Chapter 145 Chapter 144
Rayena screamed as the wolf tackled her to the ground, its saliva slobbering all over her face as it snarled at her, yellow eyes narrowed in determination and fury.
Are wolves usually this big? Rayena wondered as she flailed her limbs, trying to get away. There was a crazed look in its eyes, and even as she struggled against it, desperate to free herself, it growled louder, its actions becoming more aggressive.
Another scream tore from her lips, terror splitting her in two. Frantic, she grabbed a fistful of dirt and threw it across its face. The animal yelped, pulling back in distress as some of the dirt entered its eyes. Rayena took advantage of that moment and tried to make an escape, but the wolf let out a powerful roar, reached a limb out, and with its claws ripped her dress. Rayena stumbled to the ground, her breath knocked out of her.
Adrenaline pulsing through her veins, she still tried to scramble, but the wolf was soon upon her, using a foot to keep her pinned to the ground. Taking large sniffs of the air, it let out a low rumble, and with a swipe of its claws, tore the rest of her dress off her body completely before sinking its claws into her sides.
Sharp pain tore through her senses and she screamed for help, her heart pounding like a drum. "Somebody, help me, please!!" she cried out, while the animal struggled to get between her legs. The implications of what the beast wanted to do had her frozen for a moment. Terror settled in her gut and, abandoning all sense of decorum, Rayena renewed her struggles, terrified of letting the animal succeed.
Out of nowhere, hooked spears whizzed past, hitting the wolf and pushing it back. Soldiers burst out from the darkness, each armed with their weapons of choice, and before her stood a man in uniform, eyes narrowed in concentration.
The wolf let out a deafening roar, struggling against its new confines.
"Pull back!" the newcomer gave orders, and the soldiers fired their hooked spears, pulling the animal back. Eventually, they dislodged the beast from Rayena, and she crawled away, body still shaking from fear. The wolf let out a howl of frustration, and with a yank of its forelimbs, broke away some of the spears lodged in it.
More spears pierced its body, blood spilling from the wounds it had sustained. "Keep pulling him back!" the newcomer yelled, and a soldier ran to hand him darts and a bow. With a curse, he aimed the darts at the wolf and struck all three into the wolf's chest. The beast let out a painful cry and fell to the ground with a thud. It snarled, still glaring at Rayena with hunger in its eyes. She shuddered, a whimper stuck in her throat.
A tense moment followed while the wolf growled and moved on the ground, now rendered powerless. "Take him away..." the man spoke, and some soldiers shifted then, dragging the wolf along with them. Letting out a sigh, the newcomer turned to her, and Rayena recognized him to be the same man who had brought her to the palace. Second Commander, Salt and Pepper had called him. His own eyes were gleaming with fury as his beast rose to the surface.
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!?" he yelled, his loud voice echoing in the woods, more animal than male. Rayena flinched like she had been slapped. Tears clouded her eyes. "Do you have a death wish!? Weren’t you warned never to wander to the main palace under any circumstances!?"
Rayena didn’t know what to say and, rattled by the recent incidents, burst into tears. "I’m... sorry..." she choked out, lowering her head, her body trembling violently. The adrenaline wore off and a dull pain started growing at her waist. She looked down and saw she was bleeding from the place where the wolf had clawed at her. Her sobbing grew louder.
The man watched her as she cried, then let out a hiss, mumbling something under his breath as he pulled off his cape and used it to wrap her bare body. Lifting her up, he began carrying her out of the woods, back to the harem.
"This will teach you a lesson," he murmured under his breath, his eyes still brimming with anger. Rayena sniffed, still feeling embarrassed. As they approached the building, Rayena saw that a group of women had gathered. Perhaps they had heard the commotion. Rayena whimpered, trying to hide herself from view.
He walked into the harem and a voice broke out. "Rayena, is that you? What happened?" It was Soraya. Someone broke through the crowd, rushing towards her, concern etched her face. Rayena briefly met her eyes before looking away, ashamed.
"Where is your room?" Second Commander asked in a brusque tone. Soraya spoke up for her.
"This way, please..." She offered, leading them forward. The Second Commander followed Soraya till they arrive at Rayena's room and he set her down on one of the couches.
"Thank you... " Rayena mumble, her voice already hoarse. He was about to speak when a figure entered her room. It was Lady Ysolde.
"What happened? I heard some commotion a while ago." She said, walking towards them. Second Commander narrowed his eyes slightly.
It's nothing. You shouldn't concern yourself with it." He muttered, keeping his tone respectful.
"But, she reeks of blood. Did she get hurt? Was she attacked?" Ysolde pressed on.
"There was a situation but we have everything under control, Lady Ysolde. Someone please call a healer for her wounds." He then turned to Rayena. "You are to stay here. Under no circle should you venture into the main palace. Do you understand."
"Yes... Sir." Rayena mumbled, her head still lowered. Giving everyone a respectful bow, he strode out of the room in hurried steps. Lady Ysolde turned to Rayena them.
"You ventured into the main palace!?" She sounded shocked.
"I wanted to go on a walk, I had no idea a wolf would attack me. " Rayena protested weakly. Lady Ysolde didn't sound pleased.
"Were you not informed that no one is allowed into the main palace? Do you know you can put the rest of us into trouble?!"
"I thought I told you not to go anywhere? Now see what you've gotten yourself into.. "
"I didn't... I'm sorry" Rayena whispered, feeling faint. Her wounds were still bleeding.
"I'll call on the healer. Wait here." Soraya said and rushed out of the room.
"Please, don't do that again. You might not be so lucky next time." Lady Ysolde said, before quietly exiting the room, leaving her alone once more.
Now alone, Rayena allowed the weight of what had just happened crash against her and she began crying anew.
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