Chapter 4

Vena

I followed Miriam out of the dungeons with my arms wrapped around myself. I was cold and tired and my legs felt like they would give out any minute. The hallway was dim and cold as we climbed up the stairs and soon we stepped out. 

It looked like I had stepped into what looked like an estate and in front of me was a big castle. 

The Thornmoon castle no doubt. 

It had towers that stood high tinting the sky. It was sharp, old but exquisite with its crest carved against the high wall. It was a crescent moon, sharp and broken like its edges were made out of blade. Twisted around the moon was a thorned vine. And just above the crescent moon was a wolf’s head, strong and looking sharply ahead. 

Everything felt similar to what we had read in books but seeing the wolves' fortress in person was more scary. I instinctively took a step back before I followed Miriam into a wide courtyard. 

“Keep close, dear,” Miriam said softly as she led me through a beautiful fountain at the center. “The Alpha’s home is… large. It’s easy for new residents to get lost.”

Residents. That made it sound like I chose to be here.

I didn’t say anything. I just nodded and kept my eyes forward, pretending I wasn’t staring at everything like a lost puppy. 

I saw a few wolves moving around and some stationed at the heavy gates. A few stopped to stare openly at me and I felt a little shy as I stayed closer to Miriam. 

I knew what they were thinking. A weak human girl with no other purpose than a breeder for their Alpha. Their eyes felt like knives. 

Miriam noticed and whispered, “Ignore them. They’re the castle guards, they patrol the area often.”

I nodded, it would be hard to escape from this fortress but I couldn't be discouraged now. I would definitely find a way out.

Inside, the castle was warmer than I expected. The air smelled like wood smoke and pine. The hall we entered stretched long and wide, lit by chandeliers and wall torches. Dark wood and stone lined the walls, decorated with old banners and carved symbols. Everything felt heavy and old, but it was beautiful. 

I looked around at the expensive decorations and furniture, but there was no personal touch to the home. Everything felt bland like I had walked into a museum. Didn’t he have any family and pictures? I wanted to ask as I followed Miriam up the curved staircase. 

We stopped at the second floor and there was a west and east hallway. We went to the west and stopped in front of a heavy door, she pressed a button as it opened. 

The room was… huge. Bigger than anything I had ever slept in. Sunlight filtered through tall windows that started from the ceilings to the floor, covered with light blue curtains. There was a big queen bed that looked big enough for seven people. It had a high canopy and satin curtains. 

Beside it was a door, it was opened and I peered through to see a big walk-in wardrobe, a vanity, even a sitting area by the window. 

I didn’t belong in a place like this. Not even for a day.

“The Alpha asked that it be prepared for you,” Miriam said, walking around as she pulled back the tall curtains that stretched from the ceilings to the floor to reveal the large courtyard outside. 

“My own… room?” The words felt strange in my mouth as I looked around. I’d spent my whole life sharing a narrow bed with Freya and the other girls.

“Yes. The west wing holds the guest rooms and this is the biggest one. You will be comfortable here.” Miriam gave me a warm smile that actually reached her eyes. “Come. Let me show you the bathroom.”

I followed her into another door as she pushed it open. “There are fresh towels for you and a few beauty supplies from my girls. I’m going to get a dress from one of my girls downstairs and I’ll be back with first aid for your injuries. For now just take your time in the bathroom.” She said before giving me a soft smile and closing the door. 

The bathroom was big, there was a jacuzzi at the end of the bathroom, a big bath tub and a shower room. Neat towels and some beauty supplies laid on the cabinet and I turned around to see my reflection. 

I looked so out of place in this place. My red hair laid in a mess around my shoulders filled with dirt, leaves and mud. My hazel eyes were tired and my face was dirty too. The dress was hardly even a dress anymore, it was rags. I stepped out of it and into the shower taking some shampoo and body wash with me. 

I didn’t know when I started crying but the tears didn’t stop until I finished washing up. I looked in the mirror again and I looked a bit better, my hair was dull and my eyes tired. I looked thinner. 

My gaze drifted to my shoulder.

The breeder mark was there, just below my collarbone. A big ‘B’ symbol burned into my skin, very visible it was hard to hide. Every human woman bore one. Proof of what we were meant for. Proof that our bodies did not truly belong to us.

I reached up slowly, tracing it with my fingers.

I hated it.

I hated the other scars I had that marred my skin. 

Back in House Rose, Madam Elara used to say it was an honor. That it meant we were valuable. That powerful beings would pay fortunes for women like us. I never believed her. To me, it was just another chain. One I could not cut or run from.

Bruises filled the rest of my skin as I looked away, wrapping myself around a towel and went into the room. 

Miriam was sitting on the edge of the bed when I came out. She stood immediately and smiled. “Feel better?”

“A little,” I said, my voice small.

“Good. Come sit.” She guided me to a chair and began cleaning the cuts on my arms and knees. Her touch was soft, kinder than I expected from a werewolf. “I’ll apply these herbal oils. It will help it heal fast enough. Human skin is more delicate.”

I snorted. “You mean weaker.”

“Delicate,” she repeated, unfazed. “There is strength in that too.”

I didn’t argue. I didn’t have the energy.

When she finished, she handed me a dress. It was a soft pink color, simple but beautiful. Nothing like the revealing clothes House Rose forced on us. The sleeves were long enough to cover my scars and bruises. I had a feeling she had taken that into consideration. 

“I can’t wear this,” I whispered.

“Yes, you will, except you want to step back in your dirty old clothes or walk around naked. Though I am sure the Alpha would like that.”

I frowned in annoyance, snatching it from her. The last thing I needed was to make that bastard happy. Once I put the dress on, she beamed. “Lovely. Later this week, I would take permission from the Alpha, so we can go shopping for more. Something suited for your new life.”

New life. I didn’t want a new life here.

I ignored her.

“We must teach you the ways of the pack as well,” she continued as she adjusted the fabric on my shoulders. “Proper etiquette. Traditions. What is expected of the Alpha’s chosen breeder.”

My stomach twisted. “Lessons?”

“Two hours each day. So you will not be lost or embarrassed among the wolves.”

I didn’t know what to say to that, so I said nothing.

“What’s your name?” She asked. 

“Vena. Vena Ravensong.”

Miriam stepped back and clasped her hands. “Good, Vena. Come now. You have not eaten in days. Let us get you something to eat and I would introduce you to the other housekeepers in the castle.”

My legs felt heavy, but I followed her toward the door. Before we stepped out, I glanced back at the room again.

It was beautiful.

It felt like a trap.

And part of me already knew I would have to play along until I found a way out.

**

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