Episode 4

I watched as the guards approached Rachel, their gazes reflecting a mixture of fear and defiance. The atmosphere in the room was tense, and the only noise was the echo of their footsteps, resonating ominously. Rachel, brave and determined, stood tall, showing admirable strength. Her expression revealed confidence, and although everything was terrifying, her determination shone in the midst of the darkness.

The guards, with cold faces, clustered around her like wolves stalking their prey. Despite the threat, Rachel showed no weakness; her gaze was fixed on me, as if she expected support in that situation. Without compassion, the guards began to tear her clothes, but Rachel was not intimidated. Her dignity remained intact in the face of humiliation.

I felt admiration for the courage she showed. It was amazing to see how she remained dignified despite the circumstances. Her eyes reflected determination, ready to face any obstacle. Her posture indicated her inner strength, inspiring me to recognize her admirable resistance.

"Wow, Rachel, I didn't see this coming," I said, stroking my chin. "I expected many things from you, but this wasn't in my plans. You surprise me, but it's a shame that willpower doesn't seem to last long."

She looked at me coldly, as if she wanted to tear my eyes out. Her gaze was penetrating and distant, and a threat was felt around her. The guards, frustrated by her resistance, decided to intensify their tactics.

Despite the brutality, Rachel remained silent, as if fear could not reach her. Her face reflected an inexplicable calm, as if she were in a bubble that protected her from reality. Every scream and crash of bodies seemed to fall on her like distant shadows.

I felt satisfaction at seeing her remarkable resistance. My inner wolf howled with approval, reveling in her tireless struggle, while another part of me enjoyed the control I had over her. The mixture of emotions was overwhelming; I admired her tenacity, but I also savored the power I possessed.

Each effort to break free intensified my primal instinct. That instinct trapped me in this power game, turning every moment into a hypnotic dance of control and surrender. The tension between us became palpable.

"Take her away and make sure she understands the lesson well," I ordered with determination. "Tomorrow, at dawn, I want her to receive 50 lashes. Inform the entire pack; they must know that this is how disobedience to their alpha is punished."

Rachel was taken out of the room by the guards, her body still radiating resistance. As they took her away, our eyes met, and I perceived a flash of defiance in her gaze. Despite the adversities, she seemed to harbor the hope of breaking free.

The night progressed slowly, as my thoughts revolved around Rachel. Her face, with determination and courage, was repeated in my mind. The internal struggle intensified; my inner wolf howled fiercely, disoriented between admiration and the desire to impose my control.

I was aware that dawn would bring severe punishment, a weight pressing on my chest. But I was also disturbed by the idea that, in a moment of desperation, she might surrender and kneel before me. That possibility disturbed me as much as it fascinated me.

"Oh, this is incredible," exclaimed my inner wolf. "I feel the energy running through my veins. Let me out, I long to experience the adrenaline of the hunt, to feel the prey trapped between my jaws."

Finally, the first ray of sun began to appear. The members of the pack gathered in the clearing, where an atmosphere of expectation enveloped the place. The sentinels brought Rachel, with her hands tied and her face showing serenity, to the center of the clearing.

"Today, everyone will have the opportunity to witness the consequences of challenging the authority of the alpha," I proclaimed. "Rachel, I offer you a second chance: kneel before me and beg for my mercy. If you choose not to, you will see your own pieces of flesh scattered here."

She held my gaze, and I understood that she was not willing to give in. "I will not, and that is my last word," she declared with determination.

"Guards!" I shouted, irritated by her refusal. "Strike her and make sure her body is covered in blood," I ordered. Instantly, a group of five wolves began to howl, announcing that it was time to begin with the fifty lashes.