Chapter 5 Caged wolf

Selene's wrists ached from the cold iron shackles biting into her skin. She sat on the stone floor of her cell, her breath curling into mist in the dim candlelight. The scent of damp stone and old blood lingered in the air. She had lost track of time. Hours? A day? Longer?

Heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor. Her body tensed as a towering figure appeared in front of her cell. Alpha Rael Thorncrest.

"You don't belong here," Selene growled, keeping her voice steady.

Rael smirked, gripping the iron bars. His golden eyes glowed in the flickering light. "Neither do you."

Selene refused to look away, her muscles coiled like a trapped animal. "Let me go."

Rael tilted his head. "You're not a prisoner, little wolf. Not yet."

She scoffed. "Then open the door."

His smirk deepened. "You tried to run. That was a mistake."

Selene clenched her fists. He was right. Her attempt had been reckless. But she wasn't done fighting.

Selene traced the bruises forming on her wrists. She had learned the hard way that escape wouldn't be easy. Rael's warriors were fast, and she wasn't at full strength.

The door creaked open. A tray of food slid inside, carried by a woman with piercing blue eyes and long raven-black hair.

"I'm Elara," the woman said, setting the tray down. "Eat. You'll need your strength."

Selene hesitated. "For what?"

Elara's lips twitched in amusement. "For whatever Rael has planned for you."

Selene's stomach twisted. She wanted to fight, but her body betrayed her hunger. She took a hesitant bite, tasting rich broth and warm bread. It was better than she expected.

Elara leaned against the wall, watching her. "If you want to survive, you'll have to play smart."

Selene swallowed hard. Smart. She had to be smarter than Rael.

The next time Rael came, the air in the cell seemed to thicken. He carried himself with an effortless confidence, his presence filling the small space.

"You should be grateful, Selene," he said, watching her with lazy amusement. "I could have let my men tear you apart."

Selene met his gaze without flinching. "And yet, you didn't."

Rael crouched in front of her, his voice low. "Because you intrigue me."

A shiver ran down her spine, not from fear, but from something more dangerous. She hated how aware she was of him. Of the heat in his golden eyes. Of the way he invaded her space without a second thought.

"Stop playing games," she snapped.

His fingers brushed under her chin, tilting her face up. "Oh, little wolf," he murmured. "This is no game."

Days passed. Selene watched, listened, learned. Rael's fortress was a well-oiled machine, warriors moving with purpose. He ruled with an iron grip, but there was more to his control than brute strength.

She had overheard whispers of war. Rael was preparing for something big. If she could escape, she could warn the others.

But her body betrayed her. Each attempt left her weaker. Whatever poison had slowed her healing still lingered in her veins. And worst of all, she could feel the pull toward Rael deepening.

She cursed herself. She was not a pawn in his games. She would find a way out. No matter the cost.

Rael found her pacing her cell, her energy simmering with frustration. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.

"Restless, are we?"

Selene glared at him. "Let me fight."

His brow lifted. "Fight?"

She stepped closer, fists clenched. "You're preparing for war. Let me prove my worth. Or are you afraid I might be better than your warriors?"

A slow, predatory smile spread across Rael's face. "Careful, little wolf. Challenge me, and you might not like the outcome."

Selene lifted her chin. "Try me."

Rael chuckled. "Very well." He pushed open the door, stepping aside. "Tomorrow at dawn. Show me what you've got."

Selene's heart pounded. This was her chance. To fight. To escape. To win.

Or to lose everything.