46. Yield

As Ned lay there, his thoughts wandered to his palace, filled with his prized possessions. Every night, he would admire them, reliving memories of riding and shooting arrows with his brothers. What he missed most was the cuisine prepared by the royal chef, a woman who doted on him and always sneaked him delicious treats, keeping them from his brothers.

The mere thought of it made Ned's heart ache, and he found himself yearning to break free from his imprisonment, to burst out of the cave and shout to the world, "Let me out! I want to leave this horrid place! I want to go home!"

As a werewolf, Ned's senses were heightened, and he was immediately alerted by a rustling sound in the trees. "Who's there? Come out and don't hide!" he barked.

A red-cloaked female werewolf emerged from the shadows, carrying a basket. She approached Ned cautiously. "Don't be alarmed," she said, "My name is Loba. I am the medic of the wer