Sylvia's POV:
I struggled to balance Rufus on my back as I ran into the forest desperately, with pursuers close behind
me.
The sun was dipping in the horizon, and it started to drizzle, which only made it more difficult to run
along the perilous mountain road.I was soaked to my bones.
The rain fell relentlessly on the wound on my back, like tiny bullets, causing more severe pain.
Gritting my teeth, I did my best to ignore the pain and concentrated on finding a way out.
Just then, a strong gust of wind started blowing against me, bringing with it dead leaves and dirt.
Something went in my eye, distracting me from an obstacle in front of me.
I tripped and stumbled, rolling down the mountain slope.I held Rufus tightly in my arms and didn't stop
until I rammed into a big tree, knocking the wind out of my lungs.I gasped for air desperately.
Lying on the ground, I the wound on my back, like tiny bullets, causing more severe pain.
Lying on the ground, I found I couldn't get up.
The pain in my back was so intense that it felt as though my bones were broken and reshuffled.
I could hear the pursuers getting closer and closer.I braced myself and tried to get on my feet, but I fell
back on the ground.I couldn't even stand straight.I wanted to run, but Yana was completely exhausted.I
had no choice but to return to my human form.
The pursuers made it to the hillside above me.
If they just looked down, they would've seen Rufus and me.
Just as I was about to lose hope, a deafening wolf howl pierced the sky.
Then, a giant grey wolf with mixed fur showed up, closely followed by its subordinate wolves.
It was Rin! I cried out in pleasant surprise.
Rin glanced at me, wagged its tail and greeted me briefly.
Then it led the group of wolves to block the pursuers.
The pursuers seemed to be stunned and chaos broke loose.
"Where the hell did these wild wolves come from? Damn it! It's biting my leg! Help me get rid of this
wolf! "Help! We're outnumbered! We don't stand a chance!"
"Retreat! Retreat!"
"But what about Prince Rufus?"
"We won't be able to bring him back if we're dead! Retreat!"
The pursuers started running in panic while the wild wolves chased them away.
When they were gone, I heaved a sigh of relief.
Then I struggled to sit up and checked Rufus’ body for injuries.
Although I had carefully protected Rufus in my arms when I rolled down the slope just now, I couldn't
rest easy until I made sure he was okay.
At this time, Rin walked over gracefully.
I spared a hand and touched its head gently.
"Thank you, Rin.If it weren't for you, Rufus and I would have been taken away by those bad guys."
I smiled warmly.
I didn't expect that Rin would suddenly show up and save us.
Glancing around at my surroundings, only then did I notice that we were somewhat near the forbidden
forest.
No wonder Rin was in the area.
Rin pressed its big wet nose against my cheek like a spoiled child.
I smiled and relented, scratching its chin.
"It's been a while, Rin.You still look the same.So, how's your baby?"
Rin seemed to understand me.
It suddenly lay down on its back and exposed its belly, as if inviting me to touch it.
It was so adorable that I couldn't wait to touch its plump belly gently.
The baby in its belly was much bigger than last time, and from the looks of it, seemed very healthy.
After I gently touched its belly, Rin got back on all fours and nudged me again, asking me to pet it.
When I finally did, its tail waved like a tornado.
Then, Rin bit my sleeve and whimpered, as if it wanted to take me somewhere.
"Do you know a place we can hide?" I asked softly.
Although the pursuers had fled, it was only a matter of time before they came back with reinforcements.
Rin nodded in a reserved manner.
But then it glanced at Rufus with disgust and snorted.
It turned around and swept at Rufus’ face with its big tail, as though it was sweeping away some pesky
dust.
Then Rin looked up at me meaningfully.
I seemed to understand what Rin was trying to tell me.
It saw Rufus as a burden and wanted me to abandon him.
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