I didn't even think twice before forcing the shift, but surprise, surprise Icouldn't summon my Alpha wolf.
"Mfa! What the hell are you doing?!" "Tts the whip! It must be enchanted, Aaaggg! I CANT SHIFT!" My wolf roared inside me.
I kicked wildly in every direction, struggling on the ground to get up, but the blows, kicks, and punches rained down on my body.
"You filthy vampire bitch, you asked for it the hard way!" "Rip her clothes offI'm going to enjoy breaking her!" "Aagagrr, Aahahh!" My claws dug into anyone who dared to lean down to strip me, but soon my wrists were pinned above my head, my legs pried apart.
My face snapped to the side with a brutal slap that nearly knocked me unconscious.
Ibit my tongue, swallowing more blood as a kick landed hard against my ribs and stomach.
The whip wrapped around my thigh like a venomous snake, tightening more and more.
But I would resist until deathI wouldn't end up like my mother.
I wouldnt allow it.
Id rather die first! "Mia, you're an Alphafight harder, PUSH HARDER...
this spell belongs to alow-rank mage!" ---- Iurged my wolf, hearing the tearing of my clothes.
My swollen eyes struggled to focus, and I fought against the darkness threatening to consume me.
"Someones coming, Celine, people are coming!" She warned me without stopping the fight, but we were too weak.
Mia hated my vampire blood as much as I did, but one undeniable fact remainedI needed to feed on that vital liquid.
However, I resisted it.
I tried burying those instincts deep inside me.
Still, moments like this reminded me how much stronger I could be if I fed regularly instead of waiting until I was nearly desiccated, and Quinn had to force me to drink from him.
What the hell?!" "Shit, it's the sorcerer patrol looking for slaves!" "Run! Leave the woman!" Their sudden shouts and the commotion filled the night.
The forest moved as if a large group was approaching.
I struggled to sit up amidst the torches and chaos, barely able to see anything.
Coughing blood, with several broken ribs, I clenched my teeth in agony, trying to free myself from the whip abandoned around my thigh.
"Come on, come on," I muttered, desperately clawing at the bindings.
"I did it..." Iwas about to shift and run like hell when a shadow blocked the little light Ihad.
"Dont think you re getting out of this," I looked up weakly, barely focusing on the vicious eyes of the man from the tavern.
Before I could react, he grabbed my head and slammed his knee into my face.
The sickening crunch of my broken nose, the rush of blood, the searing painthen nothing.
I blacked out, left at their mercy.
I wasnt as strong as I thought.
ook The first thing I heard was the creaking of wagon wheels.
My mind buzzed, and I felt disoriented.
The ground beneath me vibrated with the movement of the road.
"Celine, were in a sorcerer caravan.
They havent done anything to us yet I dont know what they re planning," my wolf spoke, updating me.
Then, something wet touched my face, cleaning it.
I tensed, keeping my eyes shut, calculating my chances of defending myself.
"Shes cleaning our wounds.
Her scent is familiar.
I think shes that witch we once saved.
What was her name?" "Laila...2" I finally opened my eyes, my eyelids feeling like they weighed aton.
But I recognized the woman leaning over me, wiping the blood from my wounds.
"Celine! Youre awake, thank the Goddess! When I saw them bring you in as a prisoner, I recognized you and spoke for you so they wouldnt put you with the slaves," she said enthusiastically, squeezing my hand.
---- I tried to sit up, my wounds healing slowly.
Without drinking blood, I had to rely solely on my werewolf abilities.
"No, no, take it easy.
You were badly injuredjust rest.
Theres no danger.
This is my carriage; Im part of the caravan," she said.
I glanced around, realizing I was lying on a narrow cot covered in furs.
There were pots and a few chests, dresses hanging from the ceiling, anda small mirror swaying with the wagon's movement along the dirt road.
"Thank you, Laila.
You saved me.
Where are we going?" I asked ina low voice.
Laila had been a cheerful girl that Quinn and I had saved when we were much younger.
She had been attacked by werewolf men at the kingdoms borders, taken as a sex slave, and we freed her, sending her back to the Dark Realm.
"We're headed to the war camp of the sorcerers," she said, and I nodded in silence.
I appreciated her help, but I had no interest in being caught up in their conflict.
I just wanted to recover and continue my journey.
Will you pass near the southern border?" "You want to return to your people, dont you?" she asked, and I nodded.
I didnt like giving too many explanations.
I didnt fully trust her, but I needed help right now.
"Dont worry.
Just stay quiet and hidden in my carriage.
The sorcerers are on edge with the vampire issue right now.
When we get close to your destination, I1l let you know so you can escape," she said in a whisper.
I ---- thanked her sincerely.
The caravan suddenly stopped.
Outside, the mens voices rang out as they unloaded supplies to set up camp in the wilderness.
"Tl go prepare your medicine..." "Laila, you dont have to bother.
Ill heal on my own..." I took her hand, but she just patted mine gently, smiling.
"You and your brother saved me.
I owe you my life.
I wont ask too many questions about your plansI understand you have your reasons.
But believe me, Celine, I only want to help and repay your kindness." Inodded and lay back on the cot, though my wolf ears remained alert.
I wanted to believe that gratitude still existed in some people's hearts.
sek NARRATOR As Laila stepped out of the carriage, she glanced back to check if Celine was watching.