The opening of the door made me jolt suddenly.As I opened my eyes, I could see Lorna, arms akimbo and looking cross. She went into a tirade. "You are such a wild one, Vera. How could you think of escaping? You should consider yourself privileged for him to beg you to birth him an heir, even Queen Annalise finds it difficult to believe he is treating you nicely."Arms and legs were in chains once again. The attempted escape had prompted an extra level of vigilance among the personnel within the castle.My spirit was dampened by the failed escape attempt and I almost felt like dying. Lorna's words further exacerbated my hapless state and this saddened me greatly.I was stoic and my gaze dropped as Lorna rambled about the room, looking apprehensive. The chains jangled softly with every movement of mine, the sounds signaling my failed venture. I could feel the humid stone of the castle walls closing in on me, debilitating every ounce of energy in my system. Lorna suddenly halted, gasping
The surging vehicles marked by the growling engines and squealing tyres sent me jolting out of my slumber. My eyes drifted quickly to the foggy window, the window pane illuminated by the shimmering headlight of the numerous vehicles that arrived on the extensive castle ground.With the chains scraping the floor, I paced to the window and glanced below at the vehicles that were static at the concourse.King Sylvester had disembarked, exuding an air of pride and arrogance as he watched two grim faced men dragged out from the storage bay of the van. They were in chains and looked battered.From my vantage point, there was a soft knock on the door to the room I watched the brazen spectacle below. Lorna's voice sounded from behind the doorway "It's time to go, Vera. The King wants you.”Soon the doors flung open, Lorna and some guards hurriedly walked in.. One of them immediately unlocked the chains that bound my wrist and ankle.With a curt hand gesture, they led me through a labyrinth of
I was in a deep sleep, embroiled in a dream so real I could almost feel the coarse and grainy texture of the earth in my paws. My heart pounded in my ribcage as I charged forward, claws raised above my head and ready for a violent slash, the blood of my enemies soiling the battlefield. I was a wolf—a creature of power, fangs bared hideously in defiance against men who sought to bring me down. Their shrieks pervaded the air, but I was not frightened by them. I was their equal, if not their superior.A sudden silence ensuedA ghost—or, an apparition—appeared, levitating in mid air and Her grainy form gleamed despite my misty vision in the dream. She had no defined form save for her blond hair that flailed in the air just a vague silhouette, her voice was however lucid.The apparition said, its voice almost a whisper: "Do not fail to remember who you are. The change you desire is in your hands - never forget that.”Her words played like a recurring medley in my head as a jarring sound
I was thrown into a poorly lit cell located in the basement of the castle. Watched by two armed guards, I sat on the only piece of furniture in the dingy space which was a bed, contemplating.I wondered how long I would remain here, looking depressed and gloomy. I recalled the events of the day. Disappointed but yet delighted I stood my ground against the Alpha King.Suddenly, I could hear the faint echo of footsteps coming from a distance. Curiosity piqued, I craned my head towards the direction of the footsteps and then Ryan Myers came to a halt to my cell. He expressed an indifferent face.Although I was glad to see him, I did not express it.The guards opened the bars, allowing him to walk into my cell where I sat, dejected.“I thought we had gotten over this ?” he said, his eyes fixed intently on me.I remained quiet, not uttering a word. I stared at him with a look of disdain.“You seen not to heed my advise. Even while fortune is smiling is at you, you have repeatedly defied yo
Pushing the double glass doors open, I squinted through the dim lights of the pub. The air was thick with the acrid smell of stale ale and smoke that clouded the space like a boiler room.Ryan had promised to come but I had to be patient to catch a glimpse of him. It appeared he hated the spotlight.True to my expectation, he was huddled at a corner, concealed partially by the shadow. The areas surrounding his left arm and parts of his chest were captured by the poor light of the space.I made my way to his table and slid wordlessly by him.He glanced up at me, his eyes cold, calculating. Ryan wasn’t a friend—never had been. He was more like a shadow, always lurking, always knowing more than he should."Vera," he said, his voice low but sharp, "She’s in the King’s holding cell."I felt my chest tighten. The King wasn’t merciful. Anyone who defied him was met with punishment, and Vera… I knew she wouldn’t bow down, not even to save herself. The thought of what they might do to her claw
The jarring clank of the cell gates awakened me. The sound of clopping shoe soles and the muffled conversation between Lorna and the guard followed as the sequence of sounds which I was getting accustomed to, continued unabated.She walked to me and deftly set about unlocking my shackles."Good morning Vera. The Queen wished to see you,' she said in a low but firm voice.I rubbed my wrists once they were free. The ache from days of confinement, lingering. My mind raced. Annalise wanted to see me? Now? In this state?“Why?” I asked, but Lorna only gave me a sideways glance. She motion"The Queen is waiting at the patio, near the pool."Reluctantly, I rose to my feet. My legs shaky from lack of use.Reluctantly, I rose to my feet. My legs were shaky from lack of use. I accompanied Lorna through the winding corridors. The castle was bustling with the faint sounds of guards and servants drifting through its halls. We walked into the warm glow of early morning light. The scent of jasmine
At the entrance of my cell, a trio of guards stopped me."The King demands your presence in the grand hall," said one of them, his hand digging deep in my arm. The meeting with Queen Annalise was devoid of any tension, but with King Sylvester, it was going to be mind wrecking.I was led to the grand hall that sprawled extensively. A sturdy and long table dominated the carvenous space. Three elders were seated around the table. Their countenances were stern and it made my gut tighten. I breathed out, getting ready for the volcano that was about to erupt.With a low, sharp voice, King Sylvester declared, "Your actions have been despicable." I have been forgiving and understanding in spite of it. My attempts to connect seem to be encountering severe opposition.I preferred to hold my breath and drop my gaze, remaining still. It appeared my silence irritated King Sylvester and an intense rage burned in his eyes. This prompted him to spring to his feet and pace around the hall. His face co
I shook my head, my anger building. "I didn't do anything improper. I simply— “My throat tightened at the words. Even the things I was attempting to say had escaped me. Nothing seemed to make sense.For a brief moment, Lorna's eyes softened—a rare sign of concern. She lowered herself to look at me. “What you believe to be right or incorrect is not relevant here. It has to do with surviving. You must choose your battles wisely, because at this point, you are losing them all.”Her response struck a deep chord with me, and I wanted to counter and correct her. I knew, though, that she wasn't. Sylvester wasn't who I had previously believed him to be. Yes, he was still a monarch, but he had evolved into a despot and a power broker.And there I was, entangled in his web, trying yet failing to release myself. "So what now? Do you want me to comply? obey each and every order?” I questioned sharply, my voice trembling with rage.With a hardened expression once more, Lorna got up. "Vera, I want