Chapter 3

Lienna.

I tried to struggle, but it was of no use. The man handling me was truly heartless and every time he pulled on the leash, the collar on my neck would chaff my skin, causing it to hurt badly. Eventually I gave up and just allowed myself to be led like a lamb to a slaughter house, my heart racing in my chest.

We finally arrived at the outskirts of the slave house and I saw rows of carriages lying in wait. There was an entourage of soldiers guarding the one in the middle and from the looks of it, it looked like a very important person was around. It looked very expensive and was made with the finest of materials, sticking out like a sore thumb amidst the impoverished environment. That addled me, what would a person like that be looking for here?

I looked around and spotted the man who had purchased me walking to that particular carriage. He didn't enter, but merely announced his presence, keeping his head deeply bowed. "Your Majesty, I have purchased for you a slave." He said solemnly. There was a moment of silence before a deep rumble came from the carriage. I felt shivers go down my spine and I wondered what kind of person would be inside the carriage to have such an effect on everyone around him.

Ever so slowly, the curtain that was used to cover the windows opened up, and someone looked through. "Let me see." He said and I was pushed forward once more. The latter's gaze moved around before settling on me. Our eyes met and I froze, unable to move, every nerve ending in my body coming alive as I held his gaze. A hit landed on my back and I flinched, wincing as the pain lashed through my body.

"Bow your head, you fool!" The soldier handling my leash growled. "You're staring at the Werewolf King!" He seethed and I immediately lowered my head, biting back a whimper. That's when I saw that other people had lowered their heads as well. What was the Werewolf King doing here anyway?!

"Human?" The Werewolf King asked, his voice sounding bored.

"Yes, your Majesty." The man answered, his head still lowered.

"She'll do." Was all he said. "Let's get going." He announced and closed back the curtains. I was immediately led to the led to the last carriage in the fleet where I was shoved between several savage looking soldiers. All shifters.

My heart in my throat, I watched as they started up the carriage and began our trip back to wherever it is they were coming from. The ride was tense as I was unable to relax, my body constantly on edge. I couldn't help but cast a wary glance at the soldiers that were with me, even though they treated me like I didn't exist.

I didn't know how long the ride took, but all I knew was I begining to nod off when a huge cry pierced the air. "The Werewolf King is back! Open the gates!!" Someone yelled outside as the carriage rolled to a stop. The sounds of a huge gate creaking open filled the air and once again, the carriage began to move. When I finally mustered enough courage to look out the window, I saw that we were inside a walled fortress. My heart dropped to my stomach. Looks like I've been brought to the residence of the Shifter Kings, the most powerful rulers of our realm.

The ride continued and from a distance, I could see the collosal castle approach us. It was bigger than everything I've ever imagined and I couldn't help but feel awe. Even in the dark of the night, the building still stood like an indomitable force, impenetrable. To think that centuries ago, humans broke into this castle and wrecked havoc in the lives of these people. Generations later and we're still paying for it.

I suddenly remembered why I was here and a cold chill went through me. I had been sold off like a slave. There's no way my life here is going to be pleasant. I lowered my gaze to my hands, my eyes swimming with tears and my fingers trembling. The carriage passed through another gate and finally rolled to a final stop. My heart began to pound once more as the soldiers alighted from the carriage. I tried to stand up so I could peek out through the windows but I thought better against it. I don't want to fall in bigger trouble.

I stayed there until another soldier came to retrieve me, pulling me out with my leash. I stumbled after him, almost making it to the ground but catching myself just in time. Muttering a curse underneath my breath, I raised my head up and a gasp escaped my lips. The castle was even more beautiful up close, with three wings extending off the main floor. I surmised each one hosted a different Shifter King.

The entrance had been intricately decorated with different kinds of shrubs, trees and flowers, with a fountain at the center. Every pillar had a torch burning, giving the huge castle an ethereal feel.

The large wooden doors were adorned with heavy iron hinges and a massive knocker in the shape of a tiger's head. The castle's beauty was both imposing and intimidating and I found myself shrinking away in both fear and admiration. If it was this beautiful during the night time, I could only wonder what it looked like at day time.

The soldier began to walk and I immediately followed after him, not wanting to be pulled along. We climbed up the stairs, leading to the huge doors and I was pulled inside. There, I found the Werewolf King standing and talking to the man who had purchased me. At this point, I realized he might just be an aide and not an aristocrat by himself. Not wanting to be whipped like the last time, I immediately lowered my head, waiting with a bated breath on what he had to say.

"Clean her up and have her in the 'Play Pen"." He ordered before walking away. I stiffened, my brow furrowed in confusion.

Whatever did he mean by 'Play Pen'?