Episode 1

It was a dark room, my sole diversion the slender beam of light that pierced through the gaps in the bricks while he was there, using my body without consent, slapping and biting my skin as my mind searched for an escape to ease my overwhelming despair. Weeping was useless; in the early days, I cried, I screamed, I begged for mercy, and all I got was a slap and shouts to shut my mouth. I felt dead, lifeless on the floor, merely feeling him enter and leave me, he wouldn't look at my face, nor did he make any sounds of pleasure, perhaps my lack of resistance took away his enjoyment, my inner wolf whimpered in my mind, pleading for an end.

The soft sound of his zipper ascending, signaling closure, was when I allowed just a single tear to trail down the side of my battered face – that subtle noise indicated that for today it was over, and he would return to his mansion where his parents were, while I'd remain here to decay in that cell, merely waiting for that tiny beam of light to filter through the bricks again. The same question circled my mind, how did I end up here?

3 years earlier

"Excited, Cassie?" My older cousin's voice broke the silence as I stood staring at a wedding dress in a storefront window. Indeed, in a few short weeks, I would marry Zedekiah Vasile, the firstborn of the tribe of the south.

My family, all who reside in the eastern tribe, are Werewolves, and not just any Werewolves. We are descendants of the original Werewolves blessed by the goddess.

"It's not every day your childhood love becomes your husband!" My cousin adjusted her reflection while appraising me.

"Don't be silly, Daphne…" My voice was soft; like any teenager, I felt a bit childish for having a crush on the strongest alpha's son from the South.

The sound of the shop bell indicated someone entering, pulling my cousin away as the store owner needed to greet the newcomer, but before she could get to the door, a woodsy scent enveloped me in bliss.

"Cassandra… We need to talk." That slightly sexy, gravelly voice made me close my eyes, wondering what it would be like to wake up to him wishing me good morning in bed every day.

"Just a second, Zedekiah." I replied, trying to hide my smile, Zed simply marched into the room where I was, disregarding Daphne's protests about him being presumptuous and unwelcome, as usual, she was very protective.

Zed was so grave that I thought for a moment it was something urgent, so I assured her it was okay.

"Speak." I gestured for him to continue.

"The wedding's postponed, no new date set yet." Even though I maintained a facade of understanding, it was impossible not to feel like that piece of news was a punch in the stomach, making my gut churn. Daphne growled in shock and slapped him across the face; I knew she was acting as my protective elder sister with the best of intentions, but did she need to hit him?

"Is there a problem?" My voice struggled to emerge, and after several attempts, I smoothed my sweaty hands on my dress.

Daphne left us alone for a few minutes, I knew she was raging on my behalf and if she stayed, she might go for his throat.

"Did you tell my father?" I finally asked, before noticing my cousin's return with a stern look, followed by the figures of my father and mother, both approaching to offer their support.

"No, just want you to spend some time at Vasile Mansion, so we can get to know each other better." Zed's eyes sparkled amusingly at that moment, and like a naive one, I was charmed by the shine in his blue eyes.

"Postponed? This is the fifth time just this year!" My father's voice was firm, and after he accidentally shattered the kitchen table with a punch, my mother strategically positioned herself beside him as if to calm him.

"She hasn't received her wolf yet; I will not marry her this way... You know full well that mating without the wolf can be deadly for her." Zed stood serious in front of my parents, explaining how I was weak without a wolf that I didn't notice the signs that something was deeply wrong.

"She will be trained as soon as we arrive, I don't want a weak Luna, nor a useless one, only after that will I be able to say we have a marriage, I first want to assess her. To see if she is worthy." At that moment, Zed's words stung a bit, was I really an useless and weak girl? I would prove to him that I wasn't, that I could be a good wife and Luna.

After much arguing, my parents told me to pack and that I would spend some time with the Vasiles, if only I had known the hell that would follow, if only I had paid attention to the signs, perhaps today I wouldn't be where I am.

I should have paid attention to the signs.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***