EPISODE 8
By the time we reached the rogue pack’s territory, the sky had begun to lighten, streaks of pale gold creeping over the horizon. My legs ached from the journey, but I forced myself to keep moving, matching their pace as best I could.
The land was rough, untamed, far different from Amethyst’s well–maintained grounds. The scent of wolves lingered in the air, layered with the distinct musk of wild earth and unwashed fur.
I expected nothing but hardened, battle–scarred men, but as we passed through the rough lands, I saw something that surprised me.
Women.
Strong, capable women, just as fierce as their male counterparts. Some carried weapons, others sparred in makeshift training rings, their movements fluid and deadly. It was a stark contrast to Amethyst, where women were expected to be delicate, protected, hidden away from battle.
They noticed me immediately. Eyes followed me, some suspicious, others merely curious. A low murmur rippled through the crowd, their unease evident.
Julio, the rogue who had found me, stepped forward and raised a hand, silencing the pack with nothing more than a simple gesture.
“She’s fine,” he announced, his voice firm. “She’s with me.”
A tall woman emerged from the group, her dark hair braided tightly behind her head. She carried herself with an air of authority, her sharp gaze pinning me in place. Even before Julio spoke her name, I knew she was important.
“Yvette,” Julio said, nodding toward her. “She’s new. She needs food, a place to stay. Work too, it
she decides to stick around.”
Yvette crossed her arms, studying me for a long moment. She didn’t look unkind, but there was no warmth in her expression either.
Finally, she nodded. “Follow me.”
I obeyed without question, trailing behind as she led me through the camp. The scent of roasted meat filled the air, making my stomach twist painfully with hunger. My body was exhausted, drained from everything I had endured.
Yvette brought me to a small cave, nestled against the rocky slope of a hill. Inside, there was little more than a pile of furs for sleeping and a small wooden chest. It was simple, rough, but it was shelter. She tossed a bundle of clothes toward me.
“They might not fit perfectly, but they’re better than what you have.”
I hesitated, then took the clothes with a quiet nod of thanks. Yvette’s gaze softened just a fraction.
“You don’t have to work right away,” she said. “Rest first. But once you’ve recovered, you pull your weight or you leave. We don’t take in dead weight.”
The bluntness of her words didn’t surprise me. The life of a rogue was harsh. I knew that. Here, survival was earned, not given.
“I understand,” I murmured.
EPISODE 7
2/2 35.0%
8:43 pm
She studied me a moment longer before nodding. “Good. Come to the main fire at noon. We eat
together.”
I cleared my throat, shifting slightly. “What kind of work do you expect me to do?”
Yvette arched a brow. “Depends. What can you do?”
I hesitated. I had been deaf for so long. I couldn’t do the things other people could do due to growing up with a disability. But I also knew some things, so I was not literally useless.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help,” I answered.
“Good,” she cut in. “You’ll start with whatever we need. We don’t assign roles based on comfort
here. You do what needs to be done.”
I nodded, understanding the weight of her words. “That’s fair.”
Yvette gave me a final glance before turning to leave. “Rest. You’ll need it.”
Once she was gone, I exhaled heavily and looked around my new home. The cave was quiet, save for the occasional howl in the distance. I ran my fingers along the rough stone, letting the reality of my situation settle in. Julio’s voice startled me from my thoughts.
“You made quite the impression.”
I turned to see him leaning against the entrance of my cave, arms crossed.
“Did I?” I asked dryly.
He smirked. “You didn’t crumble under Yvette’s stare. That’s something.”
“I’ve faced worse,” I muttered. I had been betrayed by my family and my mate. What was worse
than that?
His smirk faded slightly. “I don’t doubt that.”
A brief silence passed between us before he spoke again. “You don’t have to be afraid here. Rogues aren’t as heartless as packs like to think.”
“However,” he added, his tone filled with seriousness, “no one’s looking out for you except
yourself.”
I understood the warning in his words. This place might give me a second chance, but it wouldn’t coddle me. I had to be strong enough to make it on my own. Julio pushed off the cave wall.
“Get some rest. You’ll need your strength if you plan on keeping up.”
I watched as he disappeared into the night, leaving me alone once more. I lay back on the furs, staring at the jagged ceiling. This place was different. Harsh, unpredictable.
But for the first time in a long time, I felt something I hadn’t in Amethyst.
I felt alive and full of hope.
EPISODE 8
2/2 40.0%.
8:43 pm DDDD.
