After a while, Bennett decided it was time to leave, so he limped out of the wooden cabin.

The wolves that had been pursuing Ariana now approached him in scattered groups. They frolicked around him, tails wagging and bodies nudging affectionately as if they recognized an old friend.

“Good boys," Bennett murmured, stroking each of their heads as they encircled him playfully.

He had lied to Ariana. Bennett, in truth, had been their caretaker since they were mere pups. They were well acquainted with him.

The wolves had abandoned the chase of Ariana, lured away by Bennett's familiar scent.

The pack's leader, a notably majestic wolf raised personally by Bennett, nuzzled against Bennett's leg and tenderly licked at his wound.

Bennett caressed the wolf's forehead and inquired, "Where is she?"

The alpha wolf, sensing his intent, tugged at Bennett's trousers, urging him forward.

They soon arrived at a massive boulder, yet Ariana was absent-only her backpack and a nearly empty water bottle remained.

Bennett's heart sank with the realization that someone had taken Ariana away.

As he peered into the dense foliage, a stern resolve settled over his features.

He had only meant to tease Ariana, but things had escalated.

Now, he was determined to find Ariana.

Meanwhile, Ariana regained her senses, overwhelmed by nausea due to being carried by someone who was running.

She fluttered her eyes open and discovered she was perched on the back of an unfamiliar man clad in a white robe, which reeked of disinfectant so potent that it stung her eyes.

“Who are you?" Ariana blurted out, beginning to struggle. “Why did you capture me?"

The man remained silent, dismissing her efforts to escape as he continued to run.

Ariana searched her pockets for anything to use as a weapon but found nothing, not even a leftover cookie crumb.

“Let me go!" she screamed, thrashing and biting with all her might, yet her attacks seemed not to affect the man at all.

Exhausted and running out of options, Ariana resorted to threats. "Do you know who I am? You must have heard of Bennett Olson here. He's searching for me as we speak. If you don't release me, he'll make sure you regret this!"