6

[Jade’s pov]

As I walked aimlessly through the forest, my thoughts consumed by heartache and uncertainty, I failed to notice the looming danger that surrounded me. Suddenly, the peaceful silence was shattered by the feeble sound of voices echoing through the trees.

I turned my eyes widening in fear as a group of rogue hunters burst through the underbrush. I could see their faces twisted with malice as they circled around me with some evil intentions. Alpha Ragnar was right, there was danger outside the pack!

"Look what we have here!" One of them sneered, his voice dripping with sadistic delight. "A lost little cub wandering into our territory." Panic coursed through my veins as I realised I had stumbled into their hunting grounds.

I tried to run away from them to the other side, but my steps faltered and my legs heavy with despair. The hunters' malicious laughter echoed behind me as they closed in, their intentions clear. I ran. Yes, I ran as fast as I could, away from them for my own life.

Fear propelled me forward with all my might, but it was futile as the rogue hunters were faster and stronger. The hunters were skilled and relentless in their pursuit to catch me. One of them lunged at me, his hand clutching a silver dagger to aim at me.

Before I could react a searing pain circulated in my shoulder as the dagger pierced my flesh. I cried out loud with the sensation of burning caused by silver and wolfsbane. As I collapsed to the ground with my world spinning along with a blurry vision.

Through the haze of agony, I became aware of rough hands gripping me, as they were lifting me up. I realised I was a captive now, captured by these heartless rogues who saw me as nothing more than a commodity to be sold in the marketplace.

Weak and disoriented due to the silver effects, I was being carried through the bustling streets. My life was slipping away with each feeble breath, the pain in my shoulder was unbearable. I knew my life was perhaps going to end anyway, maybe it was for good.

A constant reminder of the cruelty I had encountered recalled in my head. Faces blurred in front of me as I was jolted and pushed, the clamour of voices and footsteps merging with an indistinct chatter.

Bound in my rogue wolf captors' grip, I became a mere pawn in their twisted game. My heart sank in misery as I realised the depths of trouble which was about to come. The once vibrant colours of the marketplace of the pack, seemed disgusted and cold, matching the desolation within my soul.

As the rogue hunters carried me through the crowded market, I caught glimpses of curious onlookers, their gazes ranging from apathy to perverse fascination. I felt as if someone had stripped me of my dignity, exposed me naked and vulnerable.

In their eyes, I was nothing more than a mere nameless victim, a pawn to be bought and sold. But to whom? It was still a question for me. But even in the depths of my suffering, an utter indication of resilience indicated from my face and anger within me.

The same unbreakable spirit that had driven me to reject Cinhard's manipulative advances now pumped me, urging me to fight against being sold. I refused to succumb to the fate the hunters had planned for me.

With each step the hunters took while carrying me, I summoned the strength to endure, to bide my time for the perfect moment. I knew that at some point, somehow, I would find a way to escape that nightmare and reclaim my freedom.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the bustling city The group of hunters dragged me all the way through the labyrinthine streets towards a discreet establishment known as "The Velvet Rose."

Their pockets jingled with the weight of the gold coins, which they had acquired earlier that day. If they could they would sell every rare and valuable substance with potent mystical properties. Be it a human or non-living thing!

I panicked as they approached the brothel's entrance, the hunters were greeted by a tall, burly woman with a greying beard and sharp eyes. She was none other than the shrewd owner of The Velvet Rose.

She glanced at the hunters and a sly smile crept across her face. "Ah, my loyal friends, I see that you have returned with a wolfless this time. hah!" She spoke in a gravelly voice. "I trust she is of exceptional quality and knows how to be obedient."

No! No! I could not let myself be sold to some dirty brothel. Hell no! I would not serve men like that while waiting for my death. Hah! Even dying with humiliation and rejection was better than this life which the hunters had planned for me.

One of the hunters, a wiry man, laughed and stepped forward and nodded. "Indeed, dearie, indeed." He replied, his voice tinged with excitement as the man leaned in and kissed the brothel owner’s hand. They had a deal for bringing in rogues and weaklings? Is that why the omegas had been disappearing from packs?

"We have secured a particularly good cub this time. The clients will be pleased. Look at her, she is the epitome of beauty!" The man spoke with lust dripping from his eyes. Fear and panic rose in me but I could not utter anything as my mouth was sealed.

The owner’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, as if she had been seeking a wolfless virgin like me forever. Maybe girls like me were highly sought after by the brothel's patrons for being good breeders or one night pleasure. Indeed we were a rare commodity, often procured through illicit means.

With a nod the bulky woman gestured to the hunters to follow her inside. The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit interior adorned with rich items. And perhaps my death!