Road To Bondage

Kaidaira's Point of View

How did I—one of the best fighters— become a slave?

All because of a man.

Rough hands grasped my arms, yanking me away from the only refuge I'd known. The Egyptians' brutal grip felt like cold steel, their fingers digging into my skin like talons. My legs buckled beneath me, roots and rocks tripping me up with merciless cruelty.

The forest, once my sanctuary, now seemed like a distant memory, a fleeting dream shattered by the harsh reality of my captivity.

One of them, a hulking man with a twisted grin, forced wolfsbane into my mouth. The bitter taste exploded on my tongue, a toxic invasion that left me reeling. "Swallow," he growled, his hand clenched around my jaw like a vice. I swallowed, the potion coursing through my veins like liquid fire, dulling my wolf senses and leaving me vulnerable.

Panic set in as another guard struck me in the stomach, the blow landing with precision cruelty. I doubled over, gasping for air as my diaphragm went into spasms. The world around me blurred, colors bleeding together like watercolors in the rain.

Their words cut deep, each one a razor-sharp slash to my soul. "You killed your own brother because of a man," one spat, venom dripping from his voice. "You are cursed." The accusation hung in the air, a toxic cloud that choked the life from me.

Their hands bound me to a horse, arching my body in an uncomfortable pose that made every jolt a fresh agony. Groaning leather and tight rope dug into my skin, each stride a relentless drumbeat of pain.

We rode away, surrounded by laughter and insults. The cruel sounds hurt my feelings badly. I bowed my head, feeling completely hopeless.

I couldn't bear the shame as my dignity was already torn apart.

Why had I trusted Zarek? Why had I killed my brother? Memories resurfaced—the fateful night Zarek convinced me of my brother's betrayal.

"He's using you, Kaidaira," Zarek had said, eyes full of concern. "Your brother wants us to end, and he'll do anything to get rid of you." I remembered the fake letter outlining my brother's plans to sell me.

Dumb, I thought now. So dumb.

"Zarek lied," I whispered, the words torn from my soul.

The guard snarled, jeering me out of my disturbing thoughts. "You're paying for your misdeeds now, wolf."

...

We rode for hours, the sun beating down on me like a wicked force. Sweat dripped off my brow into my eyes, stinging. My thoughts swirled, trapped in a whole lot of regret and anger.

How could Zarek do this to me? Use me, betray me?

The wolfsbane numbed my senses, but inside, my heart was entirely raw.

As the sun set, a fire ignited within me. I would survive. For vengeance.

I lay across the horse's back, my wrists bound to the saddle. The riders' rough hands held me in place.

"Fresh meat for the king," one of the men muttered loudly.

"Should be fun breaking her," the other chuckled.

Their laughter sent shivers down my spine. I focused on the road, my determination burning brighter.

The horse's hooves pounded the earth, carrying me toward a fate I refused to accept. With every step, with every jolt, my body screamed its protest.

Their conversations blurred around me, devoid of empathy.

"I hear the master's got a special welcome planned."

"Hahaa, the wolf bitch isn’t above the law."

Their words sliced through my chest, I refused to let my tears fall.

I am going to escape. I have to.

As the sun set, the guards stopped before a towering fortress. Its walls, topped with rusty iron spikes, cast long shadows. The structure loomed over me, very much imposing. My heart sank, thinking: This is where my freedom dies. I'll never see my family again, I thought, despair creeping in. Will I ever escape this place?

"Welcome to your new home," one of the guards sneered.

We entered a great hall where a figure sat upon a chair, enveloped in darkness.

The air reeked of mold and sweat, heavy with desperation. His eyes glinted in the dim light, cold and calculating. The silence was oppressive, weighing heavily on my shoulders.

"Another addition to our collection," he said, coldly. "You'll make a fine breeder."

My heart plummeted at his words.

Breeder.

That word marched around in my head like a death sentence.

The figure leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "You'll learn to obey, wolf," he sneered. I spat, defiance burning within me. "I'll never obey." His face twisted in disgust.

The guards laughed, their cruel amusement echoing off the walls. One guard's hand cracked across my face, pain exploding. I stumbled, vision blurring. The king's laughter joined the guards', a chilling sound.

Days blurred together. Time lost all meaning. I never ventured outside, except to attend to "duties." The rogue king's whims dictated my existence. Every moment was a struggle to survive.

Every time, I was dragged out, dressed in skimpy clothes, and forced to entertain. "Please," I begged, my voice cracking. "Don't make me do this." The king's laughter was my only response.

"You're nothing but a tool," he sneered. "A breeding machine." I crumbled, my spirit crushed under the weight of cruelty. Deep inside, embers of defiance smoldered. I vowed to escape.

"I will escape," I whispered to myself. The king's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "You'll never leave this place," he growled. I met his gaze, determination burning within me.

But the king's smile grew wider. "We'll see about that," he said. His eyes gleamed with malice. Suddenly, the door slammed shut, and I was plunged into darkness.

I was left alone, my heart racing. The silence was overly oppressive.

And then, I heard the sound of locks clicking into place.