Elira awoke to the warmth of a fire and the scent of earth and smoke. Her body ached, but it was a dull throb compared to the sharp pain of her memories. She blinked against the dim light, her golden-brown eyes adjusting to the rustic interior of a hut. The walls were made of rough-hewn wood, and shadows flickered on the ceiling from the fire crackling in the corner.
"You're awake," a deep voice rumbled, cutting through the quiet.
Her heart leapt as she turned her head sharply. Kaelion sat across the room, his amber eyes glowing in the firelight. He looked even more imposing now, his broad shoulders casting long shadows and his wolfish presence filling the small space.
"Where am I?" she croaked, her voice hoarse from exhaustion and fear.
"In the heart of the Wolf Kingdom," he replied, his tone measured. "You're lucky we found you before the forest claimed you."
Elira's fingers clutched the fur blanket draped over her. "I didn't ask to be found."
Kaelion raised a brow, clearly unamused by her defiance. "And yet here you are, alive because of us. Ungrateful, are we?"
Elira looked away, her jaw tightening. "I didn't mean—"
He interrupted, his voice calm but commanding. "You don't belong to whatever life you left behind. That much is clear. But in my kingdom, everyone earns their place. You will stay and work for your survival. We have no room for charity."
Her gaze shot back to his, anger flickering in her tired eyes. "You expect me to just… stay here? To serve you like I've served others my whole life?"
Kaelion stood slowly, his presence filling the room. He took a step closer, the firelight catching the sharp angles of his face. "You misunderstand, human. I don't want your obedience—I want your usefulness. Serve this kingdom, not me. And you may find your place here."
Elira's hands trembled under the blanket, but she refused to let him see her fear. "What if I refuse?"
He crouched beside her, his piercing gaze locking with hers. "Then you'll be cast out into the forest. And I doubt you'll last a single night."
The air between them grew heavy, and Elira finally lowered her gaze. She hated the power he held over her, but he wasn't wrong. She had nowhere to go.
Kaelion stood and moved toward the door, his movements fluid and predatory. "You'll start tomorrow. For now, rest."
Before he left, he paused, glancing over his shoulder. "You're safe here, for as long as you make yourself useful. Don't waste the chance you've been given."
The door creaked shut behind him, and Elira was left alone with her thoughts. She let out a shaky breath, her body slumping against the wall.
The next morning, Elira was jolted awake by the sound of voices outside. She rose hesitantly, her muscles still sore. Peering out the window, she saw a bustling village spread across the clearing, humans and wolves mingling together in harmony.
Men in wolf form carried wood and supplies, while women worked in gardens or tended to children. The sight was strange yet beautiful—a world unlike anything she had known.
The door to her hut opened abruptly, and a tall woman with amber eyes and sharp features entered. She carried a bundle of clothes in her arms. "You'll need these," she said curtly, placing them on the bed.
Elira blinked at her. "Who are you?"
"I'm Liora, one of Kaelion's advisors," the woman replied, her tone brisk. "I've been assigned to oversee you until you find your footing. Get dressed and meet me outside. The prince doesn't like to be kept waiting."
Before Elira could ask any more questions, Liora left, her footsteps fading into the morning bustle.
Elira sighed, unfolding the clothes. They were simple but clean—a stark contrast to the tattered dress she had escaped in. As she changed, she couldn't help but feel a small pang of gratitude, even as she resented her situation.
Outside, the village buzzed with activity. Elira followed Liora through the winding streets, her eyes darting around at the sights and sounds. Wolves in human form nodded respectfully to Liora but spared only curious glances for Elira.
"Stick close," Liora said without looking back. "You're an outsider here. Not everyone will welcome you."
Elira nodded, keeping her head low.
They arrived at a large open courtyard, where Kaelion stood with a group of men and women. He was speaking to them in a commanding tone, his presence dominating the space.
When he noticed Elira, he dismissed the group with a wave of his hand. His amber eyes fixed on her, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"So, you've decided to join us," he said, his voice laced with amusement.
"I didn't have much of a choice," Elira replied, meeting his gaze with defiance.
Kaelion chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "Good. You'll need that fire to survive here."
He gestured toward a nearby structure—a large wooden hall filled with the clatter of pots and pans. "You'll start in the kitchens. If you can prove your worth there, we'll see where else your talents lie."
Elira bristled at his words but followed his direction. She knew she had little choice, but she vowed silently to prove that she was more than what they expected.
Later that day, as Elira scrubbed pots in the bustling kitchen, she overheard whispers from the other workers.
"Did you see the way the prince looked at her?" one woman said, her voice low but excited.
"He doesn't usually take in strays," another replied. "She must be special."
Elira frowned, keeping her focus on her work. She didn't want to be special—not here, not to him. All she wanted was a quiet life, free from the shadows of her past.
But as the day went on, she couldn't shake the feeling that her presence here was far from ordinary.
That evening, as she returned to her hut, she caught sight of Kaelion standing at the edge of the forest, his wolf form silhouetted against the setting sun. For a moment, she felt a strange pull—a mix of fear, curiosity, and something she couldn't name.
She shook her head and closed the door behind her. She would survive here, but she wouldn't let herself be drawn into the prince's world.
Not if she could help it.