Chapter 1

SAPHRA’S POV

I woke up screaming again. My hands were shaking violently as sweat ran through my face. I was panting heavily. It was the same nightmare. It had always been the same one.

One where I would see my father with horror in his eyes. I could see the blade going through his chest. The sound he had made as he took his last breath still echoed in my ears. I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to push it away. Of course it never worked.

“Saphra, stop,” I screamed to myself, panting and wiping my forehead with the back of my hand.

The room was damp and it smelled of old wood. I turned to look at the tiny window with a cracked frame. And just then, I saw the first light. Another day had dawned. It was another day to roam about this town. Another place I didn’t belong.

The mattress on the floor was thin. So thin that it felt like I slept on the bare floor. I looked down at my clothes that were too big and patched in places. I tugged a faded tunic on and tied my trousers with a scrap of rope. I shoved my feet into boots that were falling apart, and slid the small knife I kept under the mattress into my belt.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. It was unexpected so I jumped.

“Rent’s due today,” said a gruff voice from outside that made me groan silently as I rolled my eyes.

I walked to the door and opened it a little bit. Just enough for the landlord to see my face. He was a fat man that had a beard that looked like it hadn’t been washed in weeks.

“I know,” I said. “I’ll have it by tonight.”

“You better,” he said. “Or you’re out. Don’t care if you’re a girl or not.” He replied, looking at me with disgust before walking off. I shut the door immediately and leaned my back against it. I didn’t have the money. Well, not yet. Because I was going to get it. I always found a way. After ensuring I was set enough, I step out into the streets.

The street was loud and messy. It had all sorts of people shouting, with the carts clattering and merchants calling. It was a bigger town. Bigger than the ones I had formerly roamed in. I kept my head down and tried to be invisible.

“Fresh bread!” “Apples, sweetest apples!”

My stomach growled as I looked at the wares of the vendors chanting. I hadn’t eaten since yesterday morning. I needed food, and I needed coins. And just then, I saw the chance.

At the edge of the market a merchant was distracted, talking about some fine cloth. A small pouch sat near the edge of his table. My fingers itched. And sneakily, I took a step closer.

“Hey! What are you doing?” My eyes widened in horror. He had seen me. My heart thudded.

“I…I…I wasn’t doing anything,” I said, stepping back.

“Don’t lie,” he snapped and grabbed my arm. “I saw you eyeing my pouch. I should call the guards.”

I tried to pull free but he tightened his grip. Panic rose in my chest immediately. Without thinking, I gathered my whole strength and yanked my arm hard. He stumbled back and let go. I didn’t need to be told. I took to my heels without looking back.

“Stop her! Thief!”

I shoved through people, pushing past the lined up carts. My ears were filled with shouts and curses, but it didn’t stop my legs. I then turned into an alley and pressed my back against the wall. Footsteps thundered by, then faded. I slid down and put my face in my hands. Woah! That was really really pretty close.

My stomach growled again. I wiped dirt from my pants and slipped out of the alley. And just then, I heard a loud voice across the town square. A man stood on a crate, shouting.

“The Darkveil Alpha is expanding! He’s taking the eastern borders! Good pay for traders, builders, anyone who’ll go!”

The announcement hit my chest like a thud. Lucien. Alpha to the dark veil park. My hands clenched so tight until my knuckles ached.

He killed my father. He erased my pack and unknowingly left me as the only surviving member. He tore my life apart. He literally rendered me homeless. And I was definitely not going to let that slide. If Darkveil was looking for workers, finally the gods have decided to smile on me. That was going to be my way in.

I stood where I was, hoping to get more information. People had gathered around the man who stood on the crate.

“Where do I sign up?” someone had asked.

“There’s a caravan tomorrow before sunrise. West gate,” he shrugged. “They’ll take anyone who shows.”

Tomorrow. Just one more day to prepare and get ready to fulfill my mission. That night I planned. I would join the caravan, blend in, get close, and find him. I would finish this.

Dawn found me at the west gate. Men and a few women milled about. A tall man with a scar walked over.

“You here for the caravan?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“You got any skills?”

“Carry things. Cook. Whatever you need.”

He looked me over. “Fine. Stay close and don’t cause trouble.”

We started just as the sun came up. Twenty of us walked behind carts loaded with supplies. I kept my head down. No one paid much attention. That was good.

We walked all day. My feet blistered and my stomach ached. At a stop under a tree an older woman sat beside me.

“You look tired,” she said.

“I’m fine,” I lied.

She handed me a piece of bread. “First time traveling?”

“No.”

“You shouldn’t skip meals,” she scolded gently. “Here.”

I stared at the bread like I hadn’t seen food in years. I took it.

“Why give this to me?” I asked.

“Because you look like you need it,” she said, smiling. “My name is Mara. What’s yours?”

“Saphra.”

“If you need anything, tell me. This group’s not easy.”

“I can handle it,” I said, but I wasn’t sure I meant it.

We traveled three more days. Each step took me closer and made my heart proud heavier. Whether with joy or with anxiety, I couldn’t tell. By the time the palace walls of Darkveil rose in front of us, my body felt hollow. But still, I was more than determined. It was finally time to achieve the purpose and reason I had struggled to survive all these years.

The fortress was huge with high walls and guards everywhere. It looked like a place that swallowed people.

“He’s ruthless,” Mara said beside me. “He doesn’t tolerate weakness.”

“I know,” I said.

We were herded into a courtyard. A man in armor barked orders. “Line up! Do your jobs. Keep your heads down. Cause trouble and you’re out.”

One by one we were assigned. When it was my turn the man frowned.

“You’re small. Kitchen work.”

“Fine,” I said.

He waved me off and I followed a guard toward the kitchens. I kept my composure but my heart raced. But I wasn’t going to let this fear stop me.

I stood in the kitchen doorway for a moment and watched the cooks moving about and carrying out their duties. The kitchen smelled of sweat and stew. I took a deep breath, wiped my hands on my tunic, and stepped in. I would learn the work. I would be small and unseen. I would wait for the moment.

And when it came, I would make him pay.