THE SEARCH FOR A NEW MASTER

Just a few steps more, and I'd rest. I decided. If I walked longer, I'd arrive at the village and make my way from there.

I stepped foot off the dusty path that wound its way to the lush greenery and found myself in the quaint village. Unlike the tenseness of my pack, the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sun bathed the scenery with a warm glow.

As I strolled further into the village, ignoring their piercing gazes and questioning looks. I expected that much since I was dressed like a foreigner— what I wasn't sure of was if they welcomed people like me.

I didn't plan to reveal my identity. It was more like there wasn't anything to reveal anyway, I was no different from them, and that was what led me there.

The place looked perfect. I slipped by colorful houses with thatched roofs that lined the streets. There was a sense of harmony— like all was fine with them.

Tired and panting, it was noon already, and I'd exhausted every iota of strength that I had, so I decided to rest for a while. My curiosity led me to a small, rustic restaurant nestled between the oak trees.

The uniqueness was what made it catch my eyes, and I felt a strange pull to go in there. The wooden sign above gently creaked in the breeze, and I read the name of it. "The haven" — it read. The inciting aroma of freshly baked bread and herbs pulled me to venture inside.

Also, I wanted to satisfy that voice in my head that led me there. Upon entering, all eyes shot in my direction, and they lingered in judgment, watching my every move as I settled at a corner and fiddled with the cutlery.

"Why am I even here?" I sighed, muttering under my breath as I looked around for anything that could look exciting at the very least.

Nothing was. The restaurant was cozy, the flickering candles casting an eerie glow on it. Men and women chatted away— their loud voices and laughter angering me as seconds passed.

The inviting aroma had faded, perhaps because I hadn't found anything worthy of my attention. It seemed like a hive of drunkards and lowlives, which must be why it's called the haven. It accommodated every class of people.

It bored me. Right before I decided to get on with my journey, an argument ensued from a room behind the restaurant. The noise of yelling and cries filled the air. Like clockwork, the patrons adopted quietude, as they were curious about what was going on, too.

The argument went on for minutes. It seemed heated. I didn't feel concerned, but there seemed to be a lady involved with a man. After a few minutes, it was over, and the ones involved weren't seen.

Another man settled next to me and ordered a beer. I saw it as the perfect time to leave since I couldn't seem to stomach any social interactions. I was stopped in my tracks when a lady came out of the same room where the argument had gone on earlier.

I settled back into my seat and observed her as she served some of the patrons hanging around. Her presence seemed to radiate an ethereal aura, almost as though she possessed magical powers.

Something about her awed me a lot. I sat back, taking in her entire appearance. I watched her tuck her auburn waves behind her ears as she carried a tray off the table, a trained fake smile plastered on her face. She did not look happy at all.

Even from the distance at which I sat, her ocean eyes were impossible to ignore. Her eyes were mesmerizing blue that sparkled with an otherworldly glimmer. There was something about her…

I couldn't place a finger on it. It wasn't just her striking figure. It was the vibe that surrounded her, like she was light and stepped into a room, illumining it.

My heart raced for no apparent reason, the sensation of satisfaction washing over me like I'd found what I was looking for. I felt a light tap on my shoulders that jarred me out of whatever trance I'd danced into.

"You like that one?" The unkempt-looking man next to me questioned, motioning towards the girl. "She doesn't come every day. The Shadowmaws would surely be willing to let her go."

What was he rambling about? I thought but decided to play along since I intended to get information about her. "The Shadowmaws?"

"You new here? The Shadowmaws rule this town…and own the restaurant, you see? That one who's caught your eyes is a maid that belongs to them, and she works more in their manor than the restaurant…."

"Oh, that's…."

"Yeah, man!" The man tapped my shoulder again. "If you want her, talk with them, and maybe they'd have you lined up. All these men are probably here for the same reason you are, me included."

Those brutes. I did not bother to explain that my attraction toward her was different. It was far beyond the physical. It felt more like an altering in my brain, something clicked the moment she walked in, and I could see the fire within her.

Although she tried to suppress it, it was there. Perhaps because I'm from the lineage of wolves, I could tell that there was something more to her than meets the eye. She wielded power, maybe enough to make her my new master. I didn't travel this far for nothing.

I turned to the man who had begun to gawk like he had no life prospect. "What's her name?"

The man snickered, "You wouldn't believe this. Her name is…."

Right before he could complete his words. "Luna!!" One of the men in the restaurant yelled harshly, and the lady turned abruptly.

Luna. She answered that name. But why was it called so harshly? My head shot back to the angry-looking man Luna walked towards.

"This wasn't what I ordered!" He angrily banged the table, startling her and everyone around. "Take care of this." With a swift move, he hit the tray of food off that table, and it splattered across the room.

Without argument, Luna knelt and began to pack up the mess. "I'd take care of it, " she responded softly, her voice carrying as much grace as her appearance did.

I seethed. But there wasn't much to be done. I watched her pick up the broken plates. Just as she was about to head in, the same man called her again and pulled her towards him by wrapping his fingers around her hair and yanking it.

I had promised myself not to make trouble. If I did, there was no way out of it. I wasn't powerful enough to help anyone. Still, the way she was being treated cursed anger to surge through my veins. Iwas filled with contempt.

Luna cried out in pain, trying to wriggle free from the grip of the man with his arms around her hair. From the way her face reddened, I could tell the intensity of his grasp.

"You answer to me!" He barked at her. Could he be one of the Shadowmaws? That must be why he treated her so unfairly. Most masters always had it out for their mates.

To stop any interference on my part, I clutched the table and tried to tear my gaze away. Her refusal to protest just proved that she had something to hide.

Even the most quiet of people would react if they were being treated that way.

"Poor thing…" the man next to me muttered again, bringing his cup closer to his mouth slowly.

"Is that her Master?" I asked, trying to hide the urgency in my voice. I was one step away from sprinting across the room and initiating the most useless fight ever.

The man shook his head. "What? No… That's just Bane. He always tries to shake the girls to their limits. This wouldn't be the first time, and Luna has always been a target for quite some time."

Had she constantly been bullied like that? "And her master does nothing about it?"

He shrugged. "Customers are always right. Bane had quite the reputation. He's respected and has to be pleased everywhere. That's just how—"

The stranger's voice was caught off by another yell from Luna's direction. I couldn't stand it anymore.

Before I could weigh my options and calculate how dumb of a decision venturing into such a pointless battle was— especially one that I could not fight— I was already halfway across the room, right before them, staring blankly.

"Lost something?" Bane barked. His hand still wrapped in her hair, holding her still. "Scurry out of here, child."

I was at a loss for words but one glance at Luna, and I felt an overwhelming assurance that I was doing the right thing. However, she looked absolutely disconcerted to see me.

"Let her go, she did nothing wrong."

Bane's interest seemed piqued as he now focused on me. He detangled his grip from Luna's hair and rose to his feet.

God, damn. He was huge. Chills traveled down my spine as I looked up at the man. There and then, I realized I'd made the most terrible mistake of making things worse.

"What did you say?" Bane barked at me. He was easily twice my size with a height that should not be considered humane.

Should I do the wise thing and run or hold it out before the lady who was going to become my master by all means possible?

What was I thinking? I couldn't even save myself not to talk of someone else!

"I- I," I stuttered as I backed away. Every statement I wanted to make died on my tongue. "She didn't do anything wrong, so just— let her go, sicko, pick on someone your size."

Oops.

Luna shoved me out of the way before I completed the nonsense I was fearfully spewing. She took the initiative. "I apologize, Bane. He must be new here! I'd remake your order immediately, and please don't be mad!"

Bane looked like he'd been dipped in a furnace. His bald head was a hint of red as he clenched his fist while sizing me up. I was still confused as to how easily she'd apologized even though she'd been treated so badly.

"It'd take no more than a breath to crush him. He mustn't be aware of how things are done here!"

"But, he just—"

"You should really learn to mind your own business, stranger!" Luna retorted, then turned to Bane. "I'd remake your order in five minutes."

I was confused. "Didn't he just maltreat you!? I mean…how could she be so okay with that? Acting like nothing happened?"

Luna shot me a glare. "Mind your business, dweeb. Get your order and walk out."

I was persistent enough to follow her, despite her harsh font. "You could have gotten mad at him, you know? Rather than transfer it to me." I paused and looked around. "Where's your Master?"

Luna turned and placed her hand over my mouth urgently as if to silence me, after which she pulled me outside that restaurant for a conversation, just like I wanted.

I had found my master. There was no going back.