Chapter 2

Aira.

I stood before the large, imposing walls that stretched miles and miles away, my heart pounding in my chest, adrenaline pulsing through my veins. It was in a dead of the night and technically, no human should be where I'm standing but desperation had led me to this point. Cleaning off the sweat that had gathered on my palm on my dress, I took in a several deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart.

Assessing the area and the wall ahead of me, I tried to make out if there was any soldier that had began to patrol the area. Seeing nobody, I let the worry in my heart ease a little. Securing the little bag I was bringing along with me, I walked to the edge of the wall, reaching out my hands to touch the jagged surface, my gaze drifted upwards.

Up until two decades ago, humans were still allowed to live among the powerful werewolf and Lycans territory as slaves till their king got tired and banished every single one of us, erecting this wall in an attempt to keep us out. It was during that displacement, I had lost my father and my big sister, Nina my mom explained to me when I asked her. My eyes watered at the memory but I blinked them back, focusing on the mission I had at hands.

I gripped the exposed rocks on the wall and nimbly began to climb on them, my hands fitting into the tiny crevices littered across the walls. So many humans has tried to return back to their masters due to starvation that first plagued once they were thrown outside without anything. Thousands were killed that way and the others had no choice but to fend for themselves.

Not daring to look down, I continue climbing till I reached the top, doing my best to hide myself from view. My armed ache terribly, my lungs burning but I forced myself to be still. Bringing out the ropes from my bag, I tied it securely around post, tugging on it to make sure it was strong, before throwing it to the other side and using it to slip down in the Lycan's territory. My feet finally hit the ground and I swallowed, a rush of exhilaration crashed through me, disappearing as quickly at it came. I need to get out of here as quickly as possible.

I immediately slipped into the bushes, taking hurried steps forward. Hopefully, I might make it to a local town and getget the herbs that I need. The moon disappeared into a pocket of clouds, making it hard to see. My dress kept getting caught by twigs and branches of trees, intensifying the dread in my heart. My heart in my throat, I kept walking, having no idea where I was going.

If I had been walking for minutes or hours, I wouldn't know but I soon I heard it, the unmistakable sound of a hound dog. I froze, every hair on my body standing on end. Have I been found out? I looked around, my heart racing and breath quickening. Not willing to see for myself, I broke into a run, weaving through the forest. Dogs began barking, sounding closer than ever before and my speed increased. They were closing on me... And fast.

I immediately regretted the decisions I made that lead me to this point, but it was too late now. My foot caught a tree root and I stumbled to the ground, sustaining so many injuries but instantly picked myself up and kept running, the sounds of paws hitting the ground, sounding closer. Pushing myself harder than I had ever done, I ran till it felt like my lungs were burning, the bones in my body about to fall off.

I saw a clearing ahead of me and a breath of relief escaped my lips. If I could reach there, maybe they'll stop once they see I mean no harm. My legs threatened to fail me, but I kept on running. Almost there...

Something slammed into me, making me collide into a tree, knocking the breath out of me. I coughed, pain exploding in every part of my body. Dragging air into my burning lungs, I tried to scramble to my feet, but my head spun and I felt like throwing up. A figure loomed above me, but my blood curdled when I heard the sound of blade unsheathing.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my territory?" A voice boomed, the deep sound causing my body to tremble. Unable to answer, I raised my head to see who was speaking to me and a shocked whimper escaped my lips, my heart shriveling up and flying away.

It can't be... I can't be lying in front of the Lycan King himself, Kael Drathlor. His glowing yellow eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he cocked his head to the side. "What is a human doing here?" He asked no one in particular.

My heart hammered in my chest, my tongue tied into knots. I was too afraid to answer him, the glint of his blade resting on my neck stopping any words from escaping. My eyes widening, I stared at him, my body shaking like a leaf.

"Please, your majesty. I just wanted to get medicine for my mother." I whispered, too afraid to swallow.

The hound dogs that had been chasing me finally came into a view, grinding into a halt at the sight of the Lycan king, as well as the soldiers accompanying them. They immediately offered a bow, their salutations rushed.

"Your majesty. We were chasing after her. She scaled the walls and ran away from us." One of them said, his voice tinged with anger. His Majesty spared them a glance, turning his gaze back to me, the intensity boring holes through me. The tip of his blade touched my skin and I stilled.

"Your mother?" He repeated as if he didn't hear what the soldier said.

"She's sick and I needed medicines. It's why I climbed the walls. " I said, my voice breaking in the end as tears filled my eyes. "Please help me... I'll do anything. I just want my mother to live." I cried, tears streaming down my face in torrents, my body trembling in fear.

Kael stared down at me, his glowering eyes devoid of any emotion and a chill ran down my spine.

"Anything, you say?" He asked, pointing the edge of his sword against my neck and I stiffened, refusing to breathe.

"Anything... " I whispered, my voice small yet resolute.

A corner of his lips quirked up, not quite forming a smile. "How about my slave?" He said and my eyes grew even wider.

Horrible idea Aira, my mind screamed at me. Say no. You're better off dead. This king loathes humans. He'll destroy you, my thoughts raged. I closed my eyes and the image of my sick, ailing mother came to view. My mother, I needed to save her.

"Yes... " I forced out, my voice inaudible to myself. "I'll be your slave. I'll do anything. I just need medicines for my mother." I muttered, tears running down my eyes, my heart shredding into pieces.

He just stared at me, not perturbed in the least. Sliding the blade across my neck, I flinched as he left a stinging trail in it's wake, blood dripped out of the wound he had created, but I kept my gaze on him, my body unmoving. Suddenly, he jabbed my shoulder with the blade and I screamed, the pain unimaginable, tearing through my body like a storm. Why did he do that!? "Agreed, you're my slave now. " He announced, sheathing back his sword.

No... I don't want to be your slave. Anything but that.

He turned to the soldiers. "Give her the medicines she needs to save her mother and bring her back to me." He ordered and began to leave. Taking a couple of steps forward, he stopped and glanced back at the soldiers, not turning his head. "And for letting her climb the wall to making it to this point, you all shall be beheaded after she is returned safely to me." With a growl, he added. "Next time you'll learn to be more competent in your positions."

With that, he walked away, blending into the shadows. I stayed on the ground, completely dazed by what I had just experienced.

What just happened??