CHAPTER 2: THE TRANSACTION
I couldn't believe my ears when Alan exclaimed, "Wait! Do not kill her yet." The guards holding me turned around to stare at him with surprise written all over their faces. "Before you kill her, make her dance to her music. We do not want her to just go through a painless death, or do you? Torture her first, make sure she feels the impact of killing her parents." Alan smirked and rubbed his hands maniacally.
The people cheered, and it felt like a brick wall hit me. I couldn't believe how quickly they turned against me. I thought I was protecting them, but now they believed I could commit such an atrocity - killing my parents.
Someone yelled, "Yes, let's torture her until her body cannot take it anymore!" The guards let go of my hands, and I dropped to the ground. I was now an object of ridicule, and everyone, including the elders, began to spite me. Some spat at me, and others tugged at me and slapped me across the face. My face was battered and unrecognizable. I was in so much pain that my body went numb.
Then, a male voice boomed from behind the crowd, "That's enough!" The Lycan king emerged from the crowd, strolling casually into the room. "You all have had your fun, so let the woman be," Dominic said, approaching me. Everyone attacking me moved aside as Dominic advanced. They wondered what the Lycan king was doing here, and some whispered in awe of his presence. Alan was speechless when he saw Dominic.
Dominic asked Alan, "How much would it cost for you to sell her to me?" Alan hesitated, then said, "Uhm, I am sorry, but this woman isn't for sale." Dominic demanded, "As the Lycan king, I demand that she be sold to me. Name your price, werewolf, and I'll have the money ready this instant."
Alan swallowed hard and took a step back. He seemed to be wondering why Dominic wanted to buy me and what his plans were. Alan hesitated, then said, "Alright, I'm going to sell her to you." He whispered the price in Dominic's ear, and Dominic bellowed, "That is outrageously expensive!" Alan tried to signal him not to disclose the price, but Dominic said, "I will be back here tomorrow to pay you the money... and you can count on my word."
Dominic picked me up from the floor, and I felt his warmth as he cradled me in his arms. He didn't mind the blood that spilled from my body and soiled his clothes. As he walked away, the people stared in shock and awe. I was in too much pain to understand what was happening, but I knew my fate was about to change forever.
As Dominic carried me out of the throne room, I couldn't help but wonder what his plans were for me. Was I to be a prisoner, a slave, or something more? I tried to speak, but my voice was hoarse from screaming and my throat was parched.
Dominic seemed to sense my discomfort and gently lifted me into his arms, cradling me like a child. I felt a strange sense of security in his embrace, despite the fact that I was at his mercy.
As we walked, the castle walls seemed to blur together, and I lost all sense of direction. I was vaguely aware of Dominic's pack gathered around us, their eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
Finally, we arrived at a large wooden door, adorned with intricate carvings of wolves and moons. Dominic pushed the door open and carried me inside, shutting it behind us.
I found myself in a cozy chamber, lit by flickering candles and a roaring fire. Dominic gently laid me on a soft bed, covered in furs and blankets.
"Rest now, Summer," he whispered, his voice low and soothing. "You are safe here."
I wanted to ask him what he meant, but my eyelids felt heavy, and I couldn't fight the exhaustion any longer. As I drifted off to sleep, I wondered what the future held for me in this strange new world.
I slept fitfully, my dreams filled with images of blood and fire. I was haunted by the memories of my parents' death and the cruelty of the people I had once considered friends.
When I finally woke, I was greeted by the warm light of the setting sun. Dominic was sitting beside me, his eyes fixed on me with a concerned expression.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice gentle.
I tried to speak, but my voice was still hoarse. Dominic handed me a cup of water, and I sipped it gratefully.
"Better," I croaked.
Dominic nodded. "Good. You've been asleep for a while. I was starting to worry."
I looked around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. "Where am I?" I asked.
"You're in my chambers," Dominic replied. "You're safe here."
I nodded, still trying to process everything that had happened. "Why did you buy me?" I asked.
Dominic's expression turned serious. "I bought you because I need your help," he said. "I have a problem, and I think you're the only one who can help me solve it."
I frowned, curious. "What problem?"
Dominic leaned forward, his eyes intense. "I'll tell you later," he said. "First, you need to rest and recover. You've been through a lot."
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, I had found an ally in this strange new world.
As I rested and recovered, I couldn't help but wonder what Dominic's problem was and how I could possibly help him. I was a werewolf, not a problem solver. But Dominic seemed confident that I was the one he needed, and I couldn't deny the sense of purpose that gave me.
Over the next few days, Dominic and I grew closer, bonding over our shared experiences as outcasts. He told me about his own struggles as a Lycan king, and I shared my story of being a werewolf in a world that didn't understand me.
Finally, the day arrived when Dominic was ready to reveal his problem. We sat down in his chambers, and he looked at me with a serious expression.