1 Prologue

Aubree gently picked up the injured wolf from the forest ground and carried it within her embrace. Blood flowed out of its wounds and soaked its silver-colored fur crimson red. The small creature trembled in the girl's arms, and she lightly stroked its head, as if to comfort it.

"I wonder what happened to you, to land you in this pathetic state."

She whispered to herself before turning around with the small creature still in her arms.

"Let's get you home."

And with those few words from her, the wolf slightly relaxed its body and cuddled into her embrace. The shivering slightly ceased as it let out a small groan before falling still...

- - -

The man suddenly embraced her and pressed her head against his chest. He wrapped his firm hands around her body and buried his face on her shoulder.

Without any hesitance, the girl pushed him away at full force and stumbled backward. She drew the sword that was originally attached to the side of her pants and raised it towards the man in one swift motion.

"Stay away from me."

Her deep voice resounded in his ear and he took a step away from her. The cold glare in her eyes was deprived of a single trace of warmth and the intense aura surrounding her warned others to back off. But no matter how he looked at her, he couldn't help but see the young girl in her. Her eyes and facial features gave her away, despite her being more mature now.

His disappointed eyes disappeared in an instance and were replaced by a gentle smile. He stretched out his hand towards her and stared straight into her warning glare.