A New Home

I am not in Rosetown anymore.

I am somewhere far from my home village.

Brought somewhere new and somewhere strange.

And I am not sure if this is my last time to be alive.

The moment we step out of the snowy woods of the human world, I am met with a familiar warm breeze that only comes every once in the season. I breathe in the cold air that isn't as harsh as the winter season. And the sky peeking out from the forest trees is blue instead of a gray color I'm so used to waking up to.

Little glowing flies hover around me and prance around the carriages and wolves in the woods. Then disappears into the forest just ahead of me. Regardless of how beautiful this part of the forest is, the haunting truth that rings in my mind keeps me in a state of fear.

I am taken by beasts to be feasted on.

I stand among the few heads of men, my gaze shifting from one face to another. Most of them are fixated on what lies within the dense woods, their attention captured by an unseen force. It's as if they have forgotten my existence, their eyes wandering past me as though I were merely a fleeting shadow in their peripheral vision. But then, it happens. I feel a prickling sensation at the back of my neck, an eerie awareness that someone is looking at me. My eyes instinctively search for the source, and they collide with another pair of eyes. A werewolf, like me, stands before me, his curly blond hair falling gently over his forehead. His piercing brown eyes bore into me, searching for something, or perhaps someone.

A brief moment passes, and then he sighs, breaking the intensity of the connection. Without a word, he turns his attention to the right, where the Alpha stands. The leader of our pack is an imposing figure, stoic and tall, radiating an aura of authority that demands respect. The werewolf with the curly blond hair acknowledges the Alpha's presence, his body language displaying deference and loyalty.

"No need to disrespect you, Alpha Rhys," the werewolf with eyes as dark as the oceans says. Most of all the werewolves have transformed into their "human" form but I say they look more intimidating in their human form than they were wolves. They're taller than the average human male, hairier than the men from back home, and they have strong arms, and sharp fingernails like a cat's retracted claws. "Why a human out of the many beautiful women here in Wolvendom?"

Alpha Rhys doesn't reply to his member's concerns and keeps moving ahead of the moss-covered path. I began to think that the Alpha doesn't know the reason to. The man huffs and follows after the Alpha.

"Did you hear me?"

"I heard you loud and clear but I choose not to answer your stupid questions. Now, leave my sight, you rat."

The man mumbles something to himself before leaving the alpha. I keep to myself in the path we take. Not wanting my presence to let them know of the human in their view. When I was younger I was told so many tales of wolf people in the woods. They would eat the humans they caught or bought.

My eyes started to tear up. My own father had sold me. Not to man in my world but to beasts. Do I bring him much shame that he wants me dead? It has to be it. After all the things he has said to me being a disgrace to his daughter, this was his plan all along. I swallow in my tears. I must stay strong while I can. My mother taught me never to show weakness. They will take advantage of me. I glance to the patch of greenery behind me where I had just walked out from.

If I can lose the wolves, I can make a run for it. Take my sister and leave that wretched village and my father to start a new life with the money I made today. I just need to try. Though I feel bravein my plans to run off right now, the wolf people's appearance screams danger to me. The large build, the claws, the canines, the absolute sharp gaze in the Alpha's eyes sensing anything that breathes or moves in a mile radius. It would be stupid for me ro run now. They will kill me then go after my sister next.

I swallow the saliva building up in the throat caught in the Alpha's gaze. Does he know what I'm about to do? He shoots me a small grin, his canines sharp as a dagger. I glance away from him and follow the rest of the pack.

As we walk, we emerge out of the woods to an open path. The trees, purple and blue leaves sag to the ground like it's weeping. Much like me. Butterflies that glow bounce with the soft current of the winds. I reach out to touch one but I remove my fingers from the sky when I see one of the wolf people glaring at me.

"Don't touch them. They're very delicate," he says, voice vibrating with a small threat.

"Oscar, leave the girl alone." The Alpha comes up to him. Just an inch taller than the other pack member. He faces me and takes my hand into his warm calloused hand. "I see you are enjoying this walk to my world."

I yank my hands down. "I hate you."

"You don't know me well enough to hate me."

"I do not care. I hate every ounce of you."

The alpha just stares at me. His lips slid to a smirk. "We will have to do something about that little temper of yours. And I just know how to keep you tamed."

I hold in my breath. Trying not to explode in every rage filled rant. What does he mean by taming me? hH's a werewolf. He's the one that needs to be tamed. I put the corner of my cheeks.

Grrrrr.

What was that? I think to myself, searching the area where I hear a song coming from the woods. Please tell me it's not another wolf person. I've had enough of this today! I just want to go home already.

"Come along men," Alpha says. "Let us leave before the sun declines. We do not want to be found here when it gets dark."

My heart skips a beat when I meet Alpha's Rhy's gaze again. The corner of his lips twitch into a smile. I try to look away, but I'm drawn to this werewolf, his gaze still lingering in my mind. There's something captivating about him, an air of mystery that beckons me to explore further. I find myself yearning to know his story, to understand the depths hidden behind his brown eyes. But for now, I must respect the unspoken boundaries that separate us. The scene around me continues to unfold as my packmates focus on the enigma within the woods. Their anticipation is palpable, a mix of excitement and trepidation. It's clear that something significant is about to happen, something that will shape our future and test our unity.

As I watch the werewolf with the curly blond hair, my heart skips a beat. I can't help but wonder if our meeting was a mere coincidence or if it carries a deeper meaning. Perhaps fate has intertwined our paths for a reason, and in time, the secrets hidden within his gaze will be revealed. For now, I remain rooted in the present, surrounded by the curious heads of men and the enigmatic presence of my newfound connection. The woods whisper their secrets, and I can't help but feel that our destinies are intertwined, waiting to unfold in the shadows that lie ahead.

~

After walking for what seems like hours, we finally make it to the kingdom of Wolvendom. The tall wooden gates surrounded by stone walls open for us when we arrive. I recoil into my seat as I meet other people. I step foot into the fabled Kingdom of Wolvendom, my eyes widening at the breathtaking sight that greets me. The air hums with an electric energy, and a sense of awe washes over me as I take in the grandeur of this mythical realm.

The kingdom is nestled amidst lush, sprawling forests, their vibrant green canopy stretching as far as the eye can see. Towering trees stand tall and proud, their branches reaching towards the heavens, creating a natural fortress that encircles the land. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a gentle dappled glow upon the forest floor, adding an ethereal touch to the surroundings.

Some of the citizens here look more wolfish by how hairy they are and the others look more human, or between man and beast. Some curious people try to peer at us where they take a sneak at me. They must be thinking that I'm a new member of the pack. No, I'm human.

As I venture deeper, a babbling river comes into view, snaking its way through the heart of Wolvendom. Crystal clear waters flow with a soothing melody, inviting weary travelers like myself to quench their thirst and rejuvenate their spirits. The riverbanks are adorned with delicate wildflowers, their vibrant hues contrasting against the emerald backdrop, painting a picturesque scene straight out of a fairytale. The architecture of Wolvendom is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its inhabitants. Magnificent structures rise from the forest floor, seamlessly blending with nature while still exuding an air of majesty. Elaborate treehouses, intricately carved from ancient wood, dot the landscape, serving as homes and gathering places for the wolves who call this kingdom their own. The treehouses stand interconnected by delicate bridges, creating a harmonious tapestry suspended in the air.

Wolves roam freely throughout the kingdom, their sleek forms moving gracefully through the underbrush. Their fur on their skin glistens under the sunlight, ranging in colors from pure white to shades of gray, brown, and black. Their presence is a constant reminder of the mystical nature of Wolvendom, a realm where humans and wolves coexist in harmony. The people of Wolvendom, both human and wolf, wear attire that reflects their connection to nature. Earth tones dominate their clothing, adorned with intricate patterns inspired by the forest and the creatures that inhabit it. There is an undeniable sense of pride and unity among them, as they go about their daily lives, exchanging stories and sharing their wisdom.

I catch glimpses of bustling market stalls, their vibrant displays enticing me with a variety of treasures. The scents of freshly baked bread, aromatic herbs, and exotic spices waft through the air, tickling my senses and igniting my curiosity. Friendly voices fill the air, a chorus of laughter and conversation that adds to the kingdom's lively atmosphere. In the heart of the kingdom, a magnificent castle stands tall, a symbol of power and protection. Its imposing structure is adorned with intricate carvings, depicting ancient tales and legends of the wolves. The castle serves as a gathering place for the ruling council, a group of wise leaders who guide the kingdom and ensure its prosperity.

Passing several stone arches, we stop in compounds that are only decorated with plants and trees.

"Go inside, dear," says Alpha Rhy's.

The rest of the pack does not pay attention to me once I am out in the open until the doors ahead of me open in my view. My heart reaches to my throat seeing a group of women, maids staring at me from the pillar of the palace. They share whispers with each other while eyeing me through their secrets. It won't be long before they discover I am human.

"You have returned." A woman appears from the back of the cart. She does not wear a maid outfit but a yellow dress that reaches up to her knees. She greets the pack, and the Alpha before giving one of the men I was traveling with a pec on the cheek. "Oscar, my love, are you alright?"

"Yes, I am. Now, please leave me alone, I am at work right now."

Oh. I raise an eyebrow. I didn't know a person like Oscar would have a mate. He seems too cruel for him to love another woman. It doesn't matter. In the Human Lands, there are terrible men who have the most beautiful and smartest women as their wives, unfortunately.

I suck in a shallow breath once I am caught in the Alpha stare. I flinch when he scratches his hands behind me. Within seconds, the same group of gossiping maids arrives at his commands.

"What can we do for you Alpha?" One of the maids asks with the most polite voice that matches her sparkling blue eyes.

"Take the girl to her room. And make sure she is taken care of."

"My room?" I protest. Why does he want me in a room? A cold sweat runs down my back seeing his small smile at me.

"Because," says Alpha Rhy's. "I want her to be presentable for me."