Chapter 1: The Weight of Chains

My calloused hands still ached and bled as I hauled the buckets up the stone stairs. The clank of chains echoed with every step; my lungs burned, my throat parched from lack of water. Even the murky liquid in the bucket looked tempting.

I was shoved forward. Water splashed across the floor. I tried to stand, but my face was slammed against the ground.

“Stupid she-wolf. Look at the mess you made.” I growled in protest, but days without food had left me weak; I could barely stay upright. “Clean it up and fetch more. The alpha wants the fortress spotless for tonight’s celebration.”

I was done with the humiliation, done with this slave’s life.

The wolf who’d tripped me walked away laughing, joining his comrades. Low-caste soldiers, yet still above me.

I stared at my reflection in the spilled water: red scars across my face and neck, bruises on my gaunt, fragile body. My once-silver hair was filthy and matted; my eyes held no light.

“I did nothing to deserve this,” I snarled, fists clenched. “My clan did nothing to be destroyed by that bastard.”

Inside me, Shade—my wolf—growled in fury and despair. The silver chains suppressed her, trapping me in human form so I could be controlled.

“Be patient. Our chance will come,” I whispered, struggling to stand on shaking legs.

I staggered through the fortress corridors—an ancient stone stronghold hidden among the trees. The scent of earth and moss mixed with the fear and blood of slaves. Pathetic creatures who’d given up fighting. But I wasn’t like them. I would never stop fighting for my freedom.

Something slammed into my arm, knocking me to the side. The bucket crashed down. My legs tangled in the chains; I fell hard, knees cracking against stone.

“Filthy slave! How dare you touch the Luna!”

I never saw who spoke. A whip cracked across my back, shredding my rags and skin.

I screamed as another lash fell, flesh tearing, hot blood running down my body. I clenched my teeth against the agony radiating everywhere.

“Enough.” A deep voice froze my blood. Shade cowered inside me as I fought to keep my eyes on the floor. “Every wolf in this pack matters—even the slaves.” Long claws gripped my face, forcing my gaze up. “Ah… I remember bringing this one in. The silver she-wolf.”

My skin crawled. Instinct screamed to pull away, but he squeezed harder, claws piercing my flesh. His brown eyes raked over me, lingering on my mutilated body. He licked his lips and smiled, then released me brutally. I lifted my chin, meeting his stare until a fist smashed into my cheek, slamming me back to the ground.

“Filthy wolf! How dare you look at the alpha!”

“That’s exactly why I kept her,” the alpha laughed. “Strong. Proud.” He grabbed my hair, yanking me upright as I thrashed. His nose trailed along my neck as he inhaled. “A wild beauty lost in this filth.”

I growled, Shade raging with me against the alpha who caged us. “I’d rather lick this fortress clean than submit to a weak alpha like you.” My voice was frail, but clear enough for everyone to hear.

Pain exploded with the next blow. Air fled my lungs; every muscle spasmed. Acid rose in my throat; I vomited helplessly.

The alpha released me. My legs buckled; I doubled over, clutching my stomach. A low whimper escaped as his massive shadow loomed.

“Take this ungrateful wolf to the cells. Give her just enough to keep her alive.”

As the alpha strode away with his sycophants, I lay in the filth, writhing in agony and humiliation.

“Come on, wolf.” A soldier yanked me up by the arm.

The cells were outside the fortress—punishment for disobedient slaves who still clung to hope. Exposed to the elements, even the strongest wolves broke, begging forgiveness.

As they dragged me away, I overheard the soldiers behind me. They didn’t bother lowering their voices around a mere slave.

“I don’t blame the alpha for wanting that one,” one sneered, lust dripping from his words.

“Want your eyes ripped out? Watch your mouth,” the other warned, but I felt their stares crawling over me like slime.

“Don’t worry. After the full moon, the alpha will discard her.” My blood ran cold; I listened harder. “I heard from a castle wolf: he’s wanted her since he conquered her clan. That’s why he didn’t kill her. But on the next full moon, he’ll claim her.” My body locked. “Think he’ll keep a slave as his concubine? Nah, she’ll be tied up for the unmated soldiers to enjoy.”

Their laughter echoed through the trees like a dark omen of my fate. I lifted my eyes to the moon above us.

I had little time left to escape… or my destiny would be sealed forever.