A Werewolf's Tale

d little since leaving the village, and Lyra was grateful for the silence. This sentence was not going to help even a bit with the storm of emotions coursing through her. The

ill before her - from forest floor to top, sentry-like - and there was a kind of ancient beauty in its towering stone walls vined with ivy. It was cool, even on this su

alked toward the giant gates. They were met by two tall, watchful figures in dark cloaks, who opened the gates

ow." Thorne said ushering her ins

e a dam choking her. Those words bore heavily on her, an

k stone walls covered with blood-spattered tapestries of wolves caught on the hunt. The air was laced with the faintest

king into her reverie. "The al

ce, she felt small and insignificant, a lamb led to slaughter. She felt like fleeing, turning around and running back to

she turned to confront the figure which emerged from the shadows. He was tall, his frame br

ed before in her life--both locked onto hers and held them. His tanned skin was smooth; it drew the eye to muscles that were like great lumps of iron under it. Staring out at him she felt that there was something

rstood, was Ka

eaning in slightly, but the way he moved was oddly predatory

tone, a growl suppressed. It was not a ques

rip, who demanded the ritual bride at the ascension of a new alpha, without compunction. Lyra squared her shoulders, holding out her arms, and set his face between her hands, and he was

on, his eyes never falt

when she wanted to sound strong. She took a step back, the space between

ble. "No one ever chooses it," he said softly, as if to hi

fists at her sides. "I'm not your bride," s

mor. "You don't have a choice. This is bigger than me, or yo

out the curse that haunted the wolves; the pact struck long ago between their kind and huma

eyes glowed brighter, his face going hard. The change was subtle, but undeniable. Then she saw

room relaxed, although the atmosphere still bubbled with a perilous charge. "Forgive me," he said, and there was no real

hallow bursts. "I refuse this," she said again, h

this castle, bound to the curse that binds me." For the second time, his eyes darkened, but

ers - night creatures who fed on fear. But Kale ... Kale was no monster. He was more comple

how you to your quarters. You will remain here

dread, but she made herself take a step forwa

ets about the pack, Kale, and herself -that she had yet to uncover." And s