Raven
Now, why did Kenny, my wolf, stir like that at the site of that slave? I wasn't ready for his games today; the wolf never thinks with its head but always with…
Whatever, I can't stoop so low to a slave, never.
The palace was getting short of labor, and I was running short of people I trusted. I know it isn't wise to put trust in someone you barely know, but it's better.
If anyone in my pack finds out who I am, they will connive and try to get me down; I need a slave who hardly talks, who is very hardworking and naive.
Hence the reason for ordering for the buying of the slaves in the pack.
I have my separate chambers on the last floor of the fortress, far away from everyone, and my alone time is cherished.
To get the silver removed from their wrist, they have to play a game of hard work and power.
I stood in front of the slaves, my expression hard as usual, my hand folded behind my back as I spoke, " Today, you will prove that you are worthy of being a slave in this fortress,s, and as a reward, the silver bane will be removed, relieving you of pain.".
The challenge seemed simple enough, but the cruelty in my eyes told the slaves another thing. They were taken outside to an open courtyard where various tasks were set up, each one designed to test their strength and endurance.
I walked around them, only stopping when my wolf purred inside me again; I looked down at the girl who had caused Kenny to purr two times in a row.
We were both reserved; being around people wasn't what we liked, so Kenny's reaction made me wonder what was going on. But I shook myself out of it and walked farther away from her.
"The first task is to carry these heavy logs from one end of the courtyard to the other," I declared. "You will be timed. Those who are too slow will face punishment."
The logs were easily twice their weight.
I divided the group into two.
"Begin!" I commanded, and they scrambled to lift the logs.
I watched with interest as they struggled under the weight. The silver bands on their wrists would burn, making the task even harder. I could see the mystery girl stumble several times, but she kept pushing forward. Her partner was ahead of her. They were determined, I have to give them that.
By the time they reached the end, both were exhausted, but they had made it. I noted their performance, I was impressed despite myself. They had grit, and that was something I could use.
"Good. Next, you will clean the stables. It must be spotless. Any filth left behind will be met with punishment."
I saw their expressions of disgust, but they steeled themselves and got to work. They worked side by side, a silent understanding between them.
As the hours passed, I could see the other slaves struggling, their spirits broken by the harsh conditions. But those two had the determination. When they finished, I inspected their work.
"Acceptable," I said. "Now, for the final task, you must face a wolf in combat. Survive, and you will have proven your worth."
A murmur of fear rippled through the group. I could see the doubt in their eyes, the questions of whether they could survive.
My wolf shook angrily inside me at the thought of them not surviving.
The gate to the large pen was opened, and two wolves were released. The beast was massive, its eyes glowing. It circled them, growling low in its throat.
I watched as they moved together, trying to present a united front. The wolf lunged at them, and they dodged, their movements instinctive and desperate.
"Dunya, wait for it to pause!" The mystery girl shouted. "Then strike!"
Aha, so that's her friend's name; I couldn't help but wonder what her name was. As if my mind was just read, Dunya called out to the girl.
"Keana, use the stick"
Well well, Keana…
"Alpha, the wolf might kill them, and they cost a lot of money," Walter whispered to me in horror.
But one look at his side was enough to keep him silent and return our focus to the fight.
Finally, with a combined effort, Dunya and Keana drove the wolf back into the pen. It retreated, snarling but defeated. They were battered and bruised, but they had survived.
Kenny tried to rise inside me, turning my blue eyes into a light yellow at the sight of Keana 's blood.
"Kenny, relax," I said inwardly.
I approached them, my expression thoughtful. "You have proven your worth. The silver will be removed from your wrists." With that, I exited their presence rather fast; Kenny needed to be tamed.
Before I left, I gave Walter permission to remove Dunya and Keana 's silver bane, and anyone who tried to escape should be killed immediately.
***
Sleeping that night was unbearable, I was turning repeatedly in my bed. Kenny was stirring repeatedly inside me, any attempt to calm him down was in vain.
"What do you want?
" I asked, inwardly. My eyes glazed over at the conversation.
" I want her"
"Who?"
"Mate"