Chapter 4
~Emily~
“Huh?” I muttered, my eyes widened in shock. "What do they mean by no humans allowed?” I thought, my heart pounding in my chest.
Scarlett’s words echoed in my head immediately. “No matter what you do, make sure you pass the test, your life depends on it.”
“Every human in our midst should step back immediately, the guards will lead you back to your cage,” Crystal's voice boomed in the speakers.
“What do we do now?” Steph asked, holding my hand slowly. I could see the fear in her eyes, her face clouded in mysery.
She was usually the stronger and fearless one, but seeing her panic sent a cold shiver down my back.
“What do I do now?” I wondered. ‘Do I ignore the rules and participate? Or do I step out and head back to those filthy cages?”
These thoughts filled my mind as I contemplated on my next course of action. As much as I hated being a slave, pretending to be a lycan was more than suicide.
Apart from their striking physical features, lycans were also known to have blue blood, humans don't.
“Let's do this, Ema,” Steph said, squeezing my palms tightly. “I can't go back to those cages,” she added.
“Are you sure you can do this?” I asked, my eyes fixed on her. “You know we would be killed if caught right?” I added.
My last words seemed to hit her, as her once hopeful face turned pale immediately. Her eyes drooped and her shoulders dropped.
“Where are you Scarlett?” I whispered, my eyes darting back and forth. She would have come up with an idea if she was still here.
“Ema,” Steph called, her voice low and even. “Let's do this,” she muttered, nodding slowly. “I don't want to die a slave.”
“Phew!” I exhaled, caressing her cheeks softly as a tear dropped from my eyes. The thoughts of losing my sister and only surviving family struck me. I didn't even try to imagine it.
Just a while ago, I was back home, in my village, happy and fulfilled but here I am now, about to make the biggest decision of my life. A decision that could lead to my death.
“I love you, Steph, I really do,” I muttered, my gaze fixed on her one last time. “Please be safe,” I added.
Suddenly the speakers blared again, followed by the clanking of Crystal's heels as she scurried to the podium.
“Attention maidens, it's time for the test,” she said. “Split yourself into two while you await orders.
I immediately grabbed Steph's arm, “Stay close,” I muttered.
After pairing ourselves two by two, we were given tags and numbers each. A bowl was set in front of us, with a heater but the contents in the bowl still remained concealed.
“Can I have your attention please,” Crystal boomed, disrupting the dilemma that was about to spike.
“The bowls in front of you contain everything you need to make unleavened bread except for one thing, flour.”
“Huh! How do we make bread without flour?” A certain maiden sparked, causing the crowd to follow suit.
In a short while, the whole crowd was disrupted as the maidens began murmuring within themselves.
“Silence!” Thorn sparked, his eyes blazing in a fit of rage. “Your time starts now, you have thirty minutes left,” Crystal said before walking away.
“Thirty minutes, Steph, let's get to work,” I said, opening the bowl in front of us. True to her words, the bowl was actually filled with everything needed to make bread except for the flour itself.
“What do we do now, Ema, this is impossible,” Steph muttered, her face twisted in a frown.
“Wait, let me think,” I replied, rubbing my eyes in frustration. “Think Ema, think,” I muttered, rubbing my hair.
“You have five minutes left,” Crystal’s voice blared through the speakers causing an uproar among the maids as everyone scampered up and down.
The task set before me seemed impossible but I had to do something and it had to be fast.
Suddenly, an idea flashed through my mind, we hadn't even gone through the whole contents in the bowl.
“Steph, bring out everything in the bowl,” I muttered, wriggling my fingers as I stared at the bowl keenly.
“What are you unto?” Steph asked, her brows creased as she stared at me. “Just do it!” I snapped, my voice firm and urgent.
She quickly turned the bowl upside down, pouring the whole content on the flour. A black bag fell from it, with rice grains scattering all over the floor.
“Ema, rice,” Steph muttered, her eyes dancing in excitement. “Let's get to it then,” I replied, a small smile on my face.
With a quick dash, we immediately turned the grains into powder before using it to form the dough for the bread.
“Two more minutes left,” Crystal’s voice blared again. “Faster,” I shouted to Steph as we increased our place kneading the dough.
“One more minute,” Crystal boomed.
“We are not gonna make it, Ema,” Steph said, tears welled up in her eyes. “I'm sorry,” I mouthed, my eyes speaking comfort.
“Time up, stop whatever you are doing,” Crystal ordered, her voice laced with urgency. She stepped down from the podium, her hands behind her back as she went round every table, taking notes.
Finally, she was at our table, her strawberry scent filling our nostrils. “Pfft, it's not complete,” she scoffed, her face showing dissatisfaction.
After going through everyone's work, she was back on the podium, her face twisted in her usual frown. “We have only six winners, listen to your names.”
“Elena wigglesworth, Selena Charles, Scarlett Jones, Renice Jakes and…..”
She immediately stopped, her eyes scanning our faces as though she was looking for someone.
She already called four names but surprisingly, only three ladies were outside, grinning from ear to ear.
“You two, come outside,” she muttered, her eyes fixed on us. The whole crowd fell silent as they watched us walk to the podium.
I could literally feel their eyes boring into my back, their dissatisfaction was evident by the looks on their faces but I paid no heed to them.
Crystal was no exception, the disgust on her face was also obvious and she made no effort to hide it.
“Now that we have all six winners, it's time for the final test,” her voice boomed as she fished out a knife. “Stretch forth your hands,” she muttered.
“Ema, our blood,” Steph whispered, her eyes reeled in shock. “Be calm,” I mouthed, trying to reassure her but my quivering lips said otherwise.
The first three ladies were all pierced, with their blue blood signifying their lycan heritage.
With only I and Steph left, I couldn't help but tremble at the thought of what could befall us. I gulped down an invisible lump in my throat as beads of sweat trickled down my face.
“Stretch forth your hand,” Crystal muttered, her eyes glaring daggers at me. With my eyes filled with sorrow, I weakly stretched forth my hand as Crystal's knife pierced it.
There it was, my blood, dripping from my arm, only that it sent a wild uproar in the crowd.
“You are human?” Crystal shrieked, her eyes blazing like primal fire. “How dare you?” She barked, her voice filled with rage.
I couldn't utter a word, tears just flowed freely from my eyes. “Guards, seize her,” She barked, her voice dripping with venom.
But just as all hope seems lost, the door suddenly burst open. “Let them go, they won,” a baritone voice thundered.
“Huh?”
Chapter 5~Zayne~“Enough!” I yelled, my eyes blazing like primal fire as I glared at Thorn. He bent his head downward, unable to look at me as he fiddled with his fingers.“What did I tell you?” I asked, grabbing his neck firmly as he gasped for breath. “What did I fucking say?” I shouted, my voice laced with rage.“D….don't kill any child,” he stuttered, his eyes turning red as his breathing became slow and erratic. “Boss, I'm choking,” he muttered, holding my hands weakly.I quickly released my grip on him before putting them back in my pocket. With a more subtle demeanor, I turned my back on him, walking towards my shelf as I grabbed the bottle of vodka lying carelessly.“Who sent you?” I asked, my voice gentle and tender. He hesitated for a while, fiddling with his words as though he was frightened.“Who sent you?” I repeated, my face twisted in a frown as I turned to look at him.“Luther,” he mumbled, his lips quivering as he spoke.“Luther? You may leave,” I replied, waving my
Chapter 6~Emily~ZzzzzzzzzzzzThe alarm blared noisily, making my eyes flutter open. I blinked my eyes slowly but the rays from the scorching sun made me close them back immediately.“Damn!” I groaned, putting my pillow over my ear. It was my first day as the king's personal maid and I had no idea on what to expect.“Morning sleepy bones,” Steph said, tapping me gently as she brushed her hair backwards.“Huh! Have you been awake?” I asked, my eyes widened in shock. “Not everyone sleeps like a log of wood you know?” She said, grinning sheepishly as she brushed her hair. Suddenly we heard a knock on the door. “It's morning fools, get dressed,” Crystal yelled from outside before going to the next room.“Bastard,” Steph whispered, her face twisted in a frown which made me chuckle.“Shit! I am late,” I muttered, jumping down from bed as I dashed to the bathroom to freshen up.The bathroom was slightly better than a typical maiden bathroom. The walls were painted white with a hint of gol
Chapter 7~Emily~“What do you think you are doing?” Reta asked, her menacing voice sending chills down my back.“I'm dead,” I muttered underneath my breath as balls of sweat trickled down my face immediately.I froze at the spot, unfazed as I tried to close the shelf discreetly.“Are you deaf?” Her voice came again, this time it was cold and harsh.“M-my lady,” I stuttered, turning slowly to face her as I bowed slightly.“You?” She sparked, her eyes blazing with fury. Aren't you the human maiden?” She asked, her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she stared at me.“Uhmm, I'm the king's personal maid, my lady,” I replied, my gaze drifting away as I avoided her prying gaze.“What's your name?” She asked, coming closer. “E-Emily, my lady,” I stammered, my voice barely audible as I fiddled with my fingers.“Emily, I think I…….”Suddenly, the door opened, revealing Zayne dressed in a black hoodie and black denim jeans.“What's going on here?” He asked, his eyes darting between me and Reta.“U
Chapter 8~Luther~ScrrrrrrrrMy alarm blared noisily as my eyes fluttered open. “Shut up!” I growled, hitting the alarm aggressively.“Arghh!” I groaned, scattering my hair aggressively. I hated mornings, they reminded me of work.“Morning my lord, how was your night?” Aria, one of my whores said, rubbing my chest seductively. “One more time?” She asked, her hands trailing near my crotch.“Get your hands off me, now!” I growled, jumping down from the bed as I walked towards my wine stand.It was morning already and I had a whole lot to achieve, a whole menace to cause.“Ahh! This is more like it,” I moaned, closing my eyes as the bitter-sweet aftertaste of the alcohol hit my tongue.‘A morning without alcohol isn't worth it,’ so my father said. “Morning, my love,” Aria, my whore said as she approached me stark naked. I had been on a marathon since last night and I was no longer in the mood for any frivolity.“My legs feel sore, my lord, you are a monster,” she said, caressing my ch
Chapter 9~Emily~“What do you think you are doing?” Rowan's voice came again, this time laced with anger and venom.“Today is your lucky day,” Luther whispered, an evil smile on his face as he released me. “See you some other time,” he added, walking away with both hands in his pocket.Rowan immediately rushed towards me. “Are you ok? Did he hurt you?” He asked, his voice laced with concern.“I-i’m fin…..” I couldn't complete my words before losing consciousness.__________“Look, it's a boat,” I squealed, running towards the beach. “Steph, look.”Steph was behind me, playing with the beach sand as she struggled to make a sand castle. “Come on, Steph,” I called, grinning from ear to ear as I got on the boat. “Steph,” I called, turning back but she was nowhere to be found. “Steph!” I muttered, my eyes darting back and forth.“Die!” She suddenly yelled, pushing me off the boat before I jerked up.“Huh!” I groaned, flickering my eyes open. “Where am I?” I asked, my eyes darting back a
Chapter 10~Steph~“Morning sis,” I mumbled, styling my hair backwards as I stared at Emily dashing to the bathroom. “How are you always up before me?” She shouted, making me chuckle. After about a minute, I was done styling my hair. “What next?” I muttered, my eyes darting back and forth.“Yes, my sketch pad,” I squealed as I dashed to my wardrobe in search of it.Today threatened to be challenging, one more day with Crystal in the normal kitchen was surely more frustrating than dining with a serpent.“You're a lowly excuse for a human,” her voice echoed in my head. Weeks ago, her words were surely bound to get me curled up behind the castle, crying my eyes out.But since I met him, her words have had no impact on me anymore. I guess I grew up to be stronger just like he advised.Flashback “How dare you?” Crystal barked, her eyes blazing like primal fire. “I'm sorry ma’am,” I begged, my eyes downcast as I wriggled my fingers nervously.“Sorry for your pitiful human self,” she spa
Chapter 11~Emily~“Am I not talking to you? Are you deaf?” Reta barked, her voice filled with venom.“Fuck, I hate this bitch,” I muttered underneath my breath as I turned, a small smile on my face.She walked closer, her long dark hair dangling back and forth. Crystal was behind her as usual, her face twisted in a frown.“I'm sorry, my lady, I didn't quite hea……”Her hand landed on my face sharply, cutting me off before I could finish. “You swine, how dare you?” She barked, her eyes blazing like primal fire.I held my cheeks tightly, tears welled up in my eyes. Her palm left a red mark on my face and it hurt as much as a bee sting.“I need you to watch your back in this castle, cause I will make it a living hell for you,” she threatened, pointing her finger at me.Crystal remained silent, eyeing me maliciously. I bet she was the peddler of whatever gossip Reta heard.I tried to speak but I couldn't, it was as though my tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth.Reta was still the kin
Chapter 12~Zayne~“I-i'm sorry,” I muttered but she didn't wait, she was gone before I could blink. I immediately touched my lips, a small smile on my face.“She's cute,” I muttered, smiling sheepishly as the thought of her running flashed through my mind.Her lips tasted like a mixture of grapes and strawberries. I loved the way she melted in my arms, like something I could break.“Gosh, focus Zayne, focus,” I muttered, scattering my hair out of frustration. Suddenly the door burst open as Reta barged in with a guard trying to restrain her.“I'm sorry my lord, I tried to stop but she didn't listen,” the guard said, bowing his head slightly. “You scumbag,” Reta yelled as she landed a slap on his cheeks. “Next time you will pay respect to your future queen,” she growled.The guard immediately scurried away, holding his cheeks in the process. Poor thing, he got slapped for doing his job.“You didn't have to do that, he was just doing his job,” I muttered, pouring vodka in a glass.“D
Chapter 59~Emily~I woke up to a bright morning. The morning had a different feel than normal. There was a warm breeze in the air, urging me to cover myself with the blanket and sleep more. But as I shut my eyes yet again, a stream of thoughts came rushing back to my mind. The conversation I had last night with Zayne became clearer in my mind. Zayne wants me to go with him to the sacred temple.To retrieve the sword to kill Vadka. I really hope the sword is as powerful as mom says, otherwise Zayne might not make it through Vadka. “Oh shit!” I cursed out loud taking a small glance at my clock. It read 9 am. I was supposed to be at the grounds an hour ago. . I got dressed into my light training outfit and walked to the training grounds, my steps quickened. I'm sure Rowan will be standing there waiting for me He will cross his arms, furrowed his brows and give him that stern look of his. Running from my room, I finally reached Zayne’s personal training ground. I spotted Rowan
Chapter 58~Emily~“Why are you here Zayne?” I asked again, my voice more stern than before. “Can I come in please?” Zayne requested, his voice very calm and gentle. And after a brief while to think, I reluctantly allowed him. Maybe he's ready to tell md the truth. Or maybe he's here cook up another lie. I really hope not. Zayne walked into my room and stood by the corner, the looming shadows covered part of his body, he was almost engulped by the darkness. “So, why are you here Zayne?” Zayne seemed to be avoiding the obvious question of his reason for being here. “Emily, I know your angry at me, but I need your help”I should have known she just needed my help, he isn't ready to say the truth. “Get out, Zayne!” I kissed my teeth in annoyance. “Please Emily, it's important. I really need your help”Zayne’s pitiful voice came again, seeming even more desperate. “For what?” I decided to give him an ear, I didn't really have any intention of going with it though.Okay, don't fr
Chapter 57~Zayne~I stood at the balcony of my window admiring the beauty of my kingdom. A feeling of gratefulness gripped me. I was really lucky to rule over this majestic kingdom. KNOCK KNOCK Soon, I heard a firm knock on my door. “About time, he came”I muttered to myself before walking up to the door to open it. “Hello Rowan you're a bit late” “Sorry training went a bit late” Rowan gave a genuine reason and it was enough for me. I never joke around with Emily's training. “Come in!” I showed Rowan inside, before taking a seat on my couch. I did my rountine check on Emily's training progress, asking Rowan several questions on her training today with my pet lion. I was the one who insisted in Emily training with my lion. It might prove to be a significant challenge for her, but if she can be able to stand her ground with him then she'll be ready for anything that comes in her way. “So, why did you call me?” Rowan asked as we got down to the main business at hand. I lowe
Chapter 56~Emily~“Where are you going, huh?” the stern voice came again. I slowly turned my head back to see who it was. Reta! “You were the one who kidnapped her right?” I asked, my voice laced with anger. Anger at Reta for putting so much fear in the minds and hearts of people at the castle. And for Flora’s family, putting sorrow. “How can you be so cruel?” “I can do anything to anyone, as Long as I get what I want!” Reta said, her tone mischievous. The corners of her lips curled up a evil smile. “I'm going to the castle right now ! And everyone will know what you did” I turned to leave, when another figure appeared just in front of me. His figure was large, he had an incredible physique. I looked up to his face, trying to identify him. “Thorn?”I asked, a bit surprised to see him. If Thorn and Reta are here, that means it must be Luther behind this. The night two days ago flashed back to my memory. Was this what they were upto? Taking Flora to the forest? If that
Chapter 55~Emily~The lion's huge paws pressed me down to the floor. I could feel the lion power stronger than any of the Lycan warriors I train with. I turned my head slightly and I saw that the lion had lowered his head, his mouth was like a bowl full of blood near my neck. His pupils were staring motionlessly at me, seemingly with some curiosity, and his huge teeth were almost in front of my eyes. I could feel the blood and heat inside the lion's mouth, as if I was going to be torn apart the next moment. Fear made my body tremble, watching a lion up close and watching it from outside the cage were two completely different experiences. I lifted my head to look at Rowan, and I found him standing at the edge of the cage, looking at me and the lion with cold eyes, not coming to my aid. No! I can't die here! Steph needs me. If Rowan won't help me I'll help myself. Suddenly a wave of conviction gripped my heart. I struggled frantically, but even though I used all my strength, th
Chapter 53~Emily~Staying by my window, I watched as Steph and Reta returned from wherever they left.But this time, they came back with Thorn and Luther. They walked to the castle, their steps very discrete as though they stole something. My heart twitched on sight of Luther, he wore a sickening grin across his face. But I couldn't help but ask, what are they doing outside their rooms? And where did they go? I am deeply worried for Steph. She was in the midst of very bad people. People who could ruin her life for her. I wish I could talk some sense into her, but she won't even talk to me. I peeped through my window as they arrived at the castle before splitting up at the courtyard. I carefully watched Steph, as she gently walked upstairs and towards the maid quarters. I need to know where she went to and why they were so discrete. I dashed out of my room and taking a turn, I found myself behind Steph, she remained unaware of my presence. I followed behind her, my steps s
Chapter 52~Luther~“Sir Luther? What are you doing here?” The stranger finally took the torch light off of my face. Looking carefully at him, he was dressed in a security uniform, so, piecing out the puzzle, he was just a guard, maybe the one on night shift today. Fuck! I should have planned for that. How could I not? “None of your business, now just go back to your work and pretend I was never there” I said in a stern voice to the guard.“Okay sir!” The guard was about to turn to leave when his eyes caught a sight that left him dumbfounded. “What? No way Sir…that is Flora”He pointed at the body of Flora. “I have to inform the castle, now” His voice was shaking. “NO you won't!”He froze in his tracks as my stern voice reached his ears. I shifted into a wolf in a flash, my size doubled as I looked down on him like a mother would look at her baby. “Sir, please I'm just doing my job. Please!” the guard was pleading as loudly as he could, taking a few steps back.“Sir I promis
Chapter 51~Luther~This is not good for us. We must act now, if we leave Flora for one more second, they'll definitely see her. I looked down from my window at the rowdy scene in the castle. Everyone was panicking on hearing the news of the disappearance of Flora. And now, Rowan just announced that no one is permitted to leave the castle. Leaving Flora in the castle is a bad idea. Eventually the search team will find about the tunnels and then Flora. And then she will confess against us, I can't afford to have such a liability here. We must either kill her or take her out of the castle, one of the others we don't have a choice. KNOCK KNOCK A loud knock rang through my room. “Yes?”” Sir, it's Cedric. Zayne sends for you to the conference hall, right now!” Cedric opened my door and stood just by it. Ahhhh… What could Zayne possibly have to say? There is always a meeting. “How many people will be there?” I asked, my back still turned against him. “Just you and Zayne, act
Chapter 50~Zayne~“Cedric!Deploy the search teams to check around the castle, NOW!”I ordered Cedric, my voice stern. “Okay I'm on it sir. But what about you?” Cedric asked me. “Me and Rowan will check the forest for her. If someone kidnapped her. He will probably foolish not to take get away from the castle”I said to Cedric, my back turned against him.“Okay, I can come,” Cedric suggested. Taking Cedric with us, won't be a bad idea. But I need him to head the search team in the castle, if Flora is indeed here. “No, we're okay, I need you here”“Zayne, I'm ready!” A distant voice reached my ears. Rowan marched in my direction. “OK, I will use your horse, right?” I said walking up to a white and brown and gently placing my hand on its fur. I gently stroked its fur, my movement silk. “Okay, after all Milkshake is the fastest” Rowan named his horse Milkshake. It's been the longest serving horse at the castle. Rowan and myself included take it very dear to us. “Okay come on l