4 Pleasing Adolphus

Afternoon,

Steam Bathe, 

Dam’s Keep, DamHale.

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The werewolf women's quarters were a stark contrast to the rugged, masculine domain of the dining hall. Here, the air was perfumed with the scent of wildflowers and herbs, and the walls were adorned with delicate tapestries depicting moonlit scenes and ancient symbols. Soft, warm light filtered through small, high windows, casting a gentle glow over the space.

It was a bathing arena for the women and Emma had escorted her saying it was more enjoyable and warm here than alone in the bathroom but she would very much prefer to be in 

Seraphina stood awkwardly in the center of the room, surrounded by a group of werewolf women who chattered excitedly among themselves. They were beautiful and fierce, their bodies lithe and toned, their hair long and flowing like dark rivers. They wore little more than thin, soft garments that barely covered their breasts and hips, leaving their skin exposed in a way that made Seraphina's cheeks burn with embarrassment.

One of the women, a tall, statuesque figure with piercing green eyes, approached Seraphina with a knowing smile, her name was . She held out a bundle of clothing, her fingers adorned with rings that glinted in the light. "Here, try this," she said, her voice smooth and melodic. "You need to look presentable for Adolphus and the others."

Presentable?! She didn’t care about looking presentable to that man.

Seraphina took the garments with slightly trembling hands, her eyes widening as she realized just how revealing they were. The fabric was soft and sheer, a deep burgundy that would cling to her curves and leave little to the imagination. The top was little more than a strip of cloth that tied around her neck and back, while the skirt barely reached mid-thigh, its slits revealing even more with every movement.

"I─ I can't… I can’t wear this," Seraphina stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's... it's too exposing."

Somehow, the whole room fell silent at that comment, making her bite the inside of her cheek.

The woman laughed softly, a sound that was both kind and condescending. "You humans and your modesty," she said, shaking her head. "Here, we are free. We show our strength, our beauty. There's no need to hide." she pointed out.

Seraphina glanced around, feeling the weight of their gazes on her. The other women were watching with curiosity and amusement, their eyes gleaming in the dim light. They were so comfortable in their own skin, moving with a fluid grace that made Seraphina feel even more out of place. She couldn't help but notice the men, who wore even less. Most of them were entirely nude, their muscular bodies on full display as they lounged and chatted, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort.

One of the younger women stepped forward, her expression softer and more understanding. "It's okay," she said gently, placing a hand on Seraphina's arm. "We can help you. Come, we'll show you how to wear it."

She didn’t need their help, she frowned.

Before Seraphina could protest, the women surrounded her, their hands deftly removing her old, tattered dress. She stood there, shivering more from nerves than the cool air, 

“We’d help you take a bath first”

“I─” her protest is cut short when they guided her into the hot bath, her breath hitched and her eyes widened as the water enveloped her easily, she instantly felt at ease contrary to how she’d like to feel in the den of her enemies.

They helped her relax with gists about bathing and their experience in different clans, she listened and got lost in her imaginations most of the time but overall the experience for her became nice, they finished taking care of her like it was their duty, washing her hair, feet, massage and smiles, she was confused and then they wrapped the new clothing around her. She sighed, The fabric was indeed soft, almost like a second skin, and the sensation was both alien and intimate.

The women adjusted the top, tying it securely behind her back and neck, their fingers brushing against her skin in a way that made her feel even more exposed. The skirt was fastened around her waist, its slits accentuating her legs in a way that felt indecent. They stepped back to admire their handiwork, their eyes appraising and approving.

"There," the tall woman said, her smile widening. "You look beautiful. Like one of us."

One of them?

Seraphina glanced at her reflection in a nearby polished metal surface, her heart sinking. She looked so different, so unlike herself, unlike what daddy would’ve approved. The clothing clung to her in a way that made her feel vulnerable, and the sight of so much bare skin made her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She wanted to run, to hide, to find something—anything—that would cover her more fully.

Vulnerability shouldn’t be shown to these people else they would take advantage of you, she chided herself.

The younger woman must have sensed her discomfort, for she stepped closer, her expression gentle. "I know it's hard," she said quietly. "But you are strong. You survived this long, and you can endure this too. Adolphus expects you to be part of our world now. You must adapt."

Fake it till you make it? if the women were this nice then maybe she could use them, manipulate them until she can run away.

Seraphina nodded, swallowing hard. She knew she had no choice. This was her reality now, as uncomfortable and frightening as it was. She had to play their game, had to survive. She forced herself to stand tall, to lift her chin, even as her heart hammered in her chest.

She didn’t attempt to smile because she knew she couldn’t give one o she let out a strangling breath.

The women led her out of the quarters, their hands guiding her gently but firmly. She felt their strength, their confidence, and tried to draw from it. As they entered the main hall again, she could feel the eyes of the werewolves on her, their gazes appraising and intense. She fought the urge to cover herself, to shrink away. Instead, she walked with as much dignity as she could muster, praying silently for strength.

Adolphus stood waiting, his eyes lighting up with approval as he saw her. "Seraphina," he said, his voice a low purr. "You look..." he trailed off when their gaze met, she was grateful he hadn’t called her butterfly or completed the compliment with ‘stunning’ like he used to but that didn’t mean she was fine with this.

Seraphina forced a tight smile, her hands trembling at her sides. She felt anything but stunning or whatever he had intended to say. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and utterly out of place. But she met his gaze with as much defiance as she could manage, determined not to let him see her fear.

"The Alpha," she acknowledged, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I hope this pleases you." she spat venomously.

Adolphus smiled, a slow, predatory smile that sent chills down her spine. "It does," he said, stepping closer, his eyes roaming over her. "I am quite surprised you’re already beginning to understand your place here. But this is good."

Seraphina nodded, her heart pounding. She knew she had to play along, to survive. But inside, she vowed that one day, she would find a way out. One day, she would escape this nightmare and burn it all to the ground.

But he had stretched his arm and tucked some eraant hair off her face with his index and she couldn’t hold it in any longer, “Why am I here?” she barked.

Adolphus smirked, “Because I requested it,” he was happy to be presented with her active side instead of the scheming one that had approached him just now, he didn’t want her to give up.

“I don’t want to be in your presence” she replied through gritted teeth.

“You can’t exactly leave now, can you?” 

Seraphina looked around as she shivered lightly, “Why not?” 

“These wolfs would watch you as you walk like you’re a fucking siren and I can’t take that” he bellowed and without thoughts she took her seat next to him only because she didn’t confident in her clothng, she told herself.

“Seraphina,” she glanced at him, her breath laboured at his drawl, “It is either you be my guest or my slave” 

Her heart shattered while her face spotted a frown, “Your slave? Are you demented?”

“No, Butterfly, I’m your Alpha”