Austin's POV:
From what I could see on the news, the conflict between werewolves and vampires was getting more
and more intense lately.
If I could just lead our troops and force those vampires back, I figured that the elders’ attitude towards
me might lighten a little.
"Wait, Austin!"
As soon as I finished speaking, Caroline clutched my hand nervously.
"Don't be so rash!"
"I'm not, Caroline."
I shook my head firmly.
"I'm serious.This is the best way for me to prove myself.
If there's anything I can do to atone for my crimes, it's this; I believe it'll change the public's opinion of
me."
And I meant what I said.
Seeing Anthony defend me and Caroline, I was so moved that a lump formed in my throat.I had
committed heinous crimes, but Anthony still found it in his heart to forgive me.
How stupid I was in the past! How could I hate such a kind and open-minded brother? Seeing him
argue with the elders now, I wanted to go back to the uninhabited island lest I make things difficult for
Anthony.
Those stupid elders were all so stubborn.
Anthony was stuck between a rock and a hard place because of us.
While I didn't want to make any trouble for him, I still didn't want Caroline to live a hard life with me on
the island, let alone separate with my precious Alice.
Now that an opportunity presented itself to me, I saw no other way but to seize it.
If I! could make myself of service, then the stubborn elders might be willing to forgive me.
Sure enough, when I offered to fight in the front line, the crowd fell silent.
"Austin, are you serious?"
After what seemed like an eternity, an elder finally broke the silence.He stared at me with unfriendly
eyes.
"The border of the werewolves’ territory is in chaos.The vampires are more aggressive than ever.If you
rush to the front line, you'll be met with danger and disaster."
Of course, I already knew this.But I was a sinner.It was only right that I make it up to my fellow
werewolves and fight for my country.
"I'm aware of the danger.War is cold and ruthless, but I'm not scared.I want to concretely prove my
value through taking action.Even if I get unlucky and die on the battlefield, my bloodshed will not be in
vain.It will be my honor to die for the country!"
"Austin, no!" Caroline yelped.
"Don't do this.Let's just go back to the island. It's not so bad there.I don't want you to put your life in
danger!"
"It's okay, honey.I have made up my mind."
I looked at her gently and shook my head.
"Austin, I'm sending reinforcements to help the endangered packs.You don't have to do this,"
Anthony said in a low voice, and I could see the worry in his eyes.
"Don't try to stop me, Anthony.I'm determined this time." I smiled at him reassuringly.
"Don't worry.I will come back safe and sound."
"Well, then I support your decision."
Anthony and I exchanged glances and smiled slightly.I could see that he appreciated what I was doing.
"But it'll be really dangerous on the battlefield..." Caroline said slowly, still wrought with worry.
"Caroline, don't forget that Austin was once a soldier who had gone on many expeditions with our
father.He has rich combat experience and I believe that, with his skill level, he's qualified to be the chief
commander.If he returns victorious, it will be a great achievement.I believe that by then, everyone will
agree to end Austin's exile,"
Anthony comforted her softly.
"But Mr.Jones, we can't trust this sinner.What if he betrays our country?" an elder interjected.
"We can't forget that this guy once plotted against the previous king!" I gritted my teeth and turned my
head away guiltily.
What he said was true.I was a traitor.I had no words to refute him.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Caroline, who had gone pale ever since I spoke up, stepped in front of
me.
She shouted, "I can guarantee on my life and Alice's that Austin will never betray us.I am willing to sign
an agreement; If Austin betrays our country, my daughter and I will be executed as an apology!"
I was stunned and looked at Caroline in sheer disbelief.
Suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes.My Caroline! She must've loved me so much that she was willing
to lay down her life.I swore to not let her down.
"That's actually a good idea.At least, in this way, we can pin him down."
The elders broke into discussion and, from what I could hear, they supported Caroline's proposal.
Then, Primo turned to us and announced, "Since Caroline says so, we have no objection.Austin can
lead the army to fight the vampires."
I turned to look at Anthony and said, "Anthony, let me do it.I swear I won't betray you!"
Anthony looked hesitant.
"But I don't think it's appropriate to use the lives of Caroline and Alice as a guarantee..."
I knew Anthony was considering their safety for my sake, but the elders were too stubborn.
We had no choice.
This was our best option.
Seeing that Anthony was in a dilemma, I got on my knees and started to beg.
"Please, Anthony! Don't worry.I'll be back safe and sound.Caroline and Alice will be fine, too!"
Anthony hurriedly helped me up and looked at me with a complicated expression.
Finally, he sighed and nodded slightly.
"Okay."
Caroline's POV:
Seeing Austin kneel before Anthony, I couldn't help but burst into tears.
My Austin! Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that things would turn out like this.
Austin was a brave man.
He had made mistakes in the past, but he was more than willing to risk his life to atone for his sins.
While I was deeply touched by Austin’s resolution, at the same time, I still didn't want him to put himself
in danger.But now that things had come to this, ! could do nothing but stand by Austin’s decision
Seeing the determined look on his face, I realized I didn't want to run and hide behind the palace walls
like a coward.
"Anthony, please let me join Austin at the front line!" I shouted loudly and knelt down in front of Anthony
as well.
"I'm also a fighter.And most importantly, I want to fight alongside Austin."
"Nonsense!" Austin suddenly grabbed my hand.
"Quit messing around, Caroline.Stay in the palace and wait for me to come back."
Tears rolled down my cheeks freely now.I shook my head desperately.
"No! I'm coming with you.I can't lose you.Austin, if you die, we will die together!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Austin glared at me angrily.
"I'm not going to die.I'm going to live for you and Alice!"
Although Austin's response was aggressive, his words choked me.
"No, Austin—"
"Caroline, you have been spoiled since you were a child.There is no need for you to take such a
risk.You should trust that Austin will come back safely."
Anthony's low voice sounded from above me.I looked up at him in surprise.
"He's right, Caroline.Don't be silly.Alice needs you!"
As she spoke, Jennifer pulled me back on my feet.I gnawed my lower lip and suddenly came back to
my senses.She was right.I had to take care of Alice.
Thinking about my precious daughter, I stood up dejectedly.
"Then it's settled, honey," Austin said, with a gentle smile.
"Let's go have dinner.You must be hungry."
With that, the crowd stopped making things difficult for us and started to disperse.We all filed into the
dining hall and settled into our seats at the long table.
The food was already served, and we began to eat.
Jennifer poured wine for everyone at the table.
"Everyone, let's toast to our hero.Austin, we wish you a safe trip."
Anthony raised his glass and cried, "Cheers!"
I held back my tears and raised my glass as well.
"Don't worry, honey.God will take care of Austin."
Elizabeth looked at me sympathetically and patted me on the shoulder to comfort me.
"The vampires’ attack isn't that strong yet.I think Austin will be able to handle it with ease," Anthony
added.
Austin gulped down the red wine in his glass and turned to me seriously.
"Caroline, don't worry about me.I know what I'm doing.Plus, it isn’t a full on war yet.I won't let the battle
get out of hand." I nodded.
"I know, honey.I'm proud of you!"
"If necessary, I'll personally go to you to support you," Anthony said to Austin with a nod.
"No need.You're the king and the backbone of the werewolves.We can't put your life in danger."
Austin shook his head adamantly.
At this, Jennifer stood up again and said, "Austin, I'd like to propose a toast to you again.Thank you for
being willing to help the werewolves."
I looked at Austin silently and felt proud.
‘My man is such a hero! Austin, you'll better come back safe and sound! Alice and I will be waiting for
you!’
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