Chapter 005

I don’t know how long I was asleep but the carriage came to an abrupt stop, causing me to bump my head against the window Frame.

“Ow.” I jerked awake, rubbing my head.

We arrived at a cozy inn as the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow. Alpha Kael opened his eyes, his gaze piercing through me. "We'll rest here for the night," he said, his deep voice stirring me awake from my half-sleep.

I rubbed my eyes, taking in the rustic inn's wooden sign: "Moonlight Haven." The carriage door swung open, and Kael stepped out, offering his hand. I hesitated before taking it, his grip firm but not ungentle.

Inside, the inn was warm and inviting. A fire crackled, casting flickering shadows. Kael led me to a private dining room. A feast awaited: roasted meats, steaming vegetables and fresh bread.

"You're malnourished," he observed bluntly. "Eat," he commanded, his tone tight. "We leave early."

I took a spoonful of food into my mouth, still very cautious of his presence in the room. But immediately the flavour hit my tongue, I lost control devouring the food, savoring flavors I'd graced my tongue.

Kael watched, his expression unreadable.

A servant entered with a bundle. "The clothes. Alpha Kael” she bowed.

Kael nodded. "Bathe and change. We depart at dawn." He said tossing the clothes to me.

I caught it before it landed on the floor, I followed the girl up the stairs to the designated quarters, the door creaking shut behind me. The room was modest yet clean, with a steaming bath awaiting. I shed my worn attire, sinking into the warm water. Washing away the grime and memories.

The provided garments were elegant: a flowing white blouse, dark skirt and leather boots. And some night garments, I dressed quickly in the night dress, hugging my scarf around my body. I walked out of the bathroom.

Upon returning to the private dining room, Alpha Kael stood by the window, gazing out. His jaw clenched.

"Follow me," he commanded curtly.

I trailed him through the inn's silent corridors to a spacious room. A fire crackled.

"Sleep," he ordered, pointing to a smaller adjacent chamber. "Dawn approaches."

His gaze lingered, scrutinizing. "You're expected to keep pace tomorrow."

I nodded, entering the smaller room. The door shut, enveloping me in darkness.

I laid in the bed, my body sinking into its softness. The room was simple, yet a luxury compared to my previous quarters. Thoughts swirled in my mind.

Alpha Kael's demeanor was cold, calculating. His eyes seemed to bore into my soul. I wondered what his intentions were, and what lay ahead.

The fire crackled in the adjacent room. His presence felt overwhelming, even from a distance. My heart raced.

I closed my eyes willing myself to sleep, it didn’t take as much time as exhaustion caught up with me.

Nightmares graced my dreams that night, jostling me awake every hour sweating profusely. I couldn’t sleep not knowing what else laid ahead of me, grabbing the sheets I wrapped it around my body and walked up to the window, I stepped out into the balcony. It overlooked the long rolls of tall trees, the moon hid behind the tall branches of the trees . It wasn’t a full moon but it was bright.

I could escape, just run and keep running but I knew before I even reach the trees I’ll be caught and probably my punishment here would be far worse than that of madam Claudia.

I sighed, relishing in the moment.

Tomorrow we’ll reach the red moon territory, the biggest wolf territory within the east and west. The man in the other room is to be my master and owner and I’m to serve him which ever way he needed to be satisfied.

I stood outside until I could see the sun creeping above the trees. Dawn came faster than I hoped, I walked back into the room, pulling the dress over my slender body to get a bath before we continue our journey.

I got dressed an hour later and walked door the stairs, standing by the carriage waiting for him.

He appeared at the doorway frowning, he looked at me.

“Good morning master.” I mumbled, casting my gaze to the floor.

“Don’t call me that,” he grunted, sidestepping me to enter the carriage.

“Get in, we don’t have all day.”

I hurried inside the carriage, trying not to think of his request.

What was I to refer him as if not master? We were taught that at the house; Every owner should be called master…….

I looked up at him, his eyes were closed.

“What do you need.” He said, his voice like ice water.

I gasped.

“Um…… may I know what I should call you if not master?” I stumbled over the words.

He opened his eyes, his green eyes looking into my soul, I gulped.

“You will not need to speak with me in the nearest future.” He said.

“Oh.” Was my response. I turned back my gaze to the window resuming my position from yesterday.

“How old are you?” He asked, after a long pause.

I turned back my face to him

“20” I whispered.

“Hmmmm” his eyes remained closed. “Why haven’t you changed to your wolf form?”

I gazed up him, studying his features. His adam’s apple bubbled up an down as he spoke.

“I…..don’t know.” I said, fidgeting with my fingers.

He didn’t reply, for a while.

“That’s good.” He grunted later on.

What? Did he just say it was good I hadn’t transformed yet?

When has that ever been a good thing? I wanted to ask him but I bit back my tongue. He could think whatever he wanted, I’m not going to allow myself to be bullied, not anymore.

The rest of the ride remained quiet, we both lost in different thoughts.

The sun was almost setting above the horizon, when the footman announced.

“We have arrived.”

I looked out the window, we were surrounded by very massive walls and a more massive gate.

“Gather you wits girl, you’ll be meeting a lot of people today. Try to keep up” Kael said.

I nodded.

Just then the gate creaked wide open.