**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 387 Final Round Part 2**
**Judy’s POV**
As I sprinted back to the arena, my body transformed into that of a wolf, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The scene before me was chaotic; I spotted Tabby fiercely engaged in battle with Chuck. The number of fighters had dwindled, and I felt a surge of determination. This was my moment to demonstrate my strength and skill. Chuck towered over everyone, a giant among us, while Tabby appeared almost delicate in comparison. Yet, she fought valiantly, wielding her sword like a seasoned warrior, using it as both a weapon and a shield against his relentless assault.
With every move, she demonstrated agility and precision, dodging his strikes and countering with impressive skill. I noticed the crimson lines of cuts marring her legs and torso, a testament to the ferocity of their clash. I couldn’t help but wonder if those wounds were inflicted by Chuck himself.
In a split second, she attempted to evade another strike, but Chuck anticipated her movement, his instincts honed from years of experience. Before she could react, he had her pinned to the ground, his sword raised ominously above her, his eyes darkened with malicious intent.
“Tabby!” I howled, a wave of panic washing over me as I witnessed her fear. She struggled to reach for her white flag, desperation etched across her face, but it seemed futile. Chuck was poised to strike, showing no mercy. My instincts kicked in, and I let out a fierce growl, launching myself at him. My canines sank into his ankle, eliciting a sharp yelp of pain from him.
He spun around, swinging his sword in my direction, narrowly missing me. I seized the moment, digging my teeth deeper into his flesh, refusing to let go.
Chuck tried to shake me off, but I was relentless, releasing another furious growl that reverberated through the arena.
In that moment of chaos, Tabby managed to wriggle free from Chuck’s grasp and grasped her sword once more. Instead of attacking him with the blade, she swung the hilt with all her might, striking him on the hand and sending him stumbling backward, a painful welt forming on his forehead.
Finally, I released my grip, tasting the metallic tang of his blood that stained my fur. My body was still charged with anger, and I bared my teeth at him, ready for whatever came next.
Without warning, Chuck shifted into his massive wolf form, his injuries seemingly forgotten as his body healed itself rapidly. He lunged at me with renewed ferocity, pinning me to the ground. I was caught off guard for a brief moment, but I quickly snapped my jaws at his face, managing to clamp down on his neck. I might have been smaller, but I was swift, unpredictable, and my teeth were razor-sharp.
In an instant, he seized my neck as well, his strength overpowering me. He lifted me effortlessly, forcing me to relinquish my grip. With a powerful motion, he flung me aside as if I were nothing more than a ragdoll. I soared through the air, landing hard on the ground with a painful thud, the jolt sending a shock through my shoulder as I felt something shift unnaturally.
Struggling to regain my bearings, I lifted my head just in time to see Tabby transforming and charging at Chuck once more, joined by a few others who had rallied to the fight. The numbers were dwindling, and the competition was nearing its conclusion; soon, only one would stand victorious.
I fought to gather my thoughts, urging my wolf to heal quickly so I could rejoin the fray. My gaze swept across the stadium, and my heart skipped a beat when it landed on Gavin. A rush of emotions flooded me, the heartache I had felt all night returning with a vengeance, and even my wolf whimpered in despair at the sight of him. He stood tall, his dark eyes locked onto mine, filled with an unmistakable worry that only fueled my anger.
How dare he? Who did he think he was, standing there concerned for my well-being after spending a passionate night with another woman? A low growl escaped my throat as I glared at him, and I could see his expression falter into a frown. My fury ignited further, and I turned my attention back to the battle, determined to push aside my feelings.
The remaining fighters were dwindling—another wolf, Tabby, Chuck, and—
Just as that thought crossed my mind, an arrow sliced through the air, striking the random wolf down. The others seemed oblivious, but I was acutely aware of the danger. I quickly dodged as Sherry readied another arrow, aiming it directly at Tabby.
“Tabby, get out of the way!” I roared, but she was too focused on Chuck, oblivious to the impending threat. The arrow flew toward her leg, and she only realized the danger when it was too late.
She howled in pain as she collapsed to the ground. Seizing the moment, Chuck plunged his sword deep into her abdomen, and I let out a heart-wrenching scream, my wolf form echoing my anguish.
I sprinted toward her, tears welling in my eyes, but my path was obstructed by Chuck’s massive wolf charging at me. My heart raced with fury and fear for my friend; I craved revenge, wanting nothing more than to taste his blood. I snapped at him, my teeth sinking into his fur, and he hissed in pain, the sound unsettling in his wolf form.
The battle raged on; we exchanged blows, each landing hits on the other. I relied on my agility to evade his attacks, darting around him, hoping to wear him down. Being smaller granted me stamina that could outlast the larger wolves.
The medics rushed onto the field, clad in armor, ready to collect the injured—including Tabby. My heart sank as I caught a glimpse of them lifting her onto a stretcher from the corner of my eye.
Just then, Sherry joined the fray, bow and arrow in hand, still in her human form. She looked fierce, her eyes wild with determination, and my heart raced as I wondered what her strategy might be.


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