Yesterday's meal was amazing.
I don't even know if I was able to contain and secure my sanity for that food. I would die and suffer only to grab a taste of that soft and tender meat, cured with honey and spices which was also braised to perfection.
Despite my complaints about how poorly accommodating this shelter was, I would say that they are quite filling in those gaps, and that's scary.
I'm afraid that one day, I might choose not to leave this place again. Everything was comfortable. The ambience, the snowy forests, the food.
As always, I woke up to the sound of pans clattering that awful stench of wet dog fur and the musky scent of mold. I scrunch my nose and cover them as another set of Weres came from what I assumed, was an expedition to
I watched in awe as a group came from the city with a dozen rolls of thread behind their backs. A few carriages came in as well which seemed to be hauling a mass production of foam and wood. Standing under the shade of the roof to cover myself from the falling snow, Linda placed a palm on my shoulders."I cannot believe that Master Riftan bought these for us.""Well, of course, why wouldn't he? You guys deserve a good rest since you've been working your arses off to feed everyone.""Thank you."I simpered a small smile which unexpectedly came out from my lips."We really appreciate this, Ruby. We are grateful.""Make sure you get lots of rest tonight."
I trailed my index across the sharp steel. I see my reflection. Eyes dilating in fury and excitement, lips twitching- itching to laugh after I have reigned over my prey.This 8-inch knife would do me well. It is enough to reach the carotid arteries of these beasts and end them permanently.But I have no intention to kill this man.I just want a little workout since I haven't played in a long while."If you are truly Riftan's mate then where's your mark?" he raised a brow at me."Ask him about that. I don't even know what he's talking about. One day he just captured me and then, told me that I was his mate. It's not like I want to be his, though. I just want to get out of here."
ZEN RIFTAN"They have arrived, Sir."I close my eyes and yawn, feeling the fatigue leave my body. Putting the book aside, I lifted my head and faced my servant who came to relay the news."Who exactly?""Sir Vale and the others."Vale. The Beta of my pack. My right hand and my assistant. The boy my parents entrusted to ensure my well-being."Where is he, now?""He should be in the dining hall, taking his meal. Would you like me to come fetch him?"I waved my hands and declined, "No need. Allow him to dine. He must be starving after all the journey he spent. We should give him time, alone.""Sir Riftan!"I flinch, hearing that desperate cry resonate from the halls. Turning my head back, I see another servant of mine- face ghasted. I allow her to breath for a moment, before explaining the ruckus she had been procuring."We told you not to run in the halls, Linda!" my guard yelled at her. "How many times have we told you about that?! You never listen! You know that Sir Riftan is not very
RUBY VERMILLIONTo hell with Riftan and that pathetic, dramatic Beta of his!I grabbed my pencil and clenched it with my fists until the lead broke in half. How dare they humiliate and play with my emotions just like that?How dare they judge me like I was nothing?I swear to the heavens above that I won't let them break me again. May it be that darned Riftan or that little maid of his!"Ruby. Calm down... you'll open the wounds on your skin again."I looked at Linda with an annoyed expression and rolled my eyes, "I'll make them pay. Of course, you're out of it Linda."She heaved a sigh and sat beside me, "That doesn't make me feel anything better at all. You seemed to have hurt yourself a lot with Sir Vale.""I didn't lose though," I flipped my hair and shrugged my shoulders. "That weirdo was the loser who went crawling in the floor, first.""Yes, yes. Of course, you didn't.""He was weak in the first place! Didn't even get the chance to knock me out-""Who's weak?" a voice interrup
Kill him.That was the King's order to me. And yet, I never thought I would fail this miserably.And now... I must pay the price to the Lycan King with my own heart.___________________A village on fire."Tch. Typical." I grit my teeth and nonchalantly walk among the blazing fragments of planks that were scattered across the muddy floor.The heels of my boots sank every step and I rolled my eyes in irritation as these boots costed two bars of silver and a bronze. I always knew that the merchant was a shady man, and yet- I still bought these bad babies.They look damn great on me after all.I could see the silhouette from a distance. I lowered my crimson hood and cracked my fingers before pulling out my favorite cobalt flintlock. I place my thumb on the trigger- ready to shoot whatever would come to me.I could hear the screams of the anguished villagers who were devoured by the nightly and inhumane beasts. I look up to the sky and fixated my viridescent orbs on the bright, yellow mo
The King wants to see me today.I feel my chest become heavy and my heart pound wilder. It was unusual for him to make me see him. The Generals would always be the ones who would summon me. I wonder what was so special about this?I look back at my other apprentices. They were behind me, trailing– also with curious eyes. I stop my tracks, turn my back, and then ask them."Both of you look nervous." I crossed my arms. "Is something wrong?"They shook their heads. "Nothing."But I knew that something was bugging them. That softened look, furrowed brows, and pursed lips. I knew that something was bugging them."No, I insist," I told them. "What is it?"I heard one of them sigh. "We find it very peculiar, Captain Vermillion.""Peculiar?""We wonder if something wrong happened? Is the King upset, perhaps? Did we do something wrong?"I chuckled at him and placed a hand on his shaking shoulders."I believe it is none of that." I gave him a reassuring smile. "He could be summoning me for anot
"Captain, are you sure you'll be alright to leave on your own?"My apprentices frowned at me and I nodded. "I can't let you join me on this one. But if you keep guarding our posts, then I'll share to you half of my bounty that I will be receiving from the King.""Has the King sent you to another dangerous mission again?"I gave her a smile and crossed my arms. "Don't worry about it, and besides, we are doing this for a living, aren't we? I would have to work hard in order to eat something.""When will you be coming back, Captain?""I don't know. I will need a couple of weeks to scout their territory before I can get what I needed to do. Don't worry. I'll be quick.""A couple of weeks isn't quick, Captain!""I know, I know... Sheesh." I took my usual red cloak and wrapped myself with it. I tied the ribbon and placed my crest on my chest and tapped my boots. "But I'll have to go now if I want to come back any sooner, don't I?""We guess so..."They heaved a deep sigh and pulled me into
Tall trees. The sound of the waterfall.I closed my eyes and traced my small fingers at the long blades of grass as I skipped happily towards Grandmother's cottage. I remember vividly as I jumped from rocks to rocks just to cross the stream, with my newly sewn basket.Mother made it for Grammy, if I remember correctly. Inside were goodies that had just come from my uncle's farm. My father was busy cutting trees and my mother should be at home- mending our garments with threads and needles.When I arrived at the path, I remember the smell of smoke and rotten eggs- or at least, that's what I thought it would be. I remember correctly that Father told me to wrap myself with my red cloak to intimidate the predators lurking in the woods. I thought it was foolish, until I saw one myself.From behind the huts stood a creature so beastly and ugly. It seemed like a hyena standing on its hind legs. Because of how devilish it looked, I never thought that it would be a wolf.I've always seen the w