Megan King
Marcus observed the girl with a mix of confusion and caution. He flinched at every movement from his subordinates. He didn't know what to do with her. Maybe the best option was to simply release her, but that would certainly cause more problems. Taking her to the mansion was also dangerous.
Kill her? The thought disturbed him. How had he come to think of killing an innocent girl? His head throbbed, and all he wanted was to disappear from that cursed place.
— Sir, what should we do with her? — One of Marcus's subordinates asked, breaking the silence that filled the room. Marcus wanted to rip out his tongue at that moment.
— Who are you, girl? — Marcus tried to control his voice, but it didn't help much. The girl shrank further into the back of the cage, covering her eyes.
Marcus put a hand to his forehead, filled with pure consternation. He looked at the cage door and kicked it open, breaking it. He walked up to the girl and grabbed her. She tried to resist, but his strength was too much for her. Marcus lifted her and placed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
The girl hit his back, but she was too weak to cause any harm. Marcus's subordinates exchanged glances, shrugged, and began following him.
Upon seeing the dead bodies of dozens of werewolves and ghouls, the girl screamed. But when she saw the few remaining ghouls, waiting by a gate and pulling a carriage led by four black horses, she fainted.
Marcus opened the carriage door and threw the girl onto the seat. He entered immediately afterward, slamming the door shut with a loud bang.
Megan had a pleasant dream. She dreamed of her parents and sister while they had a picnic in the park of Yorfen. However, the beautiful dream quickly faded when she was awakened by the jolting of the carriage.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a tall man with a thick black beard, short, neatly styled hair, and bright yellow eyes watching her. Her body trembled. The man's eyes were cold, and his expression was one of pure irritation. She didn't know why, but something about him drew her in, making her feel scared.
She tried to pretend she was still asleep, but it didn't work. The man's words made her jump off the seat of the carriage.
— If you keep pretending, I'll cut off your legs, girl. — Marcus's voice was as cold as the blade of a knife.
Megan immediately straightened up, obeying Marcus's words, and sat down. He watched her with an interrogative look. It didn't make sense. How could a frightened girl be in a den of werewolves?
— Pay attention, girl. I'm going to ask you a few questions, and you will be quick and concise with your answers. Is that clear? — Marcus said, his voice full of authority.
Megan couldn't stop shaking. She nodded her head affirmatively.
Marcus looked at the girl, trembling in fear. He tried to soften his expression but wasn't very successful.
— What were you doing locked in that damned cage? — He asked, trying to keep calm.
The girl looked at Marcus's face before lowering her head and speaking in a low voice:
— I don't know... I was leaving the technical school two days ago when some rude men beat my servant and took me. They said my father needed to do something for them...
— YOUR FATHER? — Marcus interrupted, surprised. — He's Ottis King, the mayor of Yorfen?
Megan nodded in affirmation. The headache Marcus had grew even worse. He sighed heavily.
— Listen, I don't want to hurt you, but the situation isn't good. You're going to do what I tell you, and I guarantee you'll be back with your family in no time. — Marcus said, trying to calm the situation.
The girl curled up even more, and Marcus let out a tired sigh.
With every glance Isabella gave him, Marcus trembled inside.
— So, let me get this straight: You let Dimitri escape and brought a mortal girl to my mansion? — Isabella asked, her voice full of restrained fury, but Marcus knew it was dangerous.
Marcus didn't have much to say. He simply let out a heavy sigh and nodded in confirmation.
— At least you're not a liar. The girl was a nice surprise, though. — Isabella smiled charmingly at Marcus. — You're lucky you found the girl. Now, you'll keep your head, but don't fail me again, puppy.
Isabella released such a murderous intent that Marcus dropped to his knees. He could barely breathe. For some reason, he felt strangely resigned to the situation.
Seeing Marcus's reaction, Isabella simply smiled.
— Tomorrow night, you'll go to Yorfen and speak with the girl's father. I want to know what the wolves want with our dear mayor. Do you understand, Baltazar? — Isabella ordered, her voice cold as ice.
Marcus nodded his head with difficulty due to the lack of air.
— Go now. — Isabella said, with no more words.
Marcus gathered himself and left the room as quickly as he could.
As he saw the door closing, Isabella looked to a shadowed corner of the room, where the imposing figure of Bertram appeared, kneeling.
— So, how did this happen to you? — Isabella asked, her voice full of expectation.
Bertram lowered his head, his voice quiet and regretful.
— Sorry, Countess. I have no excuse.
Isabella simply shook her head in disapproval at the man's response.
— Forget it. What are the movements of the church? — She asked, her tone now more impersonal.
— A new bishop is coming to the Holy City to replace the late one. They say it's the Paladin Gabriel. — Bertram answered.
Isabella's expression changed to one of excitement and apprehension upon hearing the name of the new bishop. The aura she emanated made Bertram tremble, fully aware of the power she possessed.