Shackles of defiance

The line was tense  and silent, except for the clinking of chains as the soldiers bound each and one by one. The air was thick with hopelessness, and I felt it seep into my skin, threatening to consume me.

I stood at the end of the line, observing the man in charge of the bindings, a stern soldier with a worn face and with chains in his hands.

He moved quickly, snapping cuffs around the ankles of men, women, and even children, as if there are animals.

I tightened my fists, fighting the urge to scream. How could they treat us like this? We weren’t criminals. We're humans, we haven't committed any crime.

When the soldier came to me, he paused, glancing at the burly soldier who had earlier bathed  orders. “This one too?” he asked, lifting the rusty shackles.

The burly soldier examined me for a moment, then nodded sharply. “Chain her. No exceptions.”

But just as the man knelt to secure the iron around my ankle, another soldier, a younger man with keen eyes and a calm demeanor stepped forward, his face  unreadable.

“Wait,” he said, raising a hand. The man with the chains stood up straight immediately, confusion spreading across his face. “What do you mean, wait? Orders are orders.”

The younger soldier shook his head. “No, she’s the herbalist. The Alpha gave strict orders. She’s here for a special duty, not for work. No chains.” "Her case is totally different." The burly soldier shock his head, stepping closer.

“Are you questioning my command?”

“Not at all,” the younger soldier replied smoothly.

“But if she arrives bound with chains like the others, it’ll be seen as a failure to obey the Alpha’s direct command.

Or  you want to explain that to him?” The burly soldier’s frowned face deepened, but he remained silent. Instead, he gestured for the man with the chains to continue.

I breathed out shakily, thankful to dodge the physical humiliation, though the burden of what that awaited me was heavier.

The man ignored him, speaking to the other soldier with the chains.

“Take her to the cart. No shackles. She has a special duty.”

As I was guided toward a different cart, I sought glimpses of my parents in the crowd, but the soldiers obstructed my view.

As the line began to move, I kept my chin up, even as my stomach twisted with anxiety. The villagers shuffled along in their chains, heads down, and I followed behind, my satchel gripping tightly in my hand.

The journey to the pack’s stronghold was agonizingly slow, the sound of rattling chains a constant reminder of our captivity.

The cart bounced with every bump in the road, and the others clustered together in silence. I sat apart, my mind swirling with questions. When we finally arrived at the pack’s territory, the the sight that greeted me was both frightening and fascinating.

Massive wooden gates towered ahead of us, guarded by wolves, real wolves bigger than any I had ever encountered.

Their bright eyes tracked our every move as the gates cracked open, revealing the heart of the Silverfang Pack.

The settlement sprawled out, a mix of rough wooden structures and foreboding stone buildings.

Soldiers were patrolling  everywhere, their armor shining in the moonlight. The air was thick with the scent of earth, fur, and blood.

As we stepped inside, the soldiers led the others toward a different building a long, shadowy structure that stank of sweat and hopelessness.

I began to follow, but the lean soldier stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

“You. Come with me.”

I paused, glancing at the pack members.

“Now,” he snapped, his voice sharp like a blade.

I adjusted the strap of my satchel and moved toward him, but my steps were intentionally slow.

I couldn’t help it. My eyes roamed around, observing the vast expanse of the pack’s territory. The thick forest had opened into a clearing, showcasing a fortress-like building in the distance, its tall walls casting long shadows across the nearby land.

“Move faster,” the soldier commanded, his tone lacking patience. I quickened my pace but stopped again when I noticed something, a group of werewolves scanning the perimeter, their massive figures intimidating even from afar.

My heart raced as I realized how far away I was from the safety of my home.

I froze in my tracks, turning to face him. “I am moving,” I replied bluntly. His eyes narrowed as he took a step closer.

“Don’t test me, girl. The Alpha doesn’t have time for you to sightsee.”

I crossed my arms, holding his glare. “You don’t have the right to command me, can’t you see? I’m carrying the herbs and supplies your Alpha needs, are you blind to see that? If you think I can command me like this, then you’re making a mistake.

Unless you want me to drop them, I suggest you allow me to walk at my own pace.”

For a moment, fury twisted his face, but then he smirked, as though my defiance entertained him. “You’ve got the gurs,” he said, leaning in closer.

“But don’t ever think you’re can't be touched.”

I didn’t flinch. “And don’t you ever think for an instant that I fear you.”

That seemed to push him to the wall. The soldier’s jaw clenched, his hands forming fists.

“You forget your place.”

“And you forget yours,” I shot back, my voice rising.

“I’m not a servant.

I’m here to assist your Alpha, not to fulfill your every wish.”

The next thing, his hand shot out, slapping me hard across the face. Pain erupted in my cheek, and I stumbled back, my sight blurring, holding me by the ear. “You want to show how stubborn you're?” he snarled, pulling me ahead. “I’ll teach you a lesson. ”

“Let me go!” I yelled, fighting against his hold.

He ignored my defiance, his grip growing painfully tight as he dragged me along.

My bag almost slipped from my hold as I tried to keep moving, but I refused to release it.“You think you’re special?” he mocked. “You’re just a pawn, girl. The Alpha owns you now.”

I gritted my teeth, battling the burn of embarrassment as the other soldiers watched, some laughing,, others apathetic.