Chapter 2: Sold Out and Betrayal

Amara’s POV

My wrists hurt from the tight chains digging into my flesh as the carriage shook on the uneven route. I tried not to cry as I looked at the floor. I couldn't stop the pain in my chest, but crying was pointless.

The warrior seated across from me said, "Move," and pushed my leg with his boot.

I averted my gaze and bit my lip. In the Lycan Pack, they had treated me like trash, but now? This was awful. I was now cargo, something to be exchanged, not merely a slave.

The door swung open as the carriage came to a stop. I stumbled as my feet scraped the gravel walkway as two soldiers pulled me out. A tall fortress with icy stone walls stood in front of me. Viktor's domain.

One of the guards snarled, "Welcome to your new home."

At home. It sounded like a cruel joke.

They pushed me forward, causing me to stumble and drop to my knees. I didn't scream even though my palms scraped the floor. Weakness would just exacerbate the situation.

As he pulled me back to my feet, the guard laughed and remarked, "You'll get used to it." Or perhaps you won't. Doesn't concern us.

They guided me past Viktor's wolves, who watched me like I was prey, as they brought me through the gates. My breathing became shallow as my heart raced. I knew it wouldn't be good, but I didn't know what was in store for me here.

I looked back at the gates as we arrived at the main hall. Thoughts of getting away were constantly on my mind, but the guards on either side of me and the shackles around my wrists made me realize how helpless I was.

I had been sold like an object by the Lycan Pack. They had deceived me.

After pushing me into a chilly, dark room, the guards slammed the door. Like a burdensome weight, the quiet weighed heavily on me. Even though my throat was dry and my wrists hurt, I didn't want to give up.

It was minutes, perhaps hours before the door opened once more. A man entered, his presence reverberating across the space. Viktor Alpha.

He had sharp grey eyes that seemed to see right through me, and he was tall and wide. He grinned slowly and icily.

"So you're the one they call Amara," he replied in a calm, low voice.

I didn't answer.

He watched me, taking a step closer and cocking his head. "The crescent mark," he said, looking down at my wrist. "Give it to me."

Holding my wrist to my chest, I paused.

I recoiled at the power of his order as he barked, "Now."

I slowly reached out and showed the mark. He reached out, his fingers grazing the scar as his gaze darkened.

"Interesting," he remarked. "Are you aware of what this signifies?"

I gave a headshake. "No."

His grasp tightened around my wrist as he scowled. "Girl, don't tell me lies. If it wasn't significant, the Lycan Pack wouldn't have sent you my way. Be honest with me.

"I'm not sure!" I sobbed. "I've had it all my life, but nobody ever explained its meaning to me."

He relaxed his hold and took a step back, his face serious. Intriguing, he whispered. "Very intriguing."

"What are you looking for from me?" My voice trembled as I asked.

He grinned once more, and I felt a chill this time. "Amara, that mark holds the secret to something precious. And you're staying right here till I figure out what it is. Never even consider fleeing.

Sitting in his rooms back in the Lycan Pack, Darius looked at the fire crackling in the hearth. His chest felt constricted, and his head was thumping.

He had turned her down. Amara. He should have been relieved that she was gone. Rather, he was just a little restless.

By now, the mating link ought to have waned, but it hadn't. It appeared to be getting stronger, if anything.

When he closed his eyes, pictures of Amara's face covered in tears, her terrified eyes, and her cries for assistance came to him.

Shaking his head, Darius leaped to his feet. He whispered to himself, "No." "This isn't true. She is no longer there. I'm not in charge of her.

However, the images persisted. Her terror was palpable to him, just as his own. There was a problem.

A voice cried out from the door, "Alpha?"

"What?" he snarled.

He sent one of his men inside and bowed his head. The elders wanted to let you know that the deal with Viktor is complete. We are no longer worried about the girl.

Darius's jaw tightened as he clenched his fists. "All right. Allow Viktor to handle her.

The warrior paused. "With all due respect, Alpha, Viktor is not a kind person. Are you certain?

"I said it was finished!" Darius's voice boomed throughout the room as he snapped.

With a nod, the warrior departed, shutting the door behind him.

Raising his aggravation, Darius combed through his hair. The mate link would not let him sleep, no matter how hard he tried to ignore it. He also felt in his heart that Amara was in danger.

My thoughts were racing as I sat in the corner of the room that Viktor had tossed me into. Why was the mark valuable, according to him? What on earth might it mean?

I was unable to remain here. Before he found it out, or before he thought I was useless, I had to leave.

The window was small enough for me to fit through if I could break the glass, but the door was locked. As I looked around the room for something sharp, my heart was racing.

At last, I discovered a stray metal fragment on the bed frame. With trembling hands, I took it in my hands and walked toward the window.

I froze, waiting for footsteps as the glass broke with a soft crack. When there was none, I ascended and slipped through the gap to the chilly grass outside.

I hurried across the yard, my bare feet stinging from the bitter night air. I knew I had to keep walking, but I had no idea where I was heading.

"Hey! Put an end to her!

My heart plummeted when I heard a yell behind me.

With each breath, my lungs burned as I forced myself to go faster. However, it was insufficient.

I was grabbed by rough hands and pulled to the ground. I kicked and clawed while I shouted, but they were too powerful.

Above me, Viktor emerged, his face icy and angry. "You truly believed you could get away?"

"Please," I pleaded. "Give me a break. I will never return. Let me go, please!

His face was inches from mine as he leaned down. His voice was low and threatening as he replied, "Amara, you'll wish you never tried this." "I'll see to that."