In front of us was a fortress that looked different from any I had ever seen. The black stone walls went up so high, with towers that looked like they touched the night sky.
Torches burned along the walls, making strange shadows move across the stone. And just like the stories said, I could see lines of skulls placed along the outer wall – a terrible warning to anyone who might try to fight against the Night walker Pack's power.
"Welcome to your new home," the lead warrior yanked my chain forward. "Though I doubt you'll live long enough to appreciate it."
They led me across a courtyard where around fifty women gathered close together, their bodies trembling even in the warm air. Their eyes showed a mix of fear and acceptance that made my stomach churn.
A woman came forward, standing straight with authority. I figured she was the overseer, noting her cold manner and the harsh curve of her lips.
"Welcome to the Night Walker Pack," she announced. "You are here because you were deemed suitable for the breeding program." She paused, letting her gaze sweep over us. "However, we only accept the strongest. Those who fail today's trials will be sent to the mines."
The crowd shivered together. I felt my own blood run cold. The mines were notorious, a death sentence disguised as labor. Workers were forced to dig in unstable tunnels with minimal food and water. Most didn't survive their first month.
"You will fight in pairs," the overseer continued. "The winners advance. The losers..." She smiled cruelly. "Well, the mines always need more workers."
They paired us off randomly. My opponent was a young girl, barely eighteen with terror written across her face. Yet beneath the fear, I saw determination in her eyes, the desperate need to survive.
I knew immediately what I had to do. Winning would mean becoming a breeder, forced to bear children for the pack's warriors. The thought made me feel sick. But more than that, winning would risk exposing my true strength. The mines, despite their horrors offered anonymity. A place to hide until I could plan my revenge.
The fights began. Around us, women threw themselves at each other with wild desperation. Some fought with skill, others with pure fear. We could hear the sounds of bodies hitting each other, mixed with screams of pain and triumph.