♪ By the gentle shores of the river, where the water whispers
Amidst shadows and lights, my heart seeks its elixir
In the tranquility of the forest, where our destinies touch
I call out for my wolf, where dreams unclutch... ♪
The sun shone brightly over the forest, painting the leaves of the trees with golden hues and spreading warmth throughout. The river flowed serenely, its crystalline waters reflecting the sunlight, while birds sang cheerful melodies high up in the trees.
♪ Black Moon Forest, with its mantle of tenderness
Where our paths intersect, where passion does confess
Under the green canopy, under the moon's glow
I call for my wolf, and in this naked wait, I bestow... ♪
Amidst this idyllic scenery, a feminine voice echoed through the forest, carrying a love song that flowed like a river of emotions.
♪ Along the earthy trails, under the shimmering sky
I pursue, without faltering, my yearning, my why
My eyes reflect the flame, like stars guiding the way
I feel the connection, the call in the sway... ♪
It was a young woman, her black hair dancing in the wind as she washed clothes by the river, her melodies blending with the sound of flowing water.
♪ Black Moon Forest, with its mantle of tenderness
Where our paths intersect, where passion does confess
Under the green canopy, under the moon's glow
I call for my wolf, and in this naked wait, I bestow... ♪
Suddenly, a noise in the forest interrupted the young woman's sweet melody. She looked up, surprised, and saw her mother approaching. The woman, also with black hair now tinged silver with time, had a serious yet affectionate expression.
"Phoenix, my daughter," said the mother, her gentle voice cutting through the air. "Did you not hear me calling?"
Phoenix smiled at her mother, a glint of innocence in her blue eyes. "I was so engrossed in the music, mother, I barely noticed."
The mother nodded, understandingly, but with a slight trace of concern in her gaze.
"Let's finish up with the laundry quickly," she suggested. "Our masters are waiting for us."
Phoenix agreed, gathering the washed clothes from the rock and starting to arrange them in a basket. As she worked, she couldn't help but feel the anxiety building in her chest. Their masters were not known for their kindness, and any delay could result in trouble for them.
With skilled movements, she continued scrubbing the clothes on the rock, while her mother joined her to assist.
As the river flowed peacefully and the birds continued their melodies, mother, and daughter carried on with their work, united by the special bond they shared and the harmony of nature around them.
With a comforting smile, mother and daughter headed towards the village, carrying the basket of clothes between them. As they walked through the dense tangle of trees, the love song continued to softly echo in the forest breeze, a promise of hope and love amidst Phoenix and her mother's arduous daily life.
***
The streets of the village were quiet that afternoon as Phoenix and her mother, Ruby, walked together carrying baskets of laundry on their heads. The golden sun of evening bathed the surroundings, casting a gentle light over the small houses and cobblestone streets.
Phoenix, since childhood, was accustomed to the routine of slavery. She never knew another reality besides this, yet she kept a spark of curiosity alive within her. It was a curiosity about the world beyond the village walls, about her own history and that of her mother.
Beside her, Ruby walked with a serene expression, but there was a sadness in the woman's eyes, a melancholy that seemed to be part of her essence.
She was a strong and resilient woman, but her shoulders bore not only the weight of the baskets but also the burden of slavery that had shaped their lives since Phoenix's birth. She was a captive wolf, torn from her pack and subjected to a life of servitude, just like her daughter.
As they walked, Phoenix felt the need to know more about her mother's life before becoming enslaved. She knew little about Ruby's origins, other than that she had come from a pack in the Black Moon Forest. Phoenix seized the moment of tranquility to turn to her mother and express the curiosity consuming her.
"Mother," she began, her soft voice cutting through the peaceful air, "what was Black Moon Forest like?"
Ruby paused for a moment, surprised by her daughter's unexpected question. She turned to face her, their eyes meeting in a moment of silent connection.
"Why the curiosity about Black Moon Forest, my dear?" Ruby asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Phoenix shrugged, a shy smile playing on her lips.
"It's just a curiosity that struck me now," she explained. "I just wanted to know what your life was like before coming here before we became slaves."
Ruby sighed softly, her expression turning somber for a moment before composing herself.
"Black Moon Forest was... different," she began, carefully choosing her words. "It was a wild and majestic forest, full of life and mysteries. The pack I lived with was like a family, all bound by the Moon Goddess's bond."
She continued to speak, describing the vast expanses of the forest, the crystalline streams, and the deep shadows of the trees. She shared memories of exhilarating hunts, of nights under the moonlight, and of bonds forged among wolves.
Phoenix listened attentively, fascinated by her mother's descriptions. She imagined the lush landscapes of Black Moon Forest, so different from the oppressive monotony of her life as a slave.
"I grew up among the trees and wild animals," Ruby continued, her gaze distant as if reliving long-forgotten memories. "My pack was my family, and we were free to roam the fields and explore the secrets of the forest."
Phoenix felt a mixture of admiration and sadness hearing her mother's stories. She never knew what freedom was like, but now, through Ruby's words, she could glimpse a world beyond the village walls.
"But then, how did you end up here?" Phoenix asked, her curiosity stills not satisfied.
Ruby sighed, a veil of sadness passing through her eyes.
"It was a long time ago, my dear," she said. "I think I told you that our pack was attacked by an army formed by other alphas and the few of us that survived fled, among them, me and a few others who took us to this place. But despite everything, I always kept the hope of one day returning there."
Ruby's words echoed in Phoenix's heart, stirring a burning desire for change. She knew that life as a slave could not be her destiny forever, and as they continued their way through the village, she promised herself that one day she would find a way to break the chains that bound her and find the freedom her mother longed for so much.
***
The Flamehowl estate was an imposing mansion with tall walls and ornate windows that allowed little light to filter through. Phoenix and Ruby entered through the back door, carrying heavy laundry baskets on their heads as they did every day, serving as slaves to the Flamehowls.
While Ruby deftly folded the freshly laundered clothes, Phoenix watched her mother with a mix of admiration and unease in her blue eyes.
With a heavy sigh, Ruby finally broke the silence, encouraging Phoenix to share what was on her mind.
"Speak, my daughter," she said with a soft voice, heavy with profound sadness. "Speak before the words trapped in your throat suffocate you."
Phoenix swallowed, mustering the courage to ask that had been haunting her for so long.
"What happened to my father?" she asked, her blue eyes searching her mother's for answers. "You never speak of him..."
Ruby paused for a moment, her face reflecting the pain of old memories.
"I avoid speaking of him because it hurts too much," she admitted, her voice wavering slightly. "But you have the right to know."
Phoenix listened intently, eager to learn more about the father she had never known. She only knew fragments of his story, a vague memory of a gentle wolf who had protected them in dark times.
"Your father was an extraordinary wolf," Ruby began, a mix of sadness and pride coloring her words. "He was strong and courageous, always putting our family's safety first."
Ruby's memories were like fragments of a distant dream, difficult to bring to the surface. Phoenix held her breath, anxiously awaiting more details about the man she only knew through her mother's stories.
"He protected us from a brutal attack on our pack," Ruby continued, her voice wavering with emotion. "If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here today, and neither would you."
"I know you've told me that part. I want to know more about him, Mother," Phoenix insisted.
She wanted to know more about her father, who was beyond an anonymous hero in an old tale. Before she could ask another question, however, the voice of Sylvie Flamehowl, the lady of the house, cut through the tense air.
Sylvie appeared suddenly, her imposing presence filling the small room. Her cold eyes fell upon Ruby and Phoenix, radiating disdain and superiority.
"What's going on here?" she asked, her voice sharp as a blade. "Why aren't you working?"
Ruby lowered her gaze, knowing that any wrong word could result in punishment.
"We were just folding the clothes, ma'am," she replied, keeping her voice soft and controlled.
Sylvie cast a look of contempt toward Ruby, as if her mere presence was an annoyance.
"Let your daughter do the menial work," she said, turning to Phoenix. "You, Ruby, have other duties. Dinner needs to be prepared before Mr. Blaz Flamehowl returns."
Ruby swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Sylvie's words. She knew there was no room for questions or objections in the Flamehowl household. Only blind obedience could ensure their survival there.
"Understood, ma'am," Ruby replied with a lump in her throat. "I will start dinner immediately."
As Sylvie left the room, Phoenix turned her attention back to Ruby, determined to find answers to her questions.
"Don't you miss being free, Mother?" Phoenix asked.
Ruby sighed, her heart heavy with longing for the freedom she had known in Black Moon Forest. She gently stroked Phoenix's face, her eyes brimming with love and concern.
"My dear Phoenix," Ruby said softly, "I miss freedom every day, but we cannot allow ourselves to dream of something that seems so far away. Our fate was sealed by circumstances."
Phoenix looked at her mother, solemn. She knew she couldn't change the past but was determined to shape her own future.
"We won't give up, Mother," Phoenix said, her voice filled with determination. "One day, we will be free. I promise that one day we will find freedom together."
Phoenix's words echoed in the silent kitchen, filled with determination and hope. Ruby smiled at her daughter with pride and gratitude, knowing she had done her part in raising her well.
As Ruby began to busy herself with dinner preparations, Phoenix resolved to find a way to change their fate. She refused to accept a lifetime of slavery. She would do everything in her power to free herself and her mother from the tyranny of the Flamehowls, even if it meant challenging the feared Mr. Flamehowl.
The kitchen in the Flamehowl household was a dim, stuffy place where the heat of the fire competed with the tension in the air. Ruby, with skill learned over years of servitude, stirred a boiling pot while Phoenix organized the dishes on the table. These were their daily tasks, an inescapable routine that kept them bound to their masters' whims.
Ruby observed Phoenix's serious expression and, with a sigh, paused her work to address her daughter.
"Lighten up, Phoenix," Ruby said, her gentle voice attempting to bring a bit of levity to the oppressive atmosphere. "We can't give the Flamehowls the pleasure of seeing us unhappy."
Phoenix looked up at her mother, a flash of defiance in her eyes. She refused to bow to her masters' cruelty, determined to maintain her dignity even in the most adverse circumstances.
"This is my only face, Mother," Phoenix replied, her voice tinged with resentment.
"At least put on a smile," Ruby insisted, wishing to see some joy in Phoenix's demeanor.
Phoenix theatrically rolled her eyes and flashed an exaggerated smile.
"Is this better?" she asked, making an exaggerated grimace to complement the gesture.
Ruby couldn't help but laugh at her daughter's cheeky response. She admired Phoenix's courage and determination, even knowing it could bring unwanted consequences.
"You're a brave girl, Phoenix," Ruby said, pride overflowing in her words. "But please, be careful. We can't risk the Flamehowls' wrath. Now, let's finish up before Lady Flamehowl shows up and gives us more work."
With a nod of agreement, Phoenix returned her focus to the task at hand, while Ruby went back to the stove to finish preparing dinner. It was a familiar dance, a survival choreography they executed every day, hoping to go unnoticed by their masters' critical eyes.
***
The corridor of the Flamehowl estate was narrow and dimly lit, with shadows dancing on the walls as Phoenix made her way toward the dining room. She carried a stack of delicate dishes balanced in her arms, her mind absorbed in a soft melody that escaped her lips in a gentle hum.
However, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of heavy feet approaching. Phoenix looked up and saw Blaz Flamehowl, her master, emerge into the dining room. He was an imposing figure, with graying hair and a gaze clouded by alcohol. In his hands, he held a nearly empty wine bottle, a sign of his habitual drunkenness.
"Where is Sylvie?" Blaz growled, his voice impatient as his eyes scanned the room for his absent wife.
Phoenix swallowed nervously, feeling a knot form in her throat. She knew it was best to avoid friction with Blaz, especially when he was so intoxicated.
"I believe Lady Flamehowl is in her room, sir," Phoenix replied timidly, keeping her gaze fixed on the floor to avoid confrontation with her master.
Blaz approached her, his breath exuding a strong smell of wine. He raised an eyebrow in disbelief before turning his attention to the set table.
"Where is the old woman with dinner?" he demanded, his rough voice echoing through the room.
Phoenix held the plates firmly in her trembling hands, her heart pounding unevenly in her chest. She knew she couldn't falter now.
"My mother is in the kitchen, sir," she answered with a thin voice, hoping Blaz wouldn't notice her nervousness. "I was just going to fetch dinner."
However, Blaz did not seem satisfied with the answer and grabbed Phoenix's arm, holding her in his firm grip. She could feel the oppressive heat of his body and the alcohol-laden breath against her face.
"What's for dinner tonight?" Blaz demanded, his tone becoming more aggressive.
Phoenix swallowed hard, struggling to maintain her composure in the threatening presence of Blaz. She hugged one of the plates she held against her body, while her lips prepared to reveal that it was sheep soup that her mother had prepared with such care.
"S-sheep soup, sir," she replied, her voice trembling betraying her anxiety.
The smell of alcohol permeated the surrounding air, and Phoenix felt fear welling up inside her as she held onto the precious dishes. A crooked smile formed on Blaz's lips, revealing his teeth stained by alcohol. He leaned closer to Phoenix, his eyes shining with a disturbing intensity as he spoke about his preference for sheep meat.
"Ah, I love sheep, especially when they're young," he said, his lascivious tone making Phoenix shudder with disgust.
The nauseating smell of wine emanating from Blaz filled Phoenix's nostrils, making her feel dizzy and sick. In a moment of distraction, she accidentally let one of the plates slip from her trembling hands, crashing to the ground with a loud noise.
Before she could apologize, Sylvie Flamehowl entered the dining room, her cold eyes sweeping over the chaotic scene before her.
"What's going on here?" Sylvie demanded, her eyes cutting through the room until they settled on Phoenix. "And why the hell do we have broken dishes on the floor?"
Phoenix shrunk under Sylvie's furious gaze, a mix of shame and apprehension washing over her. She knew she would face consequences for her mistake, and Sylvie's words only confirmed her fears.
"I... I'm sorry, Lady Flamehowl," murmured Phoenix, her face pale with anxiety. "I... I was just trying to... and... I dropped the plate."
Sylvie regarded Phoenix with disdain, her expression hardened by irritation with the young slave.
"Go fetch a broom and clean up this mess immediately," Sylvie ordered, her authoritative tone leaving no room for excuses in the Flamehowl household. "And you will pay for that broken plate."
Phoenix hurried to obey, leaving the dining room under the weight of Sylvie's disapproving gaze. Meanwhile, a sharp exchange of words between Blaz and Sylvie filled the room.
"Where have you been all afternoon, Blaz?" Sylvie inquired, her voice laced with restrained tension.
Blaz looked up to meet Sylvie's gaze, his features marked by indifference. "I had a business meeting," he replied, his voice empty of any genuine enthusiasm.
An exasperated sigh escaped Sylvie's lips, her eyes rolling in a gesture of impatience.
"And how much did you lose at the gambling table this time?" she asked, her voice tinged with biting sarcasm.
Blaz stared at her, a sardonic smile dancing on his lips.
"You shouldn't worry so much about the household finances, my dear," he retorted, his tone dripping with mockery. "What I lost is a fraction of what you spend on your expensive dresses."
Sylvie held Blaz's gaze, her eyes flashing with indignation.
"Do not dare to deflect the subject to me, Blaz," she replied, her voice laden with disdain. "You know very well these 'business meetings' are just flimsy excuses for your gambling escapades."
Blaz raised an eyebrow, his sardonic smile challenging her.
"And what's wrong with a little fun, Sylvie? You should try it sometime, instead of locking yourself in this house like a prisoner."
"While you squander our money at gambling tables, I am forced to handle the affairs of this house and maintain appearances for our guests," Sylvie shot back, her voice trembling with contained anger. "I have no time for your foolishness, Blaz, and certainly no more patience for your lies."
Blaz snorted with disdain, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
"It seems you always find reasons to complain, Sylvie. You're never satisfied, are you?"
Sylvie shot him a look of contempt.
"Who could be satisfied with a husband who prefers the pleasures of drink and gambling over the responsibility of caring for his own family?" she questioned, her words sharp as blades.
Blaz's demeanor hardened, his gaze shifting away.
"You've always been like that, Sylvie. Always finding reasons to criticize me and blame me for everything that goes wrong in this house," he grumbled, his voice laden with resentment. "I have no more patience for your baseless accusations."
Sylvie clenched her fists, her patience reaching its limit.
"I just wanted a husband who cared about me and our family," she admitted, her voice wavering with emotion. "But it seems that's too much to ask, isn't it?"
Blaz let out a bitter laugh, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of disdain and despair.
"Who do you think you are to tell me what to do or not do?" he shot back, his words sharp as a knife. "You're nothing but a spoiled socialite, accustomed to a life of luxury and comfort. You know nothing about the real challenges of life."
Sylvie raised an eyebrow in response to Blaz's defensive tone, her expression conveying a mix of exasperation and disdain.
"Oh, of course," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because, after all, wasting your money is so much more justifiable than mine."
Blaz let out a bitter laugh, his posture relaxed, suggesting calculated indifference.
"Don't give me that, Sylvie. Without my investments, this house wouldn't be where it is today," he retorted, his tone laced with superiority.
Sylvie shot him a cold look, her eyes sparkling with silent determination.
"And if it weren't for my influence, you wouldn't be where you are today," she countered, her voice sharp as a well-honed blade. "Don't forget that."
Blaz responded with a sardonic smile, his arrogance undiminished by Sylvie's implicit challenge.
"Ah, of course, my dear. Always so quick to claim credit for my achievements," he said, his tone saturated with cynicism. "You think you can control everything with your expensive dresses and extravagant jewelry, but that's not how it works."
"You're mistaken if you think you can belittle my concerns," she retorted, her voice firm and resolute. "Your vices and extravagances are threatening the well-being of our family."
Blaz raised an eyebrow in a dismissive gesture.
"Ah, dear, you've always been so dramatic," he replied, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "But after all, who keeps this house running, isn't it?"
A spark of fury gleamed in Sylvie's eyes, her fingers twitching with a suppressed urge for confrontation.
"You may have forgotten, Blaz, but this house is mine as much as it is yours," she retorted, her words laden with determination. "And I will not allow your excesses to destroy it."
***
Phoenix hurried through the dark corridors of the Flamehowl house, her heart pounding in her chest as the unpleasant encounter with Blaz Flamehowl echoed in her mind. Her footsteps echoed in the empty halls, quickening as she approached the kitchen.
Entering the comforting warmth of the kitchen, the reassuring sight of her mother, Ruby, lifting a heavy cauldron off the wood stove brought brief relief to Phoenix's consuming anxiety. However, tension still pulsed through her veins, her mind replaying the moments of embarrassment in the dining room.
"What happened, Phoenix?" Ruby inquired, her concerned gaze fixed on her daughter.
With trembling hands, Phoenix grabbed the broom by the door and explained in between shallow breaths:
"I need to go back to the dining room... Clean up the shards of the plate I dropped."
Incredulity crossed Ruby's face as she approached her daughter.
"How did you drop a plate?" she asked, her voice laden with concern.
Phoenix met her mother's eyes and poured out the narrative of the incident, her words flowing in a torrent of anxiety.
"I was setting the table when Mr. Flamehowl appeared... He asked questions about Lady Sylvie and dinner. Then, he... He said he loved younger sheep and approached... I got nervous and ended up dropping the plate."
Ruby narrowed her eyes, a spark of indignation gleaming in her gaze.
"That man..." she murmured, her voice filled with disgust.
Determined to protect her daughter, Ruby made a swift decision.
"Wait for me," she said, her voice firm. "We'll return together to the dining room."
With the cauldron of soup in hand, Ruby led the way back to the dining room, Phoenix following closely with the broom. Phoenix's heart pounded forcefully in her chest as she prepared to face once again the gaze of Blaz Flamehowl and the discomfort he brought with him.
Crossing the threshold of the dining room, Phoenix and Ruby faced the Flamehowl masters again. Blaz sat at the table, his face marked by indifference, while Sylvie observed the scene with a mix of surprise and disdain.
"Apologies for the delay, sir and madam," announced Ruby, her firm voice echoing through the room. "Phoenix came to clean up the broken plate."
Sylvie raised an eyebrow, her eyes sweeping over the two women before her. Blaz merely grumbled something unintelligible, his attention fixed on the wine bottle in front of him.
Ruby served the sheep soup, her skilled hands moving with familiarity around the kitchen. Meanwhile, Phoenix crouched on the floor, carefully picking up the shards of the plate she had inadvertently dropped. Her movements were meticulous, an attempt to avoid Blaz Flamehowl's scrutinizing gaze, who watched her every move with undisguised interest.
Blaz contemplated Phoenix with a pensive expression, his mind wandering through the years since he first saw her as a malnourished baby. Now, she had transformed into a beautiful young woman, and Blaz couldn't help but notice the contrast between the fragile image she once had and the strong woman she had become.
Meanwhile, Sylvie, Blaz's wife, watched the scene with evident disdain in her gaze. She couldn't stand Phoenix's presence in the house, always feeling threatened by the young slave who captured her husband's attention. She observed every move of the young slave with latent irritation, her thoughts scheming ways to rid herself of her once and for all.
Ruby sensed the tension in the air and, with delicacy, intervened, positioning herself between Phoenix and Blaz's scrutinizing gaze.
"Would you like more soup, sir?" Ruby asked, her voice soft and soothing, attempting to divert Blaz's attention away from Phoenix.
Blaz nodded with a slight head gesture, his eyes still fixed on the young woman.
"All soup is welcome, old woman," he replied, his voice a gravelly whisper.
Sylvie, on the other hand, didn't miss the opportunity to express her annoyance with Phoenix's presence in the dining room.
"Enough with the cleaning, Ruby," she interjected, her voice laden with impatience. "This girl will only end up ruining my floor if she continues like this."
Phoenix rose slowly, her eyes meeting Sylvie's in a brief moment of restrained defiance.
"As you wish," she replied, her voice calm and controlled.
Sylvie didn't hesitate to give her orders, indicating to Phoenix that she should leave the dining room immediately.
"Go feed the horses in the stable," she said, her voice infused with authority.
Phoenix nodded silently, her neutral expression concealing the emotions simmering within her.
"Excuse me," she murmured, before walking away, leaving behind the tense atmosphere that dominated the Flamehowl dining room.
***
The Flamehowl estate's stable was a tranquil place, where the silence of the night was interrupted only by the soft neighing of horses. Phoenix walked among the stables, feeding the animals with care and attention, while the moonlight illuminated the night sky with its gentle radiance. She looked up to contemplate the bright moon, whose beauty seemed to mesmerize her.
"If the Moon Goddess exists," Phoenix murmured to herself, echoing the words her mother had always told her, "please intercede for us. Please give us the chance to escape this life and be free."
As her voice faded into the silent night, she heard heavy footsteps approaching. Phoenix turned slowly and met Blaz Flamehowl's gaze upon her. Her heart raced faster in her chest, but she maintained her firm and determined expression.
Blaz observed Phoenix under the moonlight, a suggestive smile playing on his lips.
"You look very beautiful under the moonlight," he said, his voice laden with implications.
Phoenix stared at Blaz seriously, without wavering.
"I need to go inside," she replied, her voice firm and unwavering.
Blaz gently grasped Phoenix's arm, holding her in place.
"Wait," he said, his voice soft and persuasive. "I have a proposal for you."
Phoenix's eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"I will not lie with you," she said, her voice filled with determination.
"That's not what I'm proposing," Blaz laughed, shaking his head, his smile widening. "My proposal is different."
Curious, Phoenix looked at Blaz and asked what he meant. Blaz looked directly into her eyes and said:
"Marry me, Phoenix. Become Lady Flamehowl."
Phoenix was shocked by the unexpected proposal, her eyes widening in surprise.
"But there's already a Lady Flamehowl," she reminded him, her voice filled with caution. "Lady Sylvie, your wife."
Blaz smiled as if Sylvie's presence was not an obstacle.
"I can take care of that," he said confidently. "All you need to do is say yes."
Before Phoenix could respond, Ruby appeared in the stable, interrupting the conversation. Her eyes met Blaz's with distrust as she reminded Mr. Flamehowl that his wife awaited him.
"The lady of the house is waiting for you to retire," Ruby said firmly, addressing Blaz.
"Goodnight, Phoenix," he bid her farewell, leaving her with his proposition.
Blaz cast one last glance at Phoenix before walking away, disappearing into the night's darkness.
"What did he want?" Ruby asked, staring at her daughter with concern.
Phoenix sighed, feeling the weight of the decision on her shoulders.
"He proposed marriage to me, mother," she confessed, her voice trembling.
"What does he think he's doing?" Ruby questioned indignantly, her voice filled with concern. "You can't accept such a proposal, Phoenix. He is our master, and you deserve more than to be his mistress."
Phoenix nodded silently, understanding the gravity of the situation. Blaz's proposal represented an impossible choice between her safety and her dignity, between servitude and freedom.
As mother and daughter shared their concerns under the moonlight, the moon shone above them, silent and serene, as if watching attentively over the unfolding events.
***
The breakfast table in the Flamehowl mansion was covered with an immaculate white cloth, upon which rested various delicacies prepared with care.
Sylvie Flamehowl sat at the head of the table, her impeccable posture and serene expression concealing the turmoil brewing within her. Her husband, Blaz Flamehowl, sat to her right, watching the young slave, Phoenix, with intensity as she skillfully served the dishes.
"Sylvie, darling, this bread is excellent," praised Blaz, attempting to divert his wife's attention to something more pleasant.
Sylvie merely nodded distractedly, her thoughts still focused on Phoenix's presence. She waited until the slave had finished serving before deciding to intervene.
"Phoenix, you may retire now," said Sylvie, her voice cold and authoritative.
Phoenix lifted her eyes to meet Sylvie's gaze, her features impassive.
"As you wish, madam," she replied, remaining calm and professional.
Once Phoenix had withdrawn, Sylvie turned her attention back to Blaz, determined to address the issue that troubled her.
"Blaz, I need to ask you something," she began, her expression serious.
Blaz sighed, clearly annoyed by the interruption.
"What is it now, Sylvie?" he asked, his impatience undisguised.
Sylvie looked directly into Blaz's eyes, her expression serious.
"Have you lain with Phoenix?" she questioned, her voice firm and direct.
Blaz's eyes widened, surprised by the question.
"Of course not!" he replied, indignation coloring his tone at the suggestion.
Sylvie was not swayed by Blaz's response.
"And do you desire to?" she insisted, maintaining her steady gaze on her husband. "Do you desire what a slave can offer?"
Blaz frowned, his irritation evident in his expression.
"Of course not, Sylvie," he retorted, shaking his head in disbelief. "Phoenix is just a slave, this is ridiculous."
Sylvie closely observed Blaz's reactions, noting the signs he attempted to conceal.
"The eyes don't lie, Blaz," she said, her voice soft but laden with meaning. "I know what I see."
Blaz was momentarily speechless at Sylvie's implicit accusation. He felt a mixture of anger and discomfort as he tried to maintain his façade of unconcern.
"You're losing your mind, Sylvie," he countered, his voice trembling with indignation.
Unfazed by Blaz's denial, Sylvie knew what she had seen in her husband's eyes and would not be easily deceived.
"Perhaps," she admitted with a sardonic smile, "but pity you if I catch you with Phoenix."
Blaz abruptly rose from the table, clearly disturbed by the conversation.
"I'm leaving," he announced, his voice tense. "I have no time for your madness, Sylvie."
Sylvie watched Blaz depart with a pensive gaze, her suspicions only deepening with her husband's reaction. She knew she needed to remain vigilant, for if Blaz were involved with Phoenix, she would not hesitate to take drastic measures to protect what was hers. She knew something needed to change, and quickly.
As she rose from the table, she adjusted her meticulously aligned skirt before heading to the kitchen, where her slaves, Phoenix and Ruby, conversed in murmurs.
Entering the kitchen, Sylvie cast a shrewd glance at the two women, her expression inscrutable.
"I have finished my breakfast," she announced, her voice soft echoing in the room.
Phoenix raised her eyes to meet Sylvie's gaze, her expression ready to obey her mistress's commands.
"I will clear the table now," she promptly replied, prepared to begin her daily tasks.
However, Sylvie shook her head with a gentle denial.
"No need to worry about that, Phoenix," she said calmly. "Ruby can take care of it. I have another plan for you this morning."
Phoenix raised an eyebrow in curiosity, awaiting Sylvie's instructions.
"And how may I be of service, madam?" she asked, her voice remaining calm despite the palpable anticipation in the air.
Sylvie considered Phoenix for a moment, assessing her with her penetrating gaze.
"I want you to inform the coachman to prepare the carriage," Sylvie began, choosing her words carefully. "And prepare yourself as well, Phoenix. You will be accompanying me to the center."
Surprise shone in Phoenix's eyes at Sylvie's revelation.
"Are you sure about this, madam?" she asked, barely able to believe the unexpected news.
Sylvie remained firm in her decision, her expression revealing no hint of hesitation.
"I am," she simply replied. "Now, waste no time. Do as I said before I change my mind."
Phoenix silently nodded, absorbing Sylvie's instructions as she prepared to carry out her orders. With one last look at Sylvie, she headed out of the kitchen, determined to execute her tasks promptly.
As she watched Phoenix depart, Sylvie contemplated the events about to unfold. She knew this visit to the center would be a crucial step in her plans, a calculated move to achieve her objectives.
***
Phoenix walked down the hallway of the Flamehowl house towards her small room, a mix of anxiety and excitement pulsing in her chest. The opportunity to accompany Lady Sylvie Flamehowl to the city center was rare, and she was determined to make the most of every moment of that experience.
As she exchanged her garments for a simple dress, Phoenix let her mind wander through glimpses of the city center she hoped to encounter. The buzz of people in the streets, the vibrant colors of the market stalls, the tempting aroma of exotic spices—all of it fueled her imagination, turning it into a landscape of possibilities.
Phoenix's concentration was interrupted by Ruby's entrance into the room. Her mother's serious look made her pause in her preparations.
"Did you find it strange how Lady Flamehowl spoke this morning?" Ruby asked, her concern evident in her voice.
Phoenix pondered for a moment, recalling Sylvie's enigmatic words.
"Yes, it was a bit strange," she agreed, "but perhaps Sylvie is just planning to purchase more things for the house."
Ruby looked at her daughter with a serious expression.
"Please, be careful," she pleaded, the tone of concern evident in her words. "And don't do anything to upset Lady Flamehowl."
A soft smile formed on Phoenix's lips.
"Don't worry, mother," she assured her, her tone confident. "I will behave like a true lady."
Ruby watched her daughter for a moment before adding one last warning.
"And please, don't mention anything about Mr. Flamehowl asking for your hand in the stable."
Phoenix solemnly nodded.
"I would never mention that to Lady Flamehowl," she promised, her determination reflected in her gaze. "You can trust me, mother."
With one last look of concern, Ruby left the room, leaving Phoenix to finalize the preparations for her outing with Sylvie. As she adjusted the folds of her dress, Phoenix decided to remain discreet and obedient during her journey to the city center.
***
The sun illuminated the path as Phoenix walked towards the Flamehowl's carriage, where Lady Sylvie awaited her impatiently. Phoenix felt a mix of nervousness and excitement pulsing in her chest. It was rare to be invited by Sylvie for a trip to the city center, and she was determined to savor every moment.
Entering the carriage and sitting beside Sylvie, Phoenix felt a chill run down her spine. Lady Flamehowl stared at her with a penetrating gaze, assessing her from head to toe. Phoenix shrank slightly, feeling uncomfortable under her mistress's scrutiny.
"You look very nice today, Phoenix," said Sylvie, breaking the tense silence that had hung over them since the beginning of the journey.
Phoenix looked up to meet Sylvie's gaze, surprised by the compliment.
"Thank you, madam," she replied, trying to disguise her surprise with a shy smile.
Sylvie shook her head, as if disapproving of Phoenix's premature gratitude.
"Do not thank me yet," she said firmly, her voice laden with mystery.
Phoenix raised an eyebrow, curious about Sylvie's enigmatic statement. She knew Sylvie was not the type to dole out compliments freely, so this unusual observation made her even more intrigued.
As the carriage moved through the busy streets towards the city center, Phoenix tried to unravel what Sylvie might have in mind. Was it some special task she had reserved for Phoenix?
Questions swirled in Phoenix's mind as she watched the people and shops pass by the carriage window. She was so immersed in her thoughts that she almost missed the moment when the carriage stopped abruptly.
Sylvie alighted from the carriage swiftly, and Phoenix followed, curious to find out what awaited them. They were in the heart of the city center, surrounded by a lively crowd of passersby and merchants.
"Come with me, Phoenix," said Sylvie, her voice soft but authoritative.
Phoenix followed Sylvie through the bustling streets, feeling like she was in a dream. She never imagined she would one day have the opportunity to explore the city center alongside her mistress.
Sylvie led her to an elegant shop, where a dazzling array of colorful dresses was on display in the windows. Phoenix looked in awe at the soft fabrics and intricate details of the dresses, scarcely able to believe she was there.
"I want you to choose a dress, Phoenix," said Sylvie, her gaze serious but gentle. "Something that makes you feel beautiful and confident."
Phoenix blinked, surprised by Sylvie's unexpected generosity. She never imagined she would have the chance to choose a new dress, especially one as beautiful as those before her.
With a radiant smile, Phoenix began to browse through the dresses, delicately touching each fabric as she assessed her options. She felt like she was in a fairy tale, and Sylvie was her fairy godmother, granting her a wish she never knew she had.
After much deliberation, Phoenix finally chose a light blue dress, adorned with delicate lace and floral details. She held the dress to her chest, feeling like she was holding a precious treasure.
"This is the one I want," said Phoenix, her voice choked with emotion.
Sylvie smiled, seeming pleased with Phoenix's choice.
"It's perfect for you," she said, her voice soft and warm. "Now, let's take it home, and you can wear it on special occasions. Go back to the carriage and wait for me there."
With her heart overflowing with gratitude, Phoenix returned to the carriage, her new dress clutched in her hands. She knew this would be a day she would never forget, a day that would change her view of the world and herself forever.
However, her joy was abruptly interrupted when a guard appeared before her, blocking her path. Phoenix looked up at the guard, trying to hide her unease behind an innocent expression.
"What are you doing with that package?" the guard asked, pointing to the bundle in Phoenix's hands.
Phoenix swallowed hard before responding, trying to remain calm.
"It's a dress," she replied, her voice sounding frail to her own ears.
The guard frowned, suspicious.
"And what does a slave do with a dress in her hands?" he questioned, his eyes piercing Phoenix's in search of any sign of falsehood.
Phoenix felt a shiver run down her spine as she tried to formulate a coherent response.
"My mistress gave it to me," she explained, her voice faltering.
Phoenix felt her stomach churn, fearing the guard's reaction to the revelation of the truth.
"My mistress gave me the dress," she repeated, her voice trembling slightly.
The guard looked at her incredulously, his penetrating gaze searching for any sign of lie in her words.
"Where is your mistress?" he asked, his voice thundering.
At that moment, Sylvie Flamehowl appeared, anger twisting her features.
"This slave stole my dress!" accused Sylvie, pointing an accusing finger at Phoenix.
Phoenix's eyes widened, shocked by Sylvie's blatant lie.
"That's not true!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing with despair. "You bought it for me, remember?!"
The guard turned to Sylvie, assessing her cautiously.
"Is this true?" he asked, his voice firm and authoritative.
Sylvie held the guard's gaze firmly.
"Of course not! This slave stole it from me while I was distracted in the shop. See if the dress is blue, like the one I chose!" she lied, her voice sounding convincing.
The guard looked at Phoenix, demanding proof for the truthfulness of Sylvie's words.
"Open the package," he ordered, his expression serious and impenetrable.
Phoenix felt a knot form in her throat, a sense of despair enveloping her as the guard stared at her, waiting for a response.
"You have to believe me," she murmured, her eyes filling with tears. "My mistress is lying."
"Open the package," he ordered, his voice firm.
Phoenix felt a knot form in her throat as she opened the package with trembling hands. Her eyes filled with tears when she saw the blue dress, a cruel confirmation of Sylvie's lies.
The guard didn't hesitate. He firmly seized Phoenix's arms and announced her arrest for theft.
"You are arrested for theft," he declared, his grave voice echoing in the breeze.
Phoenix's heart sank in despair as she looked at Sylvie, seeking any sign of remorse on her face, but finding only contempt.
"Sylvie, please, tell the truth," pleaded Phoenix, her voice choked with anguish.
Sylvie merely shrugged, her eyes cold and indifferent.
"May you rot in jail," she retorted, before turning her back and disappearing.
With a broken heart and tears streaming down her face, Phoenix was led away by the guard, leaving behind the only home she knew, betrayed by the hands of the one she trusted.
***
Phoenix's heart raced as she walked alongside the guard towards the cell where she would be imprisoned. Her feet dragged on the cold, damp floor of the prison corridor, her chest tight with anguish and fear of the unknown that awaited her. She turned to the guard, her eyes pleading.
"Please," she began, her voice trembling, "at least let me send a letter to my mother. Let me tell her what happened."
The guard let out a harsh laugh, his eyes unsympathetic.
"That won't be possible," he replied, his voice indifferent.
Phoenix looked at him, her hope fading quickly.
"Why not?" she asked, her voice suddenly weak. "You only need to send a letter for me."
"There's no time for that," The guard shook his head, his expression impassive. "You will be executed in public tomorrow."
Phoenix's heart leaped in her chest, a sense of panic washing over her. "Executed?" she repeated, unable to believe what she was hearing. "But why? I just... I just accepted the dress... Furthermore, I didn't commit any crime."
The guard stared at Phoenix, his expression cold and merciless.
"The crime of theft against your mistress is punishable by death," he explained. "And in your case, the sentence will be carried out tomorrow, without delay."
With trembling legs, Phoenix watched as the guard closed the cell behind her, leaving her alone in her new bleak reality. The sound of the bolt echoed through the empty corridor, filling her with a sense of despair and helplessness.
She sank to the cold stone floor, tears rolling down her cheeks as she tried to absorb the terrible truth of her situation. Her fate was sealed, her future now a dark and impenetrable shadow.
As the hours passed slowly, her mind whirled with thoughts of despair and hopelessness. How could she be facing a death sentence for a crime she didn't commit? How could she leave her mother alone in this cruel world? If only she had the chance to say goodbye to her mother, to tell her that she loved her...
In the solitude of her cell, enveloped by darkness, Phoenix prayed for a miracle, for a chance to escape the fate that awaited her. But deep in her heart, she knew that her prayers fell on deaf ears, lost in the hopeless void of the cruel world that imprisoned her.