Shadows Of Flames: Tales Of The Forbidden

Myra didn't know how long she had stayed in the dungeons.

A day? Two?

She had lost track of time, waking up everytime to behold the mouldy four walls of her cell and the rusty, iron bars that served as the gate.

Her wrists ached against the restraints, her throat was dry and parched from thirst.

Even in the stillness of the dungeon, she could hear the distant sounds of chains scraping against stone.

And every so often, a rat scurried by, looking for food or warmth—things that were impossible to have in this dark, forgotten place.

To stay alert, Myra concentrated with the sharpened ears of one who was desperate.

She tried wriggling her hands out of the chains, vainly hoping she could free herself.

She didn't. She only made the cold metal sink more into her flesh.

“Give up princess. It's no use" A gruffly voice spoke up from the nearest cell.

Slightly startled, she peered closer and an old man came into her line of vision. He sat slumped against the far wall, his face worn and his eyes wizened. His clothes were ragged, and a thin chain bound his ankle to the wall.

“What?"

“I said give up princess. You can't escape those chains" he repeated, his voice rough with age.

“Who are you?"

“Moses"

Under the dim light from the narrow window, she had a glimpse of long canines. Her eyes narrowed slightly. “You're a werewolf. Tell me, are you a friend or foe?"

Moses smiled, lines fanning out at the corners of his eyes. He stroked his white beard and took his time to respond.

“Neither" he said. “You'll find no allies here Princess. We're all just waiting for the end"

Myra's chest tightened. “The end?"

Moses chuckled darkly. “Yes, the end. The Alpha doesn't keep prisoners out of mercy or pity. We're here because we're no longer useful. We're just waiting for death"

His words chilled her bones. “I refuse to believe that" she said, keeping her voice steady despite the fear that knotted her stomach.

Moses snorted. “Believe whatever makes the truth feel less daunting. It won't change your fate. When the Alpha is fed up with us, he'll bury us"

Most people that dared defy me craved to be in your shoes.... They're dead

“I'll find a way out of here" she whispered, more to herself than him. “I'll get out and save my people—"

Moses laughed. “Keep fooling yourself woman. Do you think the Alpha would let a princess—"

“You're a princess?" A young girl spoke up from the same cell.

Myra hadn't seen her until now. She looked no older than sixteen, with unruly, tangled hair and wide eyes. She clutched a dusty-looking rag doll to her chest.

Myra's eyes softened a bit. “What's your name girl?" Her voice was as gentle as she could manage.

“Victoria" she whispered then licked her dry, chapped lips. “I was brought here when my pack got conquered ten years ago"

“And....your parents?" Myra asked hesitantly, then regretted it when she saw a flash of pain in the girl's eyes.

A pain she was all too familiar with. “T-They're dead"

“I'm sorry"

Victoria nodded and clutched the doll tighter to her chest, her eyes moist with unshed tears.

“Can't you see Princess?" Moses cut in. “You're just like us. Doomed. No escape. Hope for freedom is useless here woman. Sooner or later, you'll accept this bitter fate of yours"

“I have no bitter fate" she countered. “I refuse to accept defeat. I will find my way out of here and no one can stop me"

“Maybe you will be the exception that proves the rule"

“He can't stop me" she said, gritting her teeth.

“You can't defeat the Alpha" Victoria said quietly. “He's not human. Even the late Alpha of my pack couldn't defeat him*

“Listen to the child princess" Moses hummed. “She knows a lot more about the Alpha than you"

“I may not know much about him but of one thing I'm sure—he is an egoistical coward" she said sharply.

Moses's eyes narrowed. “Be careful with your words. Alpha Arthur is more than just an ordinary werewolf—he's a beast that can force you to your lowest level"

Myra tried not to let his words affect her but failed. Her body shuddered. If this Alpha was truly what they claim—a beast—did she stand a chance against him?

No. She couldn't let her mind sway with uncertainty or doubt.

I must defeat him. Vespera depends on me, she thought, strengthening her resolve.

The sudden sound of iron scratching against concrete broke into her thoughts.

A guard stepped in, holding new chains.

Moses's eyes hardened while Victoria stiffened and withdrew into the darkness.

“Let me guess, your Alpha has decided to get me new chains since these ones are old" she snarled sarcastically.

The guard rolled his eyes. “Don't be stupid princess. You're a prisoner. You're not worthy of gifts here"

“Fool" she muttered under her breath.

From chains to chains, she thought wryly, as he binded her wrists up.

A symbol of her life now. Chained.

For the past few days, her hands were anything but free.

“Good luck princess" Moses murmured as she was led out of the cell. “You'll need it"

Myra had no idea she would actually need it in the coming months.

Behind the guard, her legs carried her out of the dungeon and through the passage.

When she stepped into the hallway, she inhaled a deep breath of air. Here, the air was free and fresh, unlike the tight one back in the dungeon that smelled of mold and blood.

The guard led her to the very same throne room she had been in days ago.

Her people, huddled together, filled the far corner of the room. Their hollow eyes darted toward her as she stepped inside.

The looked to her, their princess, for hope and strength.

Qualities she doubted she had right now.

The Alpha stood before her, watching her with those golden eyes that had allured her in her dreams. Now, all they did was haunt her.

A man stood by his side—serious faced and exuding an aura similar to his.

She didn't have the luxury to study him because her attention was fixed on the man before her.

“It seems your arrogance hasn't faded princess" he said, coming closer. “Still standing here like a queen, like you still have power. The dungeon didn't do much to your pride, I guess"

“You may have destroyed my home but you can never destroy my pride" she stated calmly, projecting the image of courage.

“Destroyed? No princess, I conquered."

Myra huffed. “Amd you think war makes you a winner?

“No." He shrugged. “But victory does"

“Oh this war is far from over Alpha, mark my words."

“It'll be my pleasure to watch you try and fail princess"

Myra's lips curled up bitterly. “He who laughs last, laughs best. Enjoy your time while it lasts wolf"

His eyes narrowed on her. “Still got a sharp mouth, I see. I think it's time you understand your place in this pack"

“And where exactly do you think my place is?"

A smirk curved his lips. “On your knees before me"

Myra lifted her chin, meeting his gaze with all the fire left in her. “I'd rather die"

A wicked glint flashed in his eyes. “We'll see about that"

Then, without warning, he lifted a hand and suddenly, a choked gasp filled the air.

Myra's blood ran cold.

Evelyn.

Her sister dangled in the grip of the man, his fingers wrapped tightly around her throat.

Her face contorted with panic, her fingers clawing at his hand, but no sound passed her lips.

Myra's muscles stiffened with tension. And fear.

“Leave her alone!" She took a step towards her but the guard grabbed her arms and held her down. She thrashed against his hold but his grip was like steel.

Panic flowed through her veins. “Leave her! Let her go now!"

Arthur's eyes gleamed. “A sister's love is enviable. Look at you now, struggling to rescue your weak and helpless sister"

Anger gnawed at her heart. “I swear I'll kill you Alpha. Leave my sister out of this"

He leaned in, so close she could see the mocking amusement in his gaze. “If you don't want her to die before your eyes like your father, then submit. Her life is in your hands princess"

She balled her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

Unexplainable anger simmered beneath her skin. She knew what he was doing, he was threatening her, using her greatest weakness.

She wanted to gauge his eyes out right that instant. Humiliation and helplessness warred within her, but nothing outweighed the terror that squeezed her heart at her sister's pitiful sight.

“Let her go Alpha. She's innocent"

“Bow before me and accept I am your Alpha, then she'll live"

Myra would rather die than how to him. But she had to be smart. She couldn't lose the only family she had left.

“I. Hate. You" she delivered the words with enough induced venom, struggling to contain the storm within.

Arthur glanced at the man and ordered coolly, “Snap her head off"

“No! I'll say it, don't kill her"

Arthur tilted his head. “Say what?"

“You win" the words were a whisper but felt like the loudest she had ever spoken.

“Louder. I can't hear you" he said, clearly relishing her shame.

Myra's eyes burned, her pride drawing her to refuse, but she had no choice. “You win"

A satisfied smile touched his lips. “Then kneel before me"

Slowly, her knees dropped to the marble floors with a loud thud, sealing her words.

She could feel the weight of every pair of eyes in the room then; her people, the guards and, most crushing of all, Arthur's.

He snapped his fingers and the man loosened his grip on Evelyn, lowering her to the ground.

Evelyn staggered to the ground and held her throat, drawing painful gasps of air.

And then, for the final blow, Arthur turned to the room, and declared,

“This woman, whom you placed your faith in, is no more your princess. From this day forward, she is nothing but a maid of Silvercrest"

A few of her people averted their gazes as laughter echoed in the room, and a wave of humiliation washed over her.

They were witnessing her fall and her complete disgrace. She was being stripped of all her dignity.

Tears glistened in her eyes but she refused to let them fall. Not in front of him.

“Take her to the servants hall. She belongs there now" Arthur ordered, turning his back to her.

As she was dragged away, she caught a glimpse of her people's stares—accusing and filled with disappointment.

Her resolve cracked but she swallowed her tears.

“He's a beast that can force you to your lowest level"

No matter how low he pushed her, she promised herself never to break as she vowed silently,

I will make him pay. I will make them all pay