The Lycan King's Fate Calling

Crystal's POV:

I looked down the moment I jumped off the cliff and felt somehow relieved. Fortunately, a lake was waiting for us down there. I didn't know how deep it was, but I figured it was better than literally falling into pieces.

I reached out, hoping to grab the corner of Rufus' clothes, but he fell so fast before I even got to prepare myself. I wasn't ready to take the leap. Rufus came into contact with the water with a loud splash and immediately passed out. He was unconscious as he sank.

I took a deep breath. It was now or never. I then landed into the lake as well and felt the water around me move away in a huge plash before engulfing me once again.

The lake was very deep. The cold water quickly permeated my clothes, and I couldn't help but shiver. But there was no time to get occupied in that sensation.

I scanned the lake to search for Rufus' sinking body. When I spotted him, I swam toward him and tugged him by his clothes.

The blood that gushed from his chest wound was immediately diluted by the lake water, dyeing it red. There would be no use if I panicked right now. I tightly took a grip of Rufus' clothes, pressed

an unconscious Rufus. I struggled hard but accidentally inhaled a mouthful of water. I

the best at swimming. Even when I was training for the military, I scored the lowest in that department. Still, that was then and this was

down to free my feet from the clutch of the weeds. It was not until I felt dizzy that I managed to successfully break free. Pushing myself to survival, I jumped out of the water with Rufus just in time before I expended the remaining bits of my oxygen supply. I wheezed, while dragging Rufus ashore. And then, I laid him flat on the stone and performed

that, his breathing became stable, but he was

waste, I carried him with difficulty

through the forest. I was aware it was dangerous, seeing as I was wounded myself and carrying another injured person to anywhere that would ensure our safety. The buzz the forest created one after another resonated. It was as if the source of those hums hidden in the dark were waiting for an opportunity to attack; if I showed an ounce of hesitation, those beasts would definitely pounce

to him right away, his condition might worsen. I needed to quickly find a place to hide. I quickened my pace, hoping to spot at

after walking about a mile, I found a cave hidden behind

that was taking its toll on me dissipated. I took Rufus into the cave as

Although a waterfall was plunging outside, the area it was concealing was rather dry. I