The natural world was alive with activity as the sun rose, casting its warm light across the serene sky. Dewdrops quivered on the edges of leaves, both on the grass and in the trees. Even inside a dark forest cave, shafts of sunlight found their way in. Wildflowers bloomed in brilliant colors, and the arc of clouds slowly shifted across the sky. The air was filled with the sweet songs of birds and the fragrance of tender grass.
On top of a massive rock, overlooking the flowing river, lay Liam. He had been lying there for nearly ten hours, unconscious and helpless. His right leg was badly wounded, causing him to feel both physical and emotional pain. Despite the beauty of his surroundings, Liam felt despair creeping in as he struggled to survive.
Liam's howl last night pierced the night, a desperate plea for help that went unanswered. His pack had abandoned him in his time of need, leaving him to face his tormentor alone. The bitter realization set in that he was truly alone in the world, with no one brave enough to come to his aid. Maximo, the terror of the Wildfang Shadows, had instilled such fear in the hearts of Liam's pack that they dared not cross him.
Liam clung to the edge of a cliff, his only hope of survival. But even that hope felt fleeting as he sensed the hunters closing in on him. Their presence was familiar, their souls dark and twisted with greed. Liam knew what they wanted - his life, his pelt, his very being. With a heavy heart, Liam braced himself for the inevitable, knowing that his fate was sealed.
Over time, Liam's ears began exhibiting signs of movement, and his spirit grew increasingly alert and awake. Slowly, he opened his eyes, grateful to have regained consciousness despite feeling weak. With the thought that someone might spot him, he quickly shifted into his human form, revealing his bare body lying atop a massive rock. His leg was bleeding, and he had no idea where to turn.
Despite his best efforts, Liam found himself unable to stand, his body drained of strength. Gasping for air, he desperately gathered what little energy remained within him, attempting to rise and leave the area, only to falter and fall once again.
As he lay there, gazing up at the tranquil sky above, he let out a sigh and allowed the chill wind to wash over him. If only it were night, he thought, he could remain in his wolf form and search for a suitable cave to seek shelter in.
Liam's thoughts wandered to Keiran, a city-dweller he had once encountered. Despite his current predicament, Liam couldn't help but wonder if Keiran might stumble upon him in this desolate place.
After all, Keiran was known for his insatiable appetite for exploring the unknown. Liam quickly dismissed the notion as frivolous, reminding himself that he had previously forbidden Keiran from venturing into these woods due to their inherent dangers.
It was a truth that Liam knew all too well. With nothing left to lose, he longed for nothing more than to regain his full strength and power once again.
He sat and examined the wound on his leg. Blood was flowing profusely, causing him intense pain as he gritted his teeth while attempting to touch it. He began contemplating how to extract the bullet lodged in his flesh. Suddenly, he rolled over to his left and plunged into the water, submerging himself completely. The water was deep, but Liam summoned all his strength and swam, allowing the river's current to carry him toward the water's edge.
Taking a deep breath, he tries to crawl away from the edge of the water. Determined to leave, he stops and searches for a sharp stone. He knows it will be painful, but his goal is to remove the bullet lodged inside his wound.
He breathes in and out ten times, mustering his courage. Finally, he clenches his leg and presses on the wounded area, lacerating the head of the wound. He clenches his fist, wanting to scream out in agony as the blood trickles endlessly.
With trembling hands, he inserted his index finger into the wound, searching for the small bullet head lodged inside.
“Fuck,” he mumbled through gritted teeth, as the pain intensified.
He pulled his finger out of the wound, leaving behind an intense throbbing sensation. The wound had widened due to his earlier attempt at removing the bullet. Despite the excruciating pain, he inserted his index finger for the second time, wincing as he probed the wound. Finally, he felt something hard and jagged and pulled out the head of the bullet, relieved yet still in intense pain. He dropped his body to the sand again and looked up at the sky.
Liam's sight gradually dimmed, and the anguish emanating from his wound persisted, drawing him into a state of distress. He shut his eyes, and his tears trickled down his cheeks, while his left hand exerted pressure on the wound, which was now drenched in blood. He fought to contain it, hoping to regain control. In an ideal world, he would have ventured into the forest to locate some medicinal herbs to staunch the bleeding.
Abruptly, he snapped his eyes open as a presence loomed over him. A vest came hurtling down onto his torso, and he promptly draped it over his chest, concealing his front. He couldn't take his eyes off the man.
“C’mon, I’ll help you stand up.  What's wrong with you?  Your wound is terrible.” His voice is full of concern as he bends down and helps him to stand up.
Liam whimpers feeling the pain. Not just from his wound but from his chest. His heart was pounding so fast that and left a sting.
"Where are you from?"
Liam was left speechless, his lips quivering as he struggled to respond to the man standing before him. It was a heart-wrenching moment for him - the person he held in the highest regard, the one who had been a significant influence in his life, now stood before him, oblivious to his identity.
Liam couldn't believe that Mr. Fergus, whom he remembered so vividly, had failed to recognize him. It was a cruel twist of fate that had brought them together under such dismal circumstances.
As Liam gazed at the old man, he recalled every aspect of his personality, from his benevolent nature to his gentle demeanor. Despite the overwhelming emotions that were threatening to consume him, Liam realized that he couldn't let this opportunity slip away. He had to make Mr. Fergus remember him, to acknowledge the deep connection they shared.
The old man divests himself of his outerwear and proffers it to Liam, a garment that descends to Liam's knees. The old man still fails to perceive Liam's true identity. "Thank you," Liam utters, his voice trembling with a mélange of emotions.
He longs to embrace the old man and express the depth of his yearning for him. He also harbors remorse for the day he departed from the old man's side, opting instead to remain in the forest and pledge his allegiance to the Wildfang Shadows pack.
They separated for one decade, even though Liam had a chance to see Mr.  Fergus every time the old man went out hunting, but the opportunity to talk with him and be with him is the thing Liam misses. 
Liam perceives a palpable barrier that divides them, one that is rooted in their inherent natures and the stark differences that underscore them. Despite this divide, Liam holds a deep affection for Mr. Fergus, who has acted as a paternal figure, rescuing and nurturing him throughout his formative years.
He wanted to tell him about life in the woods, his life as a werewolf. He wanted to ask Mr. Fergus about his life in the village, although he often visits the home where the old man raised him, he wanted Mr. Fergus to tell him a story about his life.
Liam shook his head, overcome with emotion, and finally succumbing to the urge to embrace the old man. Mr. Fergus's eyes widened in shock as Liam held him tightly, silently weeping into his chest. Memories flooded Liam's mind, recalling a time when he was only three years old, and Mr. Fergus would sing a lullaby to soothe him to sleep while cradling him in his arms. However, as Liam grew older, Mr. Fergus's absence became more pronounced, as he often embarked on hunting expeditions and spent less time at home.
“It’s me... It’s me.” He cried.
The old man still didn't get it.  Until his dear Liam, the jubilant child that Luna left to him sinks into his mind.  "L-Liam?"  He wasn't sure but he feels that it was his dear son.
"Yes, it's me."
“Oh, God, oh!” Mr. Fergus mumbled. “It’s you, I have been looking for you for a long time.  You’re a big guy now, Liam. ”  The old man cried and caressed Liam's back shoulder and he kissed his head.  He missed Liam, badly, and now they were reunited. “It’s been a long time, I hope you're okay. What's wrong with you?.”
"I'm alone now," Liam complained.  He's a child that often complained to Mr.  Fergus whenever his friends back then in the village doesn't include him in their game.  He often tells Mr.  Fergus whenever his playmates bullied him.
"No, you are not, I'll bring you back to the village."  He said and stepped back away from Liam.  “Please Liam, go home with me.  Ark Ville is peaceful and safe. ”
He shook his head.
"Why Liam?"  he cried.  "Why?"
"No, that's not what I meant, yes I will go back with you to protect Keiran and Ark Ville."
Mr.  Fergus was stunned.  "W-what do you mean? And, how did you know my nephew?"
“I knew him the day he stepped into the village and the night he went wandering in the forest.  He often explores the forest, I talked with him and forbade him to go back into the woods again. ”  He paused for a breath.  “Alpha Maximo blames you for his loss, he wants you, but when he heard about Keiran, he forgets about you and wants Keiran instead. ”
Mr.  Fergus lightly massaged his forehead and gave a long profound sigh.  “Can you take me to Maximo?  I want to explain that it wasn't me who caused the death of his son. I can't do that, God knows. ”
"I trust your sincerity. However, it is widely known amongst the Wildfang Shadows pack that Maximo is a particularly vicious and ruthless Alpha, with rumors circulating that he may have once been feral. His son, Leonard, is set to succeed him as Alpha, and given that he is Maximo's only offspring, the elder wolf is undeniably very invested in his son's well-being and future. Fear not, for I vow to safeguard you, just as you have safeguarded me from the hunters. I shall do whatever it takes to ensure Keiran's safety, regardless of the cost."
Mr.  Fergus cried.  "This is all my fault, I shouldn't leave a killing trap back then. It was my fault." He cried.
“Don't blame yourself, you’re innocent of it.”
“Then, come with me, Liam”
“Yes, I will, but for one condition.”
“What condition, son?”
“Lie about my nature. Don’t tell Keiran that I’m a werewolf. ”
Mr.  Fergus nodded.  "I will tell no one,” then he asked about Liam's wound, asking where did he get the wound.
“From the hunters.” He deadpanned.
“The hunters from the other village,” he said with morosity in his eyes. "Those hunters from Freckeld..."
“I'm feeling okay now with your presence.”
“Let’s go, shall we?”
“We shall. Please, tell Liam that I am one of your tea workers.”
"Don't worry, he will remain unaware 'till he goes back to the city."
Supported by Mr. Fergus, Liam gingerly trudged ahead, occasionally coming to a halt when his wound began to seep blood. As they traversed the rocky terrain, Mr. Fergus patiently assisted Liam, helping him cross treacherous paths. At last, a broad grin crept across Liam's countenance as he beheld the village of his upbringing.