Chapter 1 : The Auction

The air was heavy with the tang of sweat, fear, and desperation. The small room where Aria stood was dimly lit by a few flickering lanterns. Shadows stretched across the walls, dancing in rhythm with the murmurs of the crowd. She couldn’t see their faces clearly, but their predatory gazes were seared into her mind.

Her wrists were bound with coarse rope that bit into her skin every time she shifted. She stood barefoot on a wooden platform, her heart pounding so loudly that it drowned out the auctioneer’s voice. She wasn’t supposed to be here. She wasn’t supposed to be someone’s property.

But here she was, her stepmother’s shrill voice cutting through the crowd like a blade.

“She’s weak,” the woman declared, her tone dripping with disdain. “But she’s obedient.”

Aria flinched at the words. Weak. Obedient. They had branded her with these labels for so long that she almost believed them. Almost.

“She’s seventeen,” her stepfather added, stepping forward with an oily grin. “Still young. She’ll be useful to your pack, Alpha.”

Aria dared to look up then, her gaze locking onto the man seated at the front of the room. Alpha Isaac. The leader of the Shadow Fang pack.

He sat in a high-backed chair, his imposing figure exuding raw power. His broad shoulders were encased in a black leather jacket, and his sharp jawline was set in a hard line. His piercing silver eyes seemed to see straight through her, assessing her with a coldness that made her shiver.

The stories about him flooded her mind. A ruthless leader who ruled his pack with an iron fist. A warrior who had slaughtered entire rival packs to claim his territory. A man who valued strength above all else.

Aria could feel his disdain before he even spoke.

“Obedient?” Isaac repeated, his deep voice filled with mockery. “I don’t need obedient. I need strong.”

Her stepmother bristled but forced a smile. “She may not have her wolf yet, but she’s resilient. She’s a survivor.”

“Is that so?” Isaac’s tone was flat, his gaze unwavering.

“She’s endured more than most,” her stepfather chimed in, his voice dripping with false sincerity. “Give her time, and she’ll prove her worth.”

Isaac leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking under his weight. His expression didn’t change, but the air in the room grew heavier, charged with his dominant aura.

“Fine,” he said after a long pause. “I’ll take her. But know this—I don’t tolerate failures.”

The words were like a death sentence, and Aria felt her stomach twist into knots. She wanted to scream, to fight, to run, but she knew it would be useless.

A tall man standing behind Isaac stepped forward. His Beta, Aria realized, noting the way the crowd parted for him. Without a word, he handed a small pouch of coins to her stepfather, who snatched it eagerly.

Her stepmother leaned in close, her lips curling into a cruel smile. “Good luck, Aria. You’ll need it.”

The Beta grabbed her arm, his grip firm but not cruel, and began leading her toward the exit. Aria stole one last glance at her step-parents. They didn’t look guilty or regretful—only relieved to be rid of her.

The door closed behind her, and for the first time in years, Aria was truly alone.

The ride to the Shadow Fang territory was silent. The Beta—introduced only as Darius—drove the sleek black SUV while Isaac sat in the backseat, his gaze fixed out the window. Aria sat as far away from him as possible, her bound hands resting in her lap.

The forest blurred past them, the moonlight casting eerie shadows on the trees. The silence was suffocating, but Aria didn’t dare speak. She could feel Isaac’s presence like a weight pressing down on her chest, his aura thick with authority and danger.

When they finally arrived, Aria’s breath caught in her throat. The Shadow Fang pack house was enormous, a sprawling mansion surrounded by high walls and watchtowers. The building itself was a mix of modern and rustic, with sleek glass windows and stone walls. It was beautiful and intimidating all at once.

Darius parked the car, and Isaac stepped out without a word. He didn’t spare Aria a glance as he strode toward the front door, his long strides confident and purposeful.

Darius opened her door and gestured for her to follow. “Come on. Don’t keep him waiting.”

Aria stumbled out of the car, her bare feet cold against the stone driveway. She hesitated, but Darius’s sharp look pushed her forward.

Inside, the pack house was just as impressive. The foyer was massive, with high ceilings and a grand staircase that curved upward. The walls were lined with portraits of wolves and landscapes, their golden frames gleaming in the soft light.

Isaac didn’t pause to give her a tour. He walked straight through the foyer and down a hallway, his steps echoing on the hardwood floor. Aria hurried to keep up, her heart racing.

They stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall. Isaac pushed it open, revealing a small, bare room with a single bed, a desk, and a chair.

“This is where you’ll stay,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Aria swallowed hard. The room was small, but it was clean and warm—better than what she was used to.

“You’ll work to earn your keep,” Isaac continued, his gaze cold and unyielding. “The pack doesn’t tolerate freeloaders.”

She nodded silently, her throat too dry to speak.

“Darius will assign you tasks tomorrow,” he said. “For now, stay here. Don’t wander.”

With that, he turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Aria sank onto the bed, her body trembling. The events of the day crashed over her like a wave, leaving her exhausted and numb.

She didn’t cry. She hadn’t cried in years.

Instead, she stared at the ceiling, her mind racing. She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but she knew one thing for certain.

She would survive.

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