Alpha Twins Wolfless Slave

The stuffy atmosphere clung to her nostrils, making it hard to breathe. As Lyla pushed through the crowds in the arena, she strained to hear whoever was at the front. It was a familiar voice; one she had grown to hear every year.

"This is not enough!"

It was him. Bald head, long white beards that he meticulously raked through with his sharp dark claws.

"But this is all we have. It's all we could gather for the year round." Evan, one of the men Lyla knew to be the spokesperson of the Woodscrewer replied back, his grey hair standing out. "Our grounds are barren and the waters are poisoned. Unless we plan for Woodscrew to become a wasteland, there is no way we will grow foods regardless."

The bald man, tall and intimidating with predating eyes pushed forward. Evan flinched and took a step back. Everyone knew Turaq and one thing they never dared to do was stand against him. He was more like their backbone in Woodscrew. One silly mistake and they will be sent out of Reeds pack, with no food, security or anything they got with their sweat while in their territory.

It has been years since the Woodscrew sought refuge from the Reeds led by Alpha Cyrus in the Great heart of the Jungle. After the mighty war amongst all the clans, trampling over the smaller groups of Wolves, Alpha Cyrus took them in. Like an older sibling, the Alpha of the Reeds pack took care of Woodscrew and its families. To repay this kind gesture, the leader, Evans, suggested that they do whatever is asked of them. One of which is to pick a farther area for settlement. A rear end jungle that is almost cut off the Reeds territory on the map.

What a great mistake that was!

Ever since, the elders would often come annually to get tributes which is almost all of their harvest in one year since the Woodscrew are known to be healers and farmers rather than hunters.

"For many years we have housed you, clothed you and protected your people," Turaq started.

"And, this is how you repay the great Alpha's kindness?"

"That is not what I intend to do, your grace. I just ask that you reason with us." The people murmured in agreement. "There have been shortage of foods and water for the past few Moon seasons. This is all there is to give."

A small scan over the people that stood expectantly, waiting for the final verdict. Fear and

frustration written all over their faces.

"By the power and authority vested on me by the mighty Alpha Cyrus of the Reeds, I hereby…"

"Wait!" A young girl in her teens, scrawny but pretty emerged from the crowds.

Her glistening brown hair cascading down her waist and blue eyes made her exceptional from the other people. But also the confidence oozing out of her made the atmosphere more soothing.

"I'm really sorry but I think you do not seem to understand the gravity of what is going on! Our people are dying!"

Indistinct chattering arose. Muffled voices spread amongst the people until Turaq raised his wrinkled hands to maintain decorum before finally settling his gaze on the girl before him.

"And who are you supposed to be?"

"Lyla."

He raised an eyebrow in interest. "Interesting. But Lyla, don't you think this discussion is a little too advanced for you?”

"Forgive her, your grace." An identical but older woman rushed towards the girl and pushed her aside.

"She is but a child and doesn't know what she's doing. Please, have mercy."

"Mercy is not a word Reeds is familiar with. However, I'll be generous today. I give you six days to gather all your spoils or I promise Woodcrew will be forgotten in a day." His threat kept echoing even as they retreat from the arena with their horses and carts.

Lyla swallowed as she watched the dust rise and fall behind them, her heart racing at the thought of what would happen to them in six days.