Chapter 2
829words
When we finally emerge from the woods, I gasp. Instead of a primitive camp, we face a massive palace with lights shining from countless windows.
"Welcome to your new quarters," the leader says.
Melissa stops. "We're going to live... there?"
One of the werewolves chuckles. "Did you expect caves, human?"
We're led through iron gates into a courtyard. Human servants move about with vacant eyes, heads bowed.
The palace interior gleams with marble floors. Elegantly dressed werewolves watch us pass.
Our captor leads us to an ornate door. Inside is a chamber larger than our village house, with a large bed and two adjoining rooms.
"You will stay here until I decide otherwise," he says. "There are servant quarters through that door with suitable clothing. Don't leave without my permission."
The moment we're alone, Melissa rounds on me. "This is all your fault! If you hadn't interfered with those werewolves taking that child, we wouldn't be here!"
"If I hadn't interfered, that child would be here instead," I reply. "And your mother practically gift-wrapped me for them."
"Because that's what you're good for! A servant. That's all you've ever been to us anyway."
I say nothing, moving to explore the servant quarters—a modest room with two beds and a wardrobe filled with simple clothing.
Melissa follows. "This is nicer than I expected." She touches a silk dress. "Much nicer than what you had at home."
"This isn't home," I remind her.
"No, it's better. It's a palace, Freya."
"We're prisoners here."
"Are we? I've heard stories about humans who become mates to powerful werewolves. They live like royalty."
"They're still captives," I argue.
"Or they're smart enough to recognize opportunity." She examines her reflection. "I mean, obviously the Alpha is out of reach, but there must be others."
I shake my head. "You've been here less than an hour and you're already planning to seduce a werewolf?"
"I'm planning to survive," she snaps. "Unlike you, with your pathetic human pride. You'll clean floors while I wear silk."
"I won't belong to anyone," I say firmly.
The door opens. Our captor enters with another werewolf—copper-haired with a perpetual smirk.
"Well, Kayden. I heard you caught two pretty girls this time." His smirk widens as he studies us, reaching toward my hair.
I step back. "Don't touch me."
The werewolf's movement stops abruptly because of Kayden's icy gaze.
He quickly recovers. "Spirited. I like that." He turns to Kayden. "When's the claiming ceremony? Tonight?"
"Not now," Kayden replies.
"You know the rules. Unclaimed humans are fair game."
"Everyone here knows who brought them back, don't they?" Kayden says sharply.
"Suit yourself. But don't wait too long." The other werewolf steps back. "The welcome feast begins in an hour. The Alpha expects all new acquisitions to be presented."
"We'll be there," Kayden says.
"Don't be late. You know how your father gets."
Father? So Kayden is the Alpha's son.
Kayden turns to us. "There's a feast to welcome new servants. You'll both attend. Find something appropriate to wear."
Melissa moves toward the wardrobe, but I stay put. "And if I refuse?"
"Then you'll learn quickly that Lucas wasn't exaggerating about unclaimed humans. This isn't a battle you can win. Not tonight."
Kayden gestures toward Melissa. "Lucas, take her ahead. I need a moment with this one."
Lucas raises an eyebrow but doesn't argue. "Come along then," he says to Melissa, who looks eager to follow.
"I'll see you at the feast," she tells me with a smug smile.
As the door closes, I'm left alone with Kayden.
"The knife," he says, his voice low. "Where did you get it?"
I blink, caught off guard. "What?"
He steps closer. "The knife you used on me. Where did you get it?"
"It was my mother's. She gave it to me before she died."
His eyes narrow slightly. "What was it made of?"
"I don't know. Metal? Silver, maybe? Why does it matter?"
"Because it shouldn't have cut me," he says, studying my face intently.
I look at his arm where the wound is now hidden by his sleeve.
"Your wound is still there?" I ask.
He lifts his sleeve slightly. The wound has mostly healed, but a reddish scar remains.
He moves closer and asks, "Who are you?"
"I'm just a human," I say quietly.
He shook his head, then grabbed my hand and sniffed my wrist. I tried to pull away, but his grip was iron.
I noticed his brow furrowing slightly. "…What?" I asked.
"Listen to me. If you want to stay alive and safe, don't reveal any more details to anyone."
I remain silent before finally nodding slowly. I still harbor deep suspicions about this place and this person. The only thing I want is to regain my freedom.
"We should go," he finally says. "The feast will begin soon, and your absence would be noted."
