Serve him

Chapter Two

Faelen’s POV

Back in my room, I quickly set to work preparing for the mission. I gathered the few belongings I was allowed to take and put on the dull, simple clothing that would help me blend in with the other servants.

The outfit was plain and unremarkable, perfect for disguising me among the slaves. I checked my reflection in the mirror one last time, ensuring that everything was in place. I needed to look every bit the part of a maid.

As I left my room, a heavy sense of responsibility weighed on me. The corridors of the estate felt different, quieter, as if they were aware of the change about to occur.

I made my way to the field where the other servants, soon to be sold at the Howle Wulf pack, were gathered. The sight was both familiar and strange. I had spent years among servants, observing their ways and understanding their lives.

Yet now, I was to become one of them, an outsider disguised among the oppressed. The carts, heavy and worn out, were being prepared for our departure. Horses stamped their hooves impatiently, ready to pull us away to our destinies.

As we were loaded into the carts, I glanced back at the huge alpha estate one last time. It had been my home, the only place I had known, and the thought of leaving it behind stirred strange  emotions in me.

Quietly, I whispered a silent prayer to myself, hoping for success and a safe return back there. I had never left the estate before, and the thought of what lay beyond its walls was both somewhat terrifying.

Alpha Zodd was a man of cruelty and power. He ruled with an iron fist, his dominance marked by violence and ruthlessness. I had learned that firsthand, being claimed by him was a two ways situation.

His promises of protection came with the harsh reality of his cruelty and brutal control over everyone and everything. The idea of sending me to spy on the Howle Wulf pack, to further his insatiable hunger for power, was a dark reminder of his nature.

Yet, in the absurdity of his demands, I found a bit of purpose. My parents had prepared me for this day, filling me with a strong sense of duty to the pack, even if the path now set before me was filled with danger and moral uncertainties.

The Alpha's words echoed in my mind: “Do whatever it takes to infiltrate the pack and gather useful information. Fail, and you will face my wrath.”

There was no room for error. The stakes were high, and the consequences of failure was made clear, my death. I had no choice but to proceed with the mission, knowing that my own life was on the line.

Settling into the cart, I took one last look at the estate as we began to move. The familiar sights of the alpha’s home slowly faded into the distance, replaced by the moving landscape that passed.

I knew my loyalty was not to Alpha Zodd’s ambitions but to the memory of my parents. This mission, as challenging as it was, was my chance to prove myself and ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.

… 

The journey to the Howle Wulf territory was long and tiring. I fell asleep on the hard wooden floor of the cart, my exhaustion overcoming my anxiety for the task ahead.

The sudden halt of the cart jolted me awake, and I rubbed my eyes, trying to get my bearings. As I looked around, I saw the landscape had changed, the tall, dark trees and surrounding hills marked our entrance to the Howle Wulf territory.

There were guards around us, and they commanded us out of the cart and into a line. When we emerged, we were directed towards a wide, open field.

My heart pounded in my chest as I took in the  activities around me. There in the field, it was where we would be assessed and chosen for our respective roles matching our looks or talents.

Soon, a man in fine clothes arrived, his composure and demeanor suggesting he was of high status. His presence commanded attention, and I wondered if he was the alpha of the pack.

But as he began to speak, it became clear he was an emissary for the alpha, tasked with selecting new servants and potential mistresses for the pack’s leader.

“Greetings,” the man announced, his voice authoritative. “The alpha seeks new servants for his castle and mistresses for his personal enjoyment. We will be evaluating each of you for that..”

My heart skipped a beat. The idea of becoming a mistress was both tempting and terrifying. I understood that being chosen in that position would place me in a prime position to gather valuable information of the pack.

However, the thought of the sexual demands that might come with it frightened me deeply. I was still a virgin, and the idea of such intimacy was terrifying.

I remembered Alpha Zodd’s words in my mind: “Do whatever it takes to get the job done”. I took a deep breath and straightened my posture, focusing on making myself as noticeable as possible.

I tried to catch the emissary’s eye, hoping to make a strong impression. When he finally reached me, he studied me carefully. I stood tall, strikingly beautiful and curvy, trying to project confidence and a bit of seduction.

I was certain my long red hair and striking appearance would catch his interest. I felt hopeful as he examined me, his gaze lingering on my features for a while longer than others. 

But to my surprise, he turned away, dismissing me with a wave of his hand. “This one looks like a witch,” he said dismissively.

The comment stung within me, and I felt a wave of shock and frustration. I had worked so hard to present myself as a desirable candidate, only to be turned away with such disdain.

Determined not to give up, I continued to make gestures, trying to draw his attention once more. I noticed he had already picked several girls, and I knew I needed to stand out somehow. 

Finally, in a last minute effort, as the emissary decided that was enough, I stepped forward. “I can work in the gutters, if you’ll have me, sir.” I called out, trying to show my willingness to accept any position.

The emissary looked at me with a raised eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “The gutters, you say?” He seemed amused at the idea, but also surprised. “Very well then, come.”

Relief overwhelmed me as I joined the chosen ones, and though I was surprised by the choice of the gutters working, the thought of working in such conditions was far from what I wanted, but it was a place to start with.

At last I was among those selected, and that was a crucial step towards my goal. We were soon loaded into another cart, this one more comfortable than the previous one we had arrived in.

The ride to the palace felt like a homecoming as I prepared myself for the next phase of my mission. The palace appeared ahead, a huge structure that promised both opportunity and danger. As we arrived at the palace, we were quickly directed towards the courtyards.

At the courtyard, a senior maid awaited us. She immediately began inspecting us, her sharp eyes assessing every bit of detail, our appearances, our postures, our potentials.

I understood that trying to gain her favor was crucial if I hoped to secure a position in the alpha’s palace. Just like with the emissary, I straightened my posture and forced a confident smile.

The much older woman moved carefully among us, directing most of the girls to various tasks based on her assessments. I watched in growing anxiety as the maid paid me little mind. 

I needed her to notice me. I tried hard to make myself more noticeable, but it seemed just a single glance at me was okay for her.

I silently began to pray for a chance to work in the palace or, if possible, even in the alpha’s quarters. The thought of being assigned to the gutters was a constant worry, especially since I had offered to work there.

Soon, it was just I and another girl left there. My heart raced as I stood there waiting. Suddenly, the senior maid spoke, her voice sharp. “We are a hand short in the gutters,” she announced. “One of you will need to go there.”

My heart skipped a beat. The dread of being chosen for the gutters gripped me, but I kept my head bowed, trying to hide my fear. I glanced sideways at the only other girl left with me, who was now facing the same uncertainty.

After a long, scrutinizing look, the senior maid pointed at the other girl. “You will go work the gutters.”

The girl looked both confused and annoyed. “But it’s her who wanted to work there, not me,” she protested, turning to me with a look of irritation.

My heart pounded in my chest. The senior maid’s gaze shifted back to me, and I felt a cold sweat forming on my brow. The girl’s protest didn’t seem to sway the senior maid though, who now seemed irritated at the girl’s words.

“If you don’t go, you will be given to the alpha’s guards to do as they please with you.” The senior maid warned. 

The threat was clear, and the girl quickly bowed her head, her face flushed with fear. With one last angry look at me, she hurried away towards the gutters.

I watched her go, a mix of relief and guilt stirring inside me. I knew I had avoided the gutters, but at what cost? 

Now alone with the senior maid, I feared what would come next. The idea of being given to the alpha’s men was a chilling thought. I braced myself for whatever was to come.

Just then, another woman approached the senior maid and whispered something in her ear. Her expression shifted from stern to understanding. She then looked at me with a new intensity before speaking.

“You will join the others who serve the Alpha in his quarters and attend his meetings too,” she said, “We need extra hands there.”