Chapter 6

The screaming continued, drawing my attention. My wolf, a grey-furred affair, was alert, nipping at me to discover who this incessant screamer was. I strolled to the open window and looked out only to see a young woman tied to a pole. Two warriors stood on both sides, whipping her maliciously. She dodged some of the whippings but suffered the brunt of their cruelty. Her clothing was in shambles, threads loose and hems in disarray.

I summoned my right-hand man, and he raced to my side promptly.

"Yes, my Lord," he replied adequately, his head slightly bowed. I turned my back on him and watched the torture session out in the fields.

"Do you know who that is, Ryker?" I tapped my fingers on the sill, unconsciously counting the number of whips falling on her back.

"Yes, my Lord," he repeated, bowing again. "That is Princess Miatta of the Black Fur Pack, and she is being punished for speaking against your father, the Alpha."

"On whose orders?"

"Beta Logan, my Lord," he bowed finally, and I d