The Lycan's Bargain

Striding back to my old rickety cottage I called home, I hummed a low tune to myself, gripping the basket of herbs I had foraged tightly to my body. My heart raced with a mix of fear and hope, but I forced myself to be positive.

My mother had been unwell for weeks nows and I've done everything I could in my power to try and nurse her back to good health to no avail. Calling a medicine man was out of the question because they were too expensive and I didn't have the money that they would demand. I reached the porch, and unlocking the door, pushed the door open and walked in.

The cold, damp air greeted me first. My eyes adjusted to the dim lighting and I found my mother lying at the far corner in the room, covered by a soft yet worn out blanket. She hadn't moved from the position I had left her in, her skin even paler, beads of sweat coating her forehead. My heart lurched at the sight and I let out a shaky breath, gently closing the door behind me.

Walking towards the chimney, I set up a pot over the coals and started to boil the water in the pot, hurriedly rinsing off the herbs and grinding a couple others which I added into the steaming water. A warm, earthy scent filled the room and that's when my mother stirred. I turned to her, a smile lighting up my face when her eyelids fluttered open.

"Mother!" I cried out, rushing to her side. She turned weakly towards me, managing a tiny smile as her eyelids drifted to a close.

"Aira... " She called out, her voice almost inaudible, reaching out to grab my hands. I held her hands, pressing a soft kiss against the back of her palm. "I just got back from the forest. I went to gather some herbs. Hopefully, they'll make you feel better." I said to her and she managed a small nod, unable to speak.

Blinking the away the tears that had gathered in my eyes, I leaned forward to give her a kiss on the forehead before standing to my feet. The water had come to a boil and I poured the steaming concoction into a bowl, blowing on it as I let it steep and cool. Pain twisted my insides and my hands trembled as I watched my mother groan in pain but I forced myself to focus on the present.

Once the concoction had cooled to a comfortable degree, I went to my mother, raising her head gently and prompting her to drink. I met with no resistance at all, as the dark, warm liquid flowed into her mouth till she emptied the bowl. A slight frown appeared on her face afterwards, but other than that, nothing. A few moments later, I realized she had fallen asleep. Her complexion was getting better now, her fever breaking and I finally let out the breath I was holding, my lips trembling.

"Please, mom... " I whispered, my voice breaking. "Please get better, you're the only I have left in this world. You have to get better." I muttered, my head falling as tears streamed down my cheeks. I stayed there, watching her sleep, occasionally cleaning off the sweat that had gathered on her body.

It was in the evening when the convulsions began. At first they were minor, almost unnoticeable tremors, which I dismissed because I thought it was her fever returning but they progressively worse till it seemed like my mother was being possessed like the very devil. I couldn't stop screaming, trying to hold her down but it wasn't enough. Torn on what to do, I ran out the cottage, calling for help on anyone who would hear me.

A few passerbys and onlookers watched as I cried, but neither offered an helping hand. Mostly because they were already aware of my mother's illness and thought it to be highly contagious. Eventually, I had to call on the healer who I had been avoiding to come and see my mother, to determine what was wrong with her.

He seemed reluctant at first, unwilling even but at my persistence, followed me. I couldn't stop crying on my way back, terrified that I would return home and meet her lifeless. Racing in front, I turned back multiple times to confirm if the healer was indeed following me before running back to the cottage.

Fortunately, she was still alive, but her convulsions had yet to subside. The healer walked in a moment later and seeing the state my mother was in, immediately set to work, alarmed. I watched on in horror as he administered every herb, potion and pills available to him, yet my mother's tremblings showed no signs of stopping. When all hope seemed lost, she finally stopped, falling into an exhausted sleep afterwards.

I collapsed to the floor in exasperation, tears pouring out of my eyes like rain, devastation tearing through me. "What's wrong with her?!" I asked in between hiccups, staring at the healer like he had an answer.

He pursed his lips, a confused look appearing on his face. "To be honest, I don't know. I've never seen anything quite like it before. How long as she been unwell?"

"I don't know, weeks? Months? She complained of body pain once and since then, I've done everything I could, she didn't get any better." I explained. He stared at my mother was who lying unmoving, a look of pity flashing in his eyes.

"To be honest... I don't think I would have any medicine your mother needs to get better. This looks like something out of my expertise." He explained solemnly and I froze.

"What do you mean? Are you saying she's not going to recover!?"

"I didn't say that. I just said, I just might not be able to be of help. If only... " He trailed off, a pained expression appearing on his face.

"If only what?" I asked, scrambling to my feet and grabbing his hands. "Please, healer Khamel. I need my mother to recover."

"The Lycans who rule the land might have medicines for such ailments like this. But not only are they incredibly expensive, they are also not available to us, humans. Their king made sure of that. It's his way of punishing us and controlling our population." Khamel explained, downcast.

An exasperated gasp escaped my lips. "But my mother is dying!" I screamed, pointing at her. "I can't let her die. Isn't there something I can do?"

"I'm afraid there isn't. We are banned from entering the Lycans abode, Aira. Doing that would mean instant death. And the medicine would be too expensive for you to be able to afford it. I'm afraid this is all I can do. You might have to prepare for the worst." He said and I whimpered, crumbling beside my mother as sobs racked me. This couldn't be happening.

I didn't realize when the healer left my house, but soon I was all alone with my mother, whose body seemed to be growing colder by the second. I couldn't do it. I can't lose her. In this world that was filled with cruelty and pain, she was my beacon of light. I had to get the medicine she needed, even of it meant I would go to extreme lengths.

With that resolve planted in my heart, I cleaned the last of my tears, and cleared up the place, tucking her in bed and ensuring she was still breathing when I left the house. Tonight, I would sneak into the the Lycans territory and steal the medicine if I have to. Humans lived in the outskirts and yes, there was a wall dividing us, but I had enough experience climbing it. Just never had the nerve to jump in. All that was going to change however.

Hang in there mother, I'll get you the medicine that you need.

I stood before the large, imposing walls that stretched miles and miles away, my heart pounding in my chest, adrenaline pulsing through my veins. It was in a dead of the night and technically, no human should be where I'm standing but desperation had led me to this point. Cleaning off the sweat that had gathered on my palm on my dress, I took in a several deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart.

Assessing the area and the wall ahead of me, I tried to make out if there was any soldier that had began to patrol the area. Seeing nobody, I let the worry in my heart ease a little. Securing the little bag I was bringing along with me, I walked to the edge of the wall, reaching out my hands to touch the jagged surface, my gaze drifted upwards.

Up until two decades ago, humans were still allowed to live among the powerful werewolf and Lycans territory as slaves till their king got tired and banished every single one of us, erecting this wall in an attempt to keep us out. It was during that displacement, I had lost my father and my big sister, Nina my mom explained to me when I asked her. My eyes watered at the memory but I blinked them back, focusing on the mission I had at hands.

I gripped the exposed rocks on the wall and nimbly began to climb on them, my hands fitting into the tiny crevices littered across the walls. So many humans has tried to return back to their masters due to starvation that first plagued once they were thrown outside without anything. Thousands were killed that way and the others had no choice but to fend for themselves.

Not daring to look down, I continue climbing till I reached the top, doing my best to hide myself from view. My armed ache terribly, my lungs burning but I forced myself to be still. Bringing out the ropes from my bag, I tied it securely around post, tugging on it to make sure it was strong, before throwing it to the other side and using it to slip down in the Lycan's territory. My feet finally hit the ground and I swallowed, a rush of exhilaration crashed through me, disappearing as quickly at it came. I need to get out of here as quickly as possible.

I immediately slipped into the bushes, taking hurried steps forward. Hopefully, I might make it to a local town and getget the herbs that I need. The moon disappeared into a pocket of clouds, making it hard to see. My dress kept getting caught by twigs and branches of trees, intensifying the dread in my heart. My heart in my throat, I kept walking, having no idea where I was going.

If I had been walking for minutes or hours, I wouldn't know but I soon I heard it, the unmistakable sound of a hound dog. I froze, every hair on my body standing on end. Have I been found out? I looked around, my heart racing and breath quickening. Not willing to see for myself, I broke into a run, weaving through the forest. Dogs began barking, sounding closer than ever before and my speed increased. They were closing on me... And fast.

I immediately regretted the decisions I made that lead me to this point, but it was too late now. My foot caught a tree root and I stumbled to the ground, sustaining so many injuries but instantly picked myself up and kept running, the sounds of paws hitting the ground, sounding closer. Pushing myself harder than I had ever done, I ran till it felt like my lungs were burning, the bones in my body about to fall off.

I saw a clearing ahead of me and a breath of relief escaped my lips. If I could reach there, maybe they'll stop once they see I mean no harm. My legs threatened to fail me, but I kept on running. Almost there...

Something slammed into me, making me collide into a tree, knocking the breath out of me. I coughed, pain exploding in every part of my body. Dragging air into my burning lungs, I tried to scramble to my feet, but my head spun and I felt like throwing up. A figure loomed above me, but my blood curdled when I heard the sound of blade unsheathing.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my territory?" A voice boomed, the deep sound causing my body to tremble. Unable to answer, I raised my head to see who was speaking to me and a shocked whimper escaped my lips, my heart shriveling up and flying away.

It can't be... I can't be lying in front of the Lycan King himself, Kael Drathlor. His glowing yellow eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he cocked his head to the side. "What is a human doing here?" He asked no one in particular.

My heart hammered in my chest, my tongue tied into knots. I was too afraid to answer him, the glint of his blade resting on my neck stopping any words from escaping. My eyes widening, I stared at him, my body shaking like a leaf.

"Please, your majesty. I just wanted to get medicine for my mother." I whispered, too afraid to swallow.

The hound dogs that had been chasing me finally came into a view, grinding into a halt at the sight of the Lycan king, as well as the soldiers accompanying them. They immediately offered a bow, their salutations rushed.

"Your majesty. We were chasing after her. She scaled the walls and ran away from us." One of them said, his voice tinged with anger. His Majesty spared them a glance, turning his gaze back to me, the intensity boring holes through me. The tip of his blade touched my skin and I stilled.

"Your mother?" He repeated as if he didn't hear what the soldier said.

"She's sick and I needed medicines. It's why I climbed the walls. " I said, my voice breaking in the end as tears filled my eyes. "Please help me... I'll do anything. I just want my mother to live." I cried, tears streaming down my face in torrents, my body trembling in fear.

Kael stared down at me, his glowering eyes devoid of any emotion and a chill ran down my spine.

"Anything, you say?" He asked, pointing the edge of his sword against my neck and I stiffened, refusing to breathe.

"Anything... " I whispered, my voice small yet resolute.

A corner of his lips quirked up, not quite forming a smile. "How about my slave?" He said and my eyes grew even wider.

Horrible idea Aira, my mind screamed at me. Say no. You're better off dead. This king loathes humans. He'll destroy you, my thoughts raged. I closed my eyes and the image of my sick, ailing mother came to view. My mother, I needed to save her.

"Yes... " I forced out, my voice inaudible to myself. "I'll be your slave. I'll do anything. I just need medicines for my mother." I muttered, tears running down my eyes, my heart shredding into pieces.

He just stared at me, not perturbed in the least. Sliding the blade across my neck, I flinched as he left a stinging trail in it's wake, blood dripped out of the wound he had created, but I kept my gaze on him, my body unmoving. Suddenly, he jabbed my shoulder with the blade and I screamed, the pain unimaginable, tearing through my body like a storm. Why did he do that!? "Agreed, you're my slave now. " He announced, sheathing back his sword.

No... I don't want to be your slave. Anything but that.

He turned to the soldiers. "Give her the medicines she needs to save her mother and bring her back to me." He ordered and began to leave. Taking a couple of steps forward, he stopped and glanced back at the soldiers, not turning his head. "And for letting her climb the wall to making it to this point, you all shall be beheaded after she is returned safely to me." With a growl, he added. "Next time you'll learn to be more competent in your positions."

With that, he walked away, blending into the shadows. I stayed on the ground, completely dazed by what I had just experienced.

What just happened??

I clutched the bag that held the medicines my mother would need to my chest, keeping my gaze trained forward as two Lycan soldiers walked beside me. The gentle morning rays was warm against my skin but I was too wired up to feel any appreciation for it. Just like the Lycan King had instructed, medicines for my mother's ailment had been given to me and the soldiers had even followed me back home.

People stuck their head out of the windows of their homes as we walked through the streets, passerbys stopping and staring, their mouth agape, bewildered expressions on there faces. I did my best to ignore them, images of my sick mother spurring me forward. Eventually we got to the cottage and my steps slowed to a stop, my heart racing as dread pooled in the pit of my stomach.

Swallowing tightly, I turned back, passing a glance to the soldiers stern expressions. "If it's alright with you, can you stay out here while I go in and check on my mother. I wouldn't want her to wake up and the first thing she sees is you." I said.

One of them scowled, a snarl escaping his lips as he took a step forward to hit me but the other held him back with his hands. "How dare you tell us what to do!?" The angry one raged, his pupils dilating.

"I would never do such a thing!" I screamed, trepidation filling me. "I swear I'm not trying to run away! I just want you to stay out here, please." I cried, lowering my head.

"We would stay out here, but if you try anything funny, we would murder you ourselves." The calm one growled.

I nodded quickly, turning on my heels and running into the house. I doubt they would go through with their threats due to the Lycan's King instructions, but I didn't want to take any chances. Slamming the door behind me, I panted heavily, my entire body trembling as I made my way to my mother who was lying like a corspe on the bed. My heart broke at the sight and I couldn't help the sob that spilled from my lips.

Heading to her side, I brought out the medicine from the bag, arranging it neatly on the bedside table, before settling on the bed next to her. Running a finger through her face, I sniffed, blinking away the tears that were filling my eyes.

I picked up one of the small bottles from the table, unscrewing it and emptying the contents into her mouth. She didn't give any reaction and for a moment I thought the worst. But minutes later, color started to return to her cheeks. I intently watched her, my heart rate rising as her breathing grew deeper, her skin brighter.

Hours later, her eyelids fluttered open, her gaze unfocused as I travelled across the room before settling on me. "Mom...?" I called out warily, trying to confirm if it wasn't just my imagination.

"Aira?" My mom answered, her voice raspy yet stronger than I've heard it in a long time. A sob of relief broke from my lips, as I rushed to hug her.

"Mom!" I cried out in happiness, my body trembling in relief. "You're awake! Thank the gods, oh...Thank you! You scared me mom! Don't ever do that again!" I cried into her neck, my body trembling.

Her small hands reached to pat my back as she pressed a kiss to my cheeks. "I'm sorry if I scared you." She whispered as I cried, relief and happiness flooding my heart. The medicine worked after all. I pulled away from her after a while, staring at her glossy eyes.

"I'm so happy to see you getting better. For a moment there, I really thought the worst." I said, my voice hoarse from crying.

"For a moment, I did too. Thank you for caring for me." She muttered, her gaze drifting towards the table where the other bottles lay. Her brows furrowed slightly. "How did you afford the medicine?" She asked and I stiffened. Forcing a smile, I stood to my feet.

"Not now. Let me get you something to eat first, we'll discuss later." I said, running to the cup boards in hopes of finding anything that would be edible enough. There were some dried out herbs and a huge chunk of cheese, but other than nothing." I turned to look at her, wearing a bright smile.

"Hang on, I'll be back in a jiffy." I said, skipping out of the cottage to beg for ingredients from a neighbor which I would use to make broth. I returned home as quickly as I could, cutting up the vegetables I had gathered and throwing into a boiling a pot of water, making a soup broth out of it. It didn't smell like much, but at least it would be edible.

Once it was ready, I dished it into a bowl and went to her. She was already propped by the pillow, smiling warmly at me. I returned it with one of my own, blowing on the broth in an attempt to cool it off before serving it to her. We would eat quietly for a moment before her gaze flickered towards the blood on my dress and the wound on my neck. She froze, her face growing pale.

"Aira, what happened?" She asked and my grip on the spoon faltered. "How did you get that wound?"

"Oh... This was an accident. I stumbled and fell while I was foraging for fruits and herbs." I lied, staring thr broth as I averted my gaze. My mother pursed her lips, not convinced.

"How did you get the medicine, I know it can't be cheap. What did you do?" She asked again, prodding

"Mother, the broth is going to grow cold. You need to finish this first." I said, trying to dissuade her. Already, the Lycan soldiers outside were already impatient. I had to lie to them that my mom had yet to wake up.

"Aira... " My mother ground out now, her voice stern. My lips trembled and I let out an exasperated breath. I tried to blink back the tears threatening to fill my eyes as I stared at her but they still gathered anyway. How could I tell her that I handed my freedom for her recovery and I was now a slave to the most despicable Lycan king of all time? I'm going to give my mother a heart attack with that news.

"Aira!" My mother screamed now, if her low, frail sound could be call a scream, jolting me out of my thoughts. "Talk to me. What did you do?!"

I set the bowl down, sniffing. Reaching for her hands, I squeezed them softly. "Mom... I have to tell you something. Ill be gone for a little while, but I'll do everything in my power to come back okay? Keep using your medicines and make sure to take care of yourself." I said, my voice trembling.

My mother was panicking now. "Aira, I don't understand what you're saying. What do you mean you're leaving for a little while, where are you going?!" She asked, her eyes filled with worry.

Just then, the door burst open, and the Lycan soldiers burst in, all furious and menacing. My mom screamed, her entire body going rigid.

"I told you she was lying, her mom is already awake!" The angry one roared.

"Lycans? Why are they here?!" My mom asked and I started crying. One of them stalked up to me, grabbing me by the shoulders kael had stabbed earlier."

I screamed, the tears coming unrestrained. "Mom, I have to go. I'll be back, I promise."

"Aira!" My mom called out again, trying to reach for me but she tumbled to the ground instead, I winced, guilt and shame drowning me. The soldier carried me out of the house as I screamed her name, my mom crawling out as well, tears streaming down her cheeks

"Please, leave my daughter alone. Take me instead. She's all I have left!" My mom cried out, staying on the threshold, unable to keep going.

"Mom!" I screamed as they marched away, hauling me over their shoulders.The image of her laying on the threshold as I was taken away, burned into my mind and I sobbed, reaching for her.

I'm sorry mom. Please, be okay.

.

.

.

I cried all the way to the Lycan King's castle, paying little notice to the attention I was gathering. It was the first time in years a human would be brought to the Lycan Kings residence and of course, I attracted a lot of curious onlookers. I had just been cruelly separated from my mother. Why did it feel worse than watching her die?

Please heavens, keep her safe. She's all I have left, I prayed, sniffing. We finally arrived at the huge gates leading to the castle and the soldiers stopped walking dropping me to the ground. I let out a yelp, my entire body hurting. Carrying myself to my feet, I watched as the soldiers spoke with the guards and they opened the gates, letting us in.

It was my first time seeing anything as grand as this, so I was dumbfounded. Despite the Lycan Kings horrible reputation, the castle was the most beautiful thing I had ever laid my eyes on. A well kept garden adorned the huge land leading the to the doors of the castle, with a splendid water fountain standing right in the middle. Other than the guards who were stationed in their posts, they were very little people moving around. Yet, they still seemed very shocked seeing a human walking into the castle.

We finally at the grand stairs and I stared at the huge doors thet had the head of wolves at its doorknob, my heart palpitating in my chest. A soldier glare forced me to move and I climbed up the stairs, letting out a shaky breath as the door was opened for us.

Inside the castle was much darker and colder than outside. I shivered, wrapping my hands around myself as my gaze darted around, looking for him. The maids who had been walking about froze when they saw me, their mouth open in shock. Why? Is it because I'm human? Uncomfortable, I dropped my gaze to the ground, squeezing my clothes to my dress. Why did I agree to this?

"Has she returned?" A deep voice cut through the silence and I flinched, my fingers growing cold and clammy with sweat. He was here.

"Yes, your majesty." One of the soldiers answered, his voice tinged with fear. I bit my lips, willing my body to stop trembling.

I didn't hear him approach us, but soon I could feel his presence and his piercing gaze on me and I cowered slightly, my heart racing in my chest. When he didn't say anything, I tried to peek a look at him and stopped in my tracks. Maybe because the first time I saw him was in the dead of the night and I was completely disoriented, because I didn't remember him being so huge and... Intimidating.

He looked larger than life, towering above everyone present. Wearing a huge robe that trailed behind him, with his long dark hair falling freely over his shoulders, he was the most handsome yet terrifying man I had ever laid my eyes on.

He caught me staring and I immediately averted my gaze, feeling my cheeks burn. He stood before me for a moment and I became tongue tied, cold sweat breaking out of my body. I noticed that the soldiers who were standing next to me were trembling as well and I shivered. Then he walked past me.

"Please, your majesty... " One of them began to plead as the sound of steel cutting through the air was heard, followed by a low yet forceful thud. Something tumbled to the ground but I was too afraid to check what it was until something warm spayed on my cheeks. Reaching my fingers to touch it, I realized it was blood and I screamed.

Heavens, he's a monster.

"Tighten the security around the walls." He instructed in a bored tone. "I don't want this to repeat itself." He added.

He then turned to me and I stumbled backwards, the adrenaline pulsing through my veins numbing my senses. Grabbing my chin, he forced me to face him and I squirmed, trying to get away from his grip with zero success.

"As for her, have her cleaned and bring her to my chambers" He growled, his yellow eyese boring holes into me. Letting me go, he turned around and left. I watched him go, feeling myself start to hyperventilate.

Oh, I'm going to die. He's going to kill me.