Chapter 167

Isabella Martini - POV

I wrapped my arms around myself as the cold wind blew past me. The only companion in this dark forest was the occasional hooting of the howls. It's been more than an hour, and there was no sign of the warrior or Gael, and I was starting to get worried. 

Crack. 

My head snapped to the left when I heard another crack. It sounded like someone had broken a branch as I took a cautious step backward towards the border. I felt my heartbeat pick up while my palms began to get sweaty. 

"Argh!" I heard a mumble, and that sounded like a man. A couple of minutes later, I saw the warrior walk out through the trees. Gael was hanging onto him, and when they got closer, I felt my eyes widen in shock. Gael's face was swollen to the point it was hard to recognize him, his right leg was positioned at an odd angle as he dragged it with him. The clothes he was wearing were torn, and I could see the whip marks on his back and chest.