GR

ark spires tearing into the stormy dark sky. My boots

arrying a chill that worme

my cloak. I had faced death before, but something about this plac

A low, heavy thud echoed from behind me. Another thud followed, closer this time. T

nother. And another. Each impact sent tremors thr

ven react, a blur of dark motion e

ng uselessly away from my reach. The creature was massive, its weight pinning me in place. Sharp cl

gh the night, vibrating throug

e the size of me. Its fur was as white as the snow, absorbing the soft glow of th

ush attack f

ed to rumble through the earth. My breath

I didn't mean to come here. I got lost in the forest. Someone. . . someone was ch

e, its eyes cold and unblinking. Then, it

k, and the werewolf tilted its head slightly, as if it was studying me. And before I c

doing?!" I gasped, tr

It clamped its teeth around the back of my cloak

ied, kicking my legs in the air li

s nose. I stumbled, catching myself before I fell. The beast huffed impatiently, a sharp exhale that ruffled my hair. Then

face the creature. Don't tell

o the castle's entrance, my hand sha

ing but they are steady enough to move. The werewolf followed clos

ling hands. I pushed it lightly, and to my surprise, the doors creaked open with

rder, making me stumble forward. It growle

hispered, swallowing hard a

ers, and faint candlelight flickered from iron sconces, casting long shadows. My

behind me, a reminder of its pre

king me?" I asked

d-of course. Its sharp exh

led by a creature that could rip me apart in seconds. My fate is uncertain, it's either I'm

huge door. Its claws clicked on the stone floor as

ised in a gesture of surrend

I then pushed the door with such ease and when the door opened a large thron

the massive window behind it. The carvings of the throne-sharp and sprawling like the branches of a twisted tree-seemed alive. Behind it, a towering

s caught someth

t itself. His face was hidden in shadow, but when he opened his eyes-two bright bu

g out all other sounds. Bullets of sweat began to form on my forehead. What-What is this t

felt strange. It wasn't just a sharp ache-it was a burning sensation. I could almost feel the heat

for me to get inside the hall but this ti

ement enough to make my heart skip a beat. His vo

is tone was calm, yet it carried

ubt. It's him. It's Ve

ice barely above a whisper. "I was being

re long and veiny, the tips glinting faintly in the moonlight. T

ng forward just enough for the moonlight to catch the sharp a

I stayed standing. I had to. I couldn

ke a physical force. I dared to glance at the figure beside me,

dropping lower. "What is your name, and why

ng. "My name is Ingrid. I'm. . . I'm not here to cause tro

the room felt even colder, the shadows creeping closer around me. The

a cruel sense of humor, it seems. Do you know wh

y along and let him think I'm weak, defenseless and in need

the darkness. His face remained partially hidden, but his

his voice like a

n, my instincts screamed at me to run, I already disturbed the sleeping lion in hi

d and shrank, and its towering frame became smaller, more human-like. The cracking of bones e

air was messy, his sharp golden eyes still glowing faintly. He w

me for interfering, Alpha." he began. "She's a human," the werewolf said,

lpha-narrowed his glowing eyes. "Human?" he repeated, his tone sharp, questioning. He stood, h

The

e low and dangerous, "His scent c

e, my skin ran cold and clammy. How did he know? Just from my scent? It was over a week ago-how could he st

his eyes told me he w

hing that wouldn't betray my real purpo

o sound as panicked as I felt. "In the Blackwood

ng a long shadow over me. He tilted his head slightly, stu

und convincing. "I was attacked, that's why I smell like them. I manage

stayed locked on mine, his expression unreadable. I could feel his power pressing

, his tone softer but no less d

as luc

nd of the wind outside. Fuck. I didn't know what to say. I

could feel the tension in the air t

Rage's gaze flicked back to me. "And

id quickly, my voice bar

ut his hands on his pockets and gracefully walked through the door. Despite h

st not tonight." he said, his

ough he had already left the place, the ominous s

me continued, his tone shi

ed, panic rising

t's not safe outside these walls," he discussed. "If you stay here

d hard. "W

l protec

he

thed the castle grounds in silver light, and beyond the vast forest. My eyes grew.

illage hidden beyond this castle. They are under our protection, and now, they'll b

e whispers of wonder are true. These werewolv

was some kind of hero? Protect them? Humans? Out of all that

" I blinked, trying to process what he was saying. How am I going to do that? I didn't come

aid, his tone final. "Serve him and p

I knew I had no choice. I can make use of that. If this is the only wa

m? I'm just a human. A mere huma

Alpha so he won't kill you right here, right now. Now, whatever your motive is,

something about me all this time?

n command." He discussed, stepping closer to me. "In exchange for saving your face. You