Perhaps it was because my love for Arthur was so deeply etched into my soul that it gave me strength - that it steadied my hands. Or perhaps it was my sheer determination to see him healed that drove me forward, fearless in the face of anything. As Ashley was thinking, she quickly helped Arthur to wrap his wound. Arthur watched her, his throat tight with emotion - touched, aching for her, overwhelmed by the complexity of what he felt. In the end, all he could do was sigh. "Ashley... I dragged you into this. You've suffered because of me." I was supposed to keep the woman I loved safe and happy. But time and time again, I'd put her in danger. I was supposed to be her shelter from the storm - but I was the storm she faced. The thought twisted his heart. He hated his own helplessness, his inability to give her the peaceful life she deserved. At his words, Ashley's hands stopped. She looked up sharply, her expressive eyes blazing with determination. "Arthur Gray," she said, her voice firm, "don't you ever say that again." Arthur froze. It was the first time since we had a date that she had used my full name. The seriousness in her expression sent an inexplicable rush of panic through him. Ashley continued, "I chose to be with you. Willingly. Whether it's bitter or sweet, safe or dangerous, I want to face it all by your side. That's my privilege. My choice." Her unwavering words hit Arthur like a physical blow. Ashley had always been shy, rarely one to make grand declarations. But now I felt the full weight of her conviction. And suddenly I understood. Love wasn't just about giving - it was about meeting each other halfway. It was two people, hand in hand, determined to walk the same path, no matter how rough the road.No matter how many dangers lay ahead, neither of us would let go. We wanted to face it all together. A slow smile spread over Arthur's face. How lucky I was to have found Ashley in this lifetime. To know her, to love her, to keep her. Even if life threw us endless hardships, as long as she was by my side... Every moment would be worth it. Only when Arthur nodded obediently did Ashley relent and turn her attention back to his wounds. Most of them were claw marks from the wolves, along with the deep gash from Timothy's knife - now clotted, no longer bleeding. But the sight of them still made Ashley's stomach turn. Thank goodness Arthur had been quick enough to dodge. If that blow had landed... Outside, the wolves had been nearly wiped out. Their chief, cornered, had taken a bullet between the eyes from Waylen. With their leader dead, the rest of the pack scattered. Waylen didn't bother going after them. Right now, getting Arthur and Ashley on the helicopter was the priority - before anything else could go wrong. Knowing that Arthur's injuries were serious and that Ashley's arm had wolf bites, he didn't lower a ladder. Instead, he let the helicopter land again near the cabin. The ground outside was littered with dead wolves. Arthur and Ashley had watched the situation closely. Now that Arthur was mostly patched up, they saw the helicopter land. That could only mean one thing - the immediate threat was over. Without hesitation, they pushed open the cabin door. After one last look at the place that had been their refuge, Arthur tightened his grip on Ashley's hand, and they boarded the helicopter. … In Evergrand City Hospital, Arthur's and Ashley's wounds were professionally cleaned and dressed. Once bandaged, Waylen stood at Arthur's bedside and reported the casualties from the battle.Miraculously, no one but Timothy had died in the Mose Forest operation. Each member of the team had sustained injuries of varying severity and was now being treated by the hospital staff. As the briefing ended, Ashley's family arrived, along with Professors Hugo and Devon, who had rushed over when they heard the news. Nancy's eyes locked on Ashley the moment she walked in. "Ashley!" She hurried to the bedside and searched her daughter from head to toe. "How bad is it?" Her eyes welled up at the sight of the bandages. "Oh, my girl...does it still hurt?" Natalie and Spencer followed close behind, concern etched on their faces. Warmth flooded Ashley's chest. It had been a while since I'd seen Dad, Mom, and Sis. She shook her head slightly. "Just scratches. Don't worry."