CHAPTER 4

            

The cold night air clawed at my skin as I bolted through the thick underbrush, my breath ragged, heart pounding. I could feel the pulse of the full moon above, its pull on my body strong, almost unbearable. It whispered to the beast inside me, coaxing it out with each step I took deeper into the dark forest. I stumbled, catching my balance just as a branch snagged my cloak, tearing it. The guards were close. Too close.

"She’s heading for the woods!" one of them shouted, their voices a harsh echo that rattled my already frayed nerves. The metallic clink of their armor was growing louder, heavy boots crashing through the fallen leaves. I cursed under my breath, pushing myself harder.

I couldn’t let them catch me. Not like this—not when I was so close to losing control. I could already feel the shift starting in my bones, an ache that spread through my body, threatening to tear me apart from the inside. The transformation was inevitable, but I had to hold it off. At least until I was far enough away.

The moonlight filtered through the trees in patches, casting eerie shadows on the ground. It was my only guide, but I didn’t need much. I knew these woods better than anyone. My feet moved with instinct, dodging roots and rocks, slipping through narrow paths only I could navigate. The guards behind me wouldn’t stand a chance keeping up, but they weren’t slowing down either.

"Faster, she’s getting away!" another voice, breathless and frustrated, cut through the night. I could hear the hounds now, their howls piercing the darkness as they picked up my scent. There was no more time.

The wolf inside me stirred, clawing its way to the surface. My vision blurred, senses sharpening as the forest became clearer, more alive. The sounds of the night, the rustle of leaves, the distant cries of the nocturnal animals—all of it amplified until it roared in my ears. The moon called again, louder this time, and my body trembled, ready to give in.

But I couldn’t—not yet.

I pushed harder, ignoring the pain shooting through my legs, the burn in my lungs. The trees grew thicker, branches whipping against my face, scratching at my skin. But the guards— they were relentless. I could still hear them, though they were starting to lag behind. A small victory, but I wasn’t safe yet.

Up ahead, I saw it: a small clearing where the moon’s light bathed the forest floor in silver. I could make it there, just a few more strides. My legs were shaking, my breath ragged, but I surged forward, breaking through the final line of trees. The moment I reached the clearing, I collapsed to my knees, gasping for air.

The pain hit me then, full force. My body convulsed, muscles tightening as the transformation began, unstoppable now. I screamed, biting down hard on my lip to stifle the sound, tasting blood. The guards were too close—if they heard me now, they’d know. They’d see.

I couldn’t let that happen.

I clenched my fists, digging my nails into the dirt, trying to ground myself. But the wolf wouldn’t be denied. It was coming, faster and faster, the pressure building until I thought my skin would tear apart. My mind raced, panic setting in. What if I lost control? What if the wolf took over completely?

No. Not tonight.

With every ounce of strength left in me, I forced the change back, just enough to keep myself human a little longer. My vision cleared, the sounds of the forest returning to normal, and I staggered to my feet, limbs shaking. But the reprieve was short-lived.

The sound of snapping twigs reached my ears, and my blood ran cold. The guards. They were here.

I spun around, eyes scanning the dark edges of the clearing, searching for a way out. The moonlight glistened on the leaves, casting strange shadows that danced and flickered. But I couldn’t focus on them for long.

A figure emerged from the trees—tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in the king’s livery. His eyes locked onto mine, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

"Found you."

I swallowed hard, backing up a step, but there was nowhere to run. Behind him, more guards closed in, forming a loose circle around me. My pulse quickened, panic rising again as I realized I was trapped.

The wolf inside me growled, ready to fight, to tear them apart if I let it. But I couldn’t. Not yet.

The leader of the guards stepped forward, sword drawn, his eyes gleaming with something dark, something cruel. "The king will be pleased," he said softly, his voice dripping with malice. "Come quietly, and we won’t hurt you… much."

I glanced around, heart racing. There had to be a way out. But before I could make a move, the ground beneath me shifted, the air growing thick with an unnatural chill.

The forest opened into a clearing, and my legs buckled as the guards dragged me toward the encampment. The moonlight barely pierced the thick clouds above, leaving everything drenched in shadow.

King Sylvester’s tent loomed ahead, an imposing structure surrounded by fire-lit torches, their flickering light casting eerie patterns across the ground. I could hear the snickers of the guards, their breath hot on my neck as they shoved me forward. My wrists throbbed from the ropes binding them, but the sting wasn’t nearly as painful as the humiliation.

I was caught.

The guards stopped just before the king’s tent. One of them, a large man with a twisted sneer, shoved me roughly to my knees. The world spun for a moment before I steadied myself, looking up to meet Sylvester’s gaze.

He stood tall, arms crossed over his chest, his gold-trimmed cloak billowing lightly in the breeze. His eyes sparkled with malice, the cruel twist of his lips revealing just how much he relished this moment.

“Look at you,” Sylvester said, his voice dripping with amusement. “My reputable mate, Vera, reduced to this. Did you really think you could outrun me? In my forest?”

I clenched my jaw, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response. The air felt heavy around me, every breath an effort. My heart pounded, but I kept my chin raised, staring defiantly into his eyes.

“Oh, silent now, are we?” Sylvester stepped closer, crouching down to meet me at eye level. His breath reeked of wine and arrogance. “You wolves think you’re so clever, so… untouchable. But here you are. Caught. Caged.”

I spat at the ground near his feet, my throat raw. “You’ll never own me, Alpha Sylvester.”

His laugh was sharp, cutting through the night. “Own you? Oh no, I don’t need to own you.” He stood, brushing imaginary dust from his coat. “I just need you in chains where you belong.”

My muscles ached from holding back the transformation. The wolf was so close to the surface, growling, begging to be unleashed. But I couldn’t give in. Not yet. Not here.

“Take her to the carriage,” Sylvester ordered, waving his hand dismissively. “I want her locked up and delivered to the castle by morning. Make sure she doesn’t get any ideas about running again.”

The guards yanked me to my feet, dragging me toward the waiting carriage at the edge of the camp. Its black iron bars gleamed under the torchlight, twisted into cruel shapes that resembled thorny vines. Gothic, intimidating. The kind of prison built for creatures like me.

I struggled, trying to twist out of their grip, but it was useless. They threw me into the caged carriage, slamming the door shut with a deafening clang. I gripped the bars, glaring out at Sylvester as he approached once more.

“Enjoy the ride, Vera,” he said, his tone mocking. “It’s a long way to the castle, and I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to think about your mistakes.”

I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. The rage and pain inside me were too much to bear. But as the carriage started to move, wheels creaking against the dirt path, I swore to myself that this wasn’t the end.

I would find a way out. I would make him pay.

And I wouldn’t be caged for long.