The dungeon door creaked open, a small sliver of light cascading down the ancient stone steps. The soft footsteps that followed tread lightly, as if trying to make no sound. I glanced up, trying to see who it was, but the bitter darkness had made my eyes sensitive to light. I had no idea how long I'd been down here, but my body was almost healed from the beating I had received earlier from the overseers.
A small voice called out to me, "Atlas?"
I looked up but still saw nothing in the pitch black. "Atlas," the voice called out again, "I've brought you some food."
With that, the person stepped forward, and I could barely make out that it was one of the slave children, a young girl. "You shouldn't be down here," I said quickly. "If the guards or the overseers catch you, they'll punish you as well."
Unexpectedly, she laughed, "They'll never catch me," she said confidently. "They never have before, and they won't start now."
My eyes were able to adjust a little better now, probably thanks to my heightened vision from my wolf. It was Theodora, a young girl who had been taken captive many years ago and yet she still seemed only about ten. She's tiny, much smaller than the other kids her age, but I've noticed she always used that to her advantage, allowing her to disappear from sight and go unnoticed by everyone—well, except me. Her black hair was cut short and she wore clothes that swallowed her, often leaving people thinking she was a boy. I'd never heard her talk before, but I couldn't help always catching a mischievous glint in her eye.
Taking in what she said left me questioning what she meant, "What do you mean they've never caught you before?" I asked.
She laughed again, quietly but with a hint of something ornery behind it. "That's for me to know and you to find out."
I rolled my eyes, not surprised by this response. She was a kid, after all. What happened next, though, utterly shocked me—one minute she was outside the cell, the next she was inside it, right next to me, so close I could feel every breath she took.
"Here," she said, "you need to eat," the mischief tone being replaced by one of worry and concern.
Confused and bewildered, I asked, "Wha—ho—how did you do that?"
Back came the glint in her eye and even a smirk. I knew what she was going to say even before she said it. "That's for me to know and for you to find out," she said, laughing again. Taking advantage of my shock and my jaw hanging open, she shoved something in my mouth before I could say anything else.
This startled me at first, but then my taste buds registered what it was—a piece of sourdough bread with herb butter. The tangy, slightly yeasty flavor of the bread mixed with the rich, savory taste of the herb butter, instantly starting to dissolve in my mouth. My stomach growled loudly, signaling how famished I truly was.
As I relished this food, my mind began to wonder how she got such a delicacy. We were not allowed butter, herbs, or even fine bread such as this. Swallowing quickly, I asked, "Theo, where did you get this?"
Without hesitation, she stated, "I stole it from the Master's house," giggling as if I was in on her little secret.
"What?!" I asked, flabbergasted.
As if sensing my next question, she stated blatantly, "I steal food from him all the time. It's fine. He has so much he doesn't even notice. Now eat," she said, shoving another piece in my mouth while smiling as if she hadn't just committed a crime against the one who enslaves us.
I chewed and swallowed the piece of bread, savoring every moment of it. The flavors were unlike anything I'd tasted in a long time. My stomach growled again, urging me to eat more. Theodora handed me another piece, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"You're brave, Theo," I said, taking another bite. "But you have to be careful. If the overseers or guards catch you—"
"They won't," she interrupted, her tone confident. "I know how to move around without being seen. I've been doing this for years."
I couldn't help but admire her bravery and resourcefulness. Despite her young age, she had found a way to survive and help others. "Thank you, Theo," I said sincerely. "Your help means a lot."
She smiled, a glint of mischief still in her eyes. "Just promise you'll get better and get out of here. We need you."
Her words struck a chord within me. I knew I couldn't let her down, couldn't let any of them down. "I promise," I said, my voice filled with determination.
Theo nodded, satisfied with my answer. "Good. Now eat up and get some rest. I'll come back as soon as I can."
She stood up, her small frame barely making a sound as she moved. Before she left, she gave me one last look, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and hope. "Take care, Atlas," she whispered before slipping out of the cell as quietly as she had entered. My mind still reeling while trying to figure out how she did that.
As the dungeon door creaked shut behind her, I was left alone once again in the darkness. But Theo's visit had given me a glimpse of hope, another reminder that I wasn't alone in this fight.
I thought back to the conversation between Elara and Devin, the details of their lives and the master's relentless pursuit to take over more lands and packs. The thought of those who resisted either dying or becoming slaves fueled my anger and resolve. I couldn't let this continue. I had to find a way to stop it, to free myself and the others from this nightmare.