THE ALPHA'S PAWN

a crumbling cell, Ingrid Hearst sat motionless, her wrists bound by rusted chains that had long since wo

ankle clinked, sinking to her flesh like sharp claws. Her once vibrant coppery hair hung in matted strands around her face, its color faded from days spe

tst

ence, each step a warning. Ingrid's breat

ut her!" It thundered, reverberating off the wall. "Let this worthles

es were fueled by disgust locks onto Ingrid's. The cell door creaked open. Ingrid's breath caught in he

we can't even fill our belly with food." The other named Lara repli

er, drawing a sharp gasp from her dry, cracked lips. As the cold seeped into her bones and the cha

her up." Lara smirked,

from weak to even move a muscle. She has lost count on how many times

ld like this piece of scrap?" Kaya whined. "I

. This bitch is a

from a pure blooded, we don't even know what tribe she belongs to!" Kaya babbled in distr

to me are the coins. Nothing else." Lara rolled her eyes as sh

on Ingrid's shoulders, while Lara stood behind her, wielding a massive woo

the cell into the biting night air. The rough hands of the villagers gripped he

g between malice and anticipation. Each step forward felt heavier than the la

bones and skin loosen their grip. As her blindfold was lifted away, Ingrid was welcomed by the cold

rk sky. Ingrid looked around and realized that

using Ingrid to follow their gaze, only to see five hooded figures standing completely still a few meters away,

r, Ingrid did the exact opposite and remained rooted

insides. The five men standing before her emanated an eerie aura,

girl." The fo

grabbed Ingrid by the arm. "Coins fir

reflexes were quick enough to snatch the bag away from his hand and check its contents. As she inspected

causing Ingrid to trip and fall to the ground. With trembling h

e realized what was happening. Her movements were almost affronti

. . don't do this! Yo

ing as if her words carried a weig

r if she doesn't satisfy him enough, that's the least of our concerns." La

e it back, please! You can't sell me out for c

er grasp on the bag tightened. She faced

s he? Alistair is dead to me the

. None of them dared to even look back - a clear s

emotion in her was felt. Anger, hatred, and resentment clouded her mind. Everyth

ou will pay! This land, already a crumbling ruin, will fall further into chaos!" Her voice cracked with emotion, the weight of her despair heav

otionally and physically tired and drained, leaving her numb and empty,

ne of the men cloaked in black called out,

rom me?" She faintly mumbled,

l Alpha Trevor of Crestforge yea

s said. "That woman died years ago. If it's her you want, you c

darkness closed in around her, the last thing she saw was the r

his gaze dropped to her chest. His pale hand brushing the few strands of hair from he

Tell Zagreus Hawthrone, the search i