Behind the Mask | Garroth x Reader

| Party Thirty Six | Rescue Request |

I was wrong before. Life was simple in my home village. Slow and difficult, but simple. Brightport and even the wolf tribe have had their share of chaos as well.

Opposing werewolves had attacked their tribe, resulting in injuries for many of the werewolves. Brightport is currently under O'Khasis ' control. And I had no idea this was where the portal that Lady Aphmau and Laurance had entered was.

I let out a sigh and sit on the edge of the cliff looking over the plains. Exhaustion was starting to take a toll on me. After treating Kiki so she could help Bodolf, I helped tend to any illnesses and wounds I could while Lady Aphmau took care of the fires and patchwork repairs. We had spent the entire day moving nonstop to help where we could so Kiki could focus. I did offer my help, but they didn't trust me as well as they did Kiki, which is to be expected.

I let my mind start to wander as I stared out at the sunset. What if I get to go back to that quiet life? Knowing who Garroth is, I doubt our lives will ever be quiet. I stiffened for a moment when I realized that I've already begun to subconsciously make plans for a future together. A happy thought, one I hope I will get to see come true.

I go to stand up, but movement in the plains caught my eye. Sure there were some wild horses, but these were people. Knowing that O'khasis has been pretty strict and there was just an attack by another wolf tribe, I wasn't expecting to see anyone.

"Someone help!" The words were soft, but I was still able to hear. I quickly turn and spot Lady Aphmau on the roof of a house.

"Lady Aphmau! There are people down there. They are calling for help." She immediately turned her head to me and followed my hand to spot the people approaching from below.

"Don't move from here. I will check it out." His voice was low and as she left I caught a glimpse of her hand resting on her sword. I was glad to see she was staying alert, even if it seemed safe here. I do as I'm told and watch her from a distance.

When she approaches, one of the figures collapses in her arms. She didn't reach for her sword, but instead held the figure and seemed to be comforting them instead. After a moment of talking Lady Aphmau points up towards me and starts to lead them up a safe path off the cliff. I peer over curiously and spot Donna clinging to Lady Aphmau, and a man behind them, but it isn't Logan.

"My Irene, Donna!" I wave and offer a hand to help them over the edge. Without any hesitation, Donna hugged me tightly. She was a bit thinner than when she left for her honeymoon, and she had fading wounds. "What happened? Where is Logan?"

"Captured. He gave himself up so Donna and I could walk free. Donna mentioned she had friends who could help free him. I promised to watch over Donna until he could return to her side."

A man dressed in a tattered uniform with no crest and two crimson swords on his hips. He looked young, at least younger than me, maybe more Lady Aphmau's age. He shared the same glimmer of hope, though there was something else hidden away behind those eyes of his.

"And you are?"

"Dante. Please, I owe Logan my life for helping both of us." He turns to Lady Aphmau. "We need to save him."

I let out a small sigh and look down at Donna who still has yet to let go of me.

"You need rest, and food. I'll find a place for you to stay." I pull away from Donna, taking her hand and making my way through the tribe to find an empty hut for her to stay in.

"I saw the look in Lady Aphmau's eyes. She is going to save him." Donna whispered with a faint smile tugging at her lips. Lady Aphmau acts as a beacon of hope for us all. Donna has seen it twice now, and I know she has full faith that Logan will come back safe to her now. "He is hurt though." She squeezes my hand. "Will you go to help him? Please?"

I pull Donna into the room and sit her down at a table to properly rest. "What kind of aspiring doctor would I be if I turned away from helping one of my friends?" I give her a reassuring smile and turn my attention to gathering something easy on the stomach for her to eat. "I'll gather some supplies and speak with Lady Aphmau, I want you to focus on recovering. That way Logan isn't so worried when he returns." She silently nods and accepts the small plate of food.

---

I'm sorry Garroth, I'll be a while longer.

It didn't take much convincing for Lady Aphmau to set her sights on getting Logan back home safely. Before I could even ask to join, she asked me if I'd be comfortable joining. One look at my packed bag and she knew I was just as determined.

The wolf tribe has so many patches of plants around to use. I might have to make a trips out this way to refill my storage. Who knows what I could make that might be useful. Maybe the werewolves will be able to share some of their knowledge with me. Though I don't know if they would be willing to share much with a stranger. That's a problem for another time.

I hold my hands on Lady Aphmau's waist to keep myself upright. The wolf tribe had two saddles for us to use, and I wasn't going to ride with a man I didn't know, nor was I going to make Lady Aphmau. It is a bit different from riding with Garroth. I can actually see over her shoulder. She rides at a bit of a faster pace with ease, keeping us both steady while leading the way.

Dante had us change into warmer clothes before we left, knowing we were going to have to travel through the snow. It didn't snow much in my hometown, so the cold was never something I was accustomed to. But the cold nipping at my skin isn't bothering me as much as it had in the past. The moment I try to imagine why, I recall gentle touches and cool embraces.

"Y/N, you're a little flushed. Are those clothes a bit too warm for you?" Dante leaned closer to catch a glimpse of my face. I quickly look up and shake my head.

"I'll be fine. I'm just getting used to the cold." I keep my attention on the sky as we ride to try to get my mind to focus on anything else. A bird flew overhead so far above I couldn't even tell what it was. I put my trust in Lady Aphmau and Dante as we ride on.

Don't worry Logan, we are on our way.