not after realizing that Salt was indeed in the forest…

He came here?

Why?

Did he follow her?

Or there was an emergency back in the hideout?

Which one was it?

Thud.

Thud.

The man is closing in…!

Amber closed her eyes, and zoomed past the rock where Salt was hiding. She saw him behind it, ducking. Unfortunately, she couldn't afford to stop to greet him, and tell him everything.

If she did that, the villager might try to target him, too.

That is why, she had to pretend that she failed to notice his presence.

She would never knowingly bring harm to him.

Salt has no idea what they are dealing with, and it is certainly going to take more explanations than 'yeah, he's a cannibal'.

If only she still had the flare… she would have asked for a retreat order, so that they wouldn't decide to attack blindly.

That Salt wouldn't get the idea to follow them.

Three meters…

Two…

Amber dropped her body down, turned over her back, and went for a swipe.

The large body of the wolf was going to knock her down, and she would be at his mercy.

Her claws dug deep into his chest—wherein the wounds were guaranteed to scar for life.

It yelped in pain, and stayed back in the meantime, chest heaving.

Amber took this opportunity to push herself back up once again.

Then, the other wolf began circling her. It was acting like it wasn't the one who was injured in the first place.

And all of a sudden, it took a stance much lower than usual, and lunged at her. It was raging.

And it was so huge that dodging his attacks would be meaningless…!

So, she kept her front legs forward.

As an offer.

And there, she realized…

That men were indeed simple.

The wolf went for her leg, and bit down on it—hard.

Amber felt like tearing up, but she contained her tears.

Everything.

And no one was able to witness it again for years.

Her wolf's eye color swirling majestically with a hint of ruthless silver.

Amber popped her chest upward, her fangs elongating, and gleaming with untamable craze. Then, she leaned down, and went to tear at one of a wolf's greatest assets.

Its ear.

To be specific, its right ear.

He said he was deaf to the left, right?

'So, why don't we make it permanent this time…'

The wolf cried, and let go of her arm within a heartbeat.

And it kept screaming, thrashing, and crying nonsense that echoed throughout the forest.

Amber looked down at the sorry state of her foreleg. His saliva was still on it.

But it's okay.

It was a good trade.

An incapacitated arm versus a torn off ear that's still in her mouth.

'Are you satisfied?'

'Far from it. I'm still weak.'

'Then, why do I feel like you're smiling, Amber?'

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