Chapter 1

FLASHFORWARD

"Get out of my way!" The enemy yelled, and I was forced to glance back. Fane lay dead in a pool of his own blood. Terrified, I started running faster. 

"Damn it," I muttered, "it's just a matter of time before he catches up with me." This cursed band on my hand was limiting my speed to human levels. I looked back to see he had almost caught up with me. I tried to increase my speed, but it was no use. "Just a little more," I urged myself, "and I'll be in Drake's Penthouse." Suddenly, he outran me, now standing in front of me. I attempted to dodge him, but he grabbed me, and I tried to break free, to no avail. "How about a little nap?" He sneered, his voice dripping with malice, as he brought a handkerchief close to my nose. I tried to dodge it, but it was futile. He used it to cover my nose, and before I knew it, I felt myself falling asleep, unwillingly, blacking out. The last thing I remembered was letting Drake's black card slip out of my hand. And then, everything went dark.

LOCATION: WASTELAND

PAST TIME

"Daisy.... I am still persistent about my words.. I want you to be my mate," Sam asked, his eyes fixed intently on mine.

"Sam, I take you as a friend, but that mate thing... I'm not interested," I replied firmly, emphasizing every word.

Sam's face fell, his expression a picture of sadness. "You've been giving me answers like 'I'll think about it' for three weeks now. So, you're coming to the conclusion that you're not interested?" he responded, his tone laced with disappointment.

I sat up, my movements deliberate. "Sam, we've been friends for almost all my life," I declared, my voice softening slightly. "So I thought maybe I should spare your feelings. Maybe I'll love you if I think about you, but sorry to disappoint you. My heart just isn't feeling the same way you are," I explained, my words gentle but resolute.

I suddenly scoffed inwardly, "Having a mate," incredulous at Sam's priorities. If that's what's on his mind when we're facing the harsh realities of life after high school... and the reality is that after despair, there's only more despair. He is not worthy of me continuing my friendship with him. 

He walked away and as soon as he did, tears of despair when it comes to inability to complete my education, lack of good life found their way streaming seriously down with no control.

PRESENT TIME

Daisy POV.

"My mummy, why will they select me?" I said bitterly. "I already accepted the fact that we are locked in this worst part of the country with no good water and soil to farm to live a healthy life."

"I put the blame on myself," She said. "I should have known better and informed you so as not to get the best result in high school."

"It is not as if there is any work somewhere for the Whitewater pack. The only work we are privileged to get in the city is maid, gateman, servant, and other lowly work," she continued.

"Hope I informed you of the part that you will be traveling today," she finally added.

"What, mummy? Are you trying to push me to my death?" I asked, my voice shaking with fear.

She sighed. "I know, but there is no way I can go against the order of the ruling pack of the country. I have even tried to see if I can switch you, but according to the principal of your school, your picture has already been sent."

The sound of a vehicle could be heard outside honking. "You need to grab your things, they are here" my mommy said, trying to hold back her tears. I went to collect my belongings before meeting the vehicle outside. After saying goodbye to my mommy, I made sure to hold back my own tears. "I pray I don't lose you to death," my mommy said as she waved me off to the vehicle.

My journey to the city began. It was a long journey, as they literally threw us into the deep and useless rural area to be precise.

Why don't we uncover why we were thrown into the worst part of the country? According to history, the Whitewater pack betrayed the Alliance force formed by many Pack to defeat a stronger enemy.

As we traveled all the way to Blue House which is formerly Whitewater land, I couldn't help but think about my situation.

"Hey, young lady, will you act boring all day?" The driver asked. Then I received a message that he was from Whitewater pack. I looked at his hand to see the same band that I was also wearing. It's something we have innovated from an unhealable scar from the past. This band cannot be removed; anyone who tries to remove it will be dead on the spot. That's what we heard, and I don't know why.

Let's forget that for now.

"Even if it's your fear, feel free to share," he said.

"Old man, as you must have already known, I am going to school in KJ college," I said. "And I won't be able to finish that school alive," I added.

"Hmm. You should have avoided being chosen," he replied.

"We weren't aware of the event that involves the chosen part early," I replied. "Can't I just run away when I begin college?"

"You can't because you will be found no matter where you hide," he replied. "The only advice I will give you is to make sure you talkless when you are being talked to. Don't raise unnecessary alarm and if possible find a way to become friends with one of the upper-class students in school but it's easier said than done. Let's not forget that those werewolves in that school are from the most rich parents in the country, not even middle class. Who knows what they have been told to strengthen the ugly past due to their social status?" He added finally.

"All is well".

"Let's not think about the death that awaits me," I said. "Does the ruling family treat you as trash?"

"It depends on the level of trash," he replied with a smile. "Well, I'll just say not anymore since I now ride the werewolf president."

"It was hell before I got to this position," he continued. "But now as werewolf president driver, only one person can punish or stunt me – it's the president himself – but he is too old and too busy for that. If anyone will hurt or order me around it is the first lady but the same thing applies to her." He finally explained.

"Can't they just unbrand the Whitewater pack from being slaves?" I declared, expressing my concern as I continued. "To begin with, it was the ruling Alpha back then who betrayed the Allied forces by selling them out for half a share of each pack's territory."

"It's inhumane to pay for crimes we never committed," I added.

"You stated a valid point, dear," he replied. "During the Slave Reforms of 1979, according to our representative's report back then, a respected Alpha said that just because the father is bad, it doesn't mean the son is bad. Innocent children should never pay for their parents' crimes."

"Yes, I read about it in my history book," I replied. "He didn't get much support, which led to the failure of the unbranding."

"Yeah, they only gave us privileges to study up to high school and work outside the wasteland as servants," he replied.

"That's no privilege," I declared.

"You're right," he said. "Even the best students getting scholarships for college is a death trap."

"Yes," I agreed. "And the privilege to work outside the wasteland sounds like bondage."

"Easy, girl, I can see where you are going," he replied, and I laughed, momentarily forgetting my worries.

 "There's no way I'd prefer life outside the land we're dumped in." I thought.

"The carnival will begin tonight," he declared, and I breathed down. He was just lucky.

We arrived at the party at midnight, and everywhere was colorful and lively as expected. A Lot of atrocities were going on as I moved through the crowd – for the first time in my life – I saw the werewolf president; he was looking fit and strong enough as I could sense his strong energy. He is currently the strongest Alpha werewolf in this country.

And how did I know this? Every two years, any Alpha who thinks he is strong enough to rule this country will be involved in a death fight with the ruling Alpha. As much as fighting has been happening, no one has been able to defeat him. News has it that he doesn't stress himself; he kills them effortlessly.

It has even been long since any Alpha challenged him according to History – close to ten years now.

Just then, the driver walked over to meet the president and then inform him of something.

President walked over to where microphone was located and said:

"Fellows, the moment we have been waiting for has arrived – welcome into our midst the slave we will be using for a sacrifice!" He announced pointing at me; my heart skipped a beat…