CHAPTER 2

The shadows closed in, heavy and cold, as Eric raised the rope in his hands, his grin returning now that his confidence had been restored.

"Hold her still," he barked at Jake and Jonah, their grips tightening on my arms."Let go!" I snarled, jerking my body as hard as I could, but their hands might as well have been iron clamps."Feisty tonight, aren't we?" Kara taunted, circling me like a vulture. "Too bad it won't help."

Feisty tonight, aren't we?" Kara taunted, circling me like a vulture. "Too bad it won't help."My heart pounded in my chest as Eric moved closer. His smug face gleamed in the dimming moonlight. I had to think fast. There was no way I was going to let them tie me up like some animal.In a burst of desperation, I twisted hard to the left, catching Jake off guard. His grip weakened for just a second, but it was enough. I slammed my elbow into hisstomach.He let out a sharp grunt, stumbling backward.

"She's got some fight!" Logan laughed, stepping forward as Jonah grabbed my arm again."Back off!" I snapped, yanking my other arm free and landing a quick jab to Jonah's chest.Pain shot through my knuckles, but I didn’t stop. I spun to face Logan, raising my fists instinctively, though I knew I didn't stand much of a chance against a trained wolf like him.Logan's smirk widened. "You really think you can take us, Alice? That's cute."His words stung more than they should have, but I didn't let it show. "You'll have to kill me first," I shot back."Kill you?" Eric sneered from behind me. "Why would we waste the effort? You're already dead weight.”

I felt his hand grab my shoulder, and I twisted, aiming a kick at his knee. He dodged easily, laughing as he pushed me backward."Stop struggling," Kara hissed, stepping in and shoving me hard. I stumbled, my back hitting a tree with a thud."Just let it happen," Eric added, histone mocking. "The more you fight, the worse it's going to get."I clenched my teeth, glaring at him even as fear clawed at my insides. My strength was no match for theirs. Every punch, every kick, every dodge only seemed to fuel their sadistic enjoyment.And yet, I couldn't stop myself.I swung again, this time catching Logan across the jaw. For a brief second, his cocky grin vanished, replaced by a look of shock."That's it!" he growled, lunging at me. His fist connected with my ribs, and I gasped, the air rushing from my lungs."Logan, don't kill her," Eric said casually, though there was no real concern in his voice. "We're just having fun, remember?"Fun.

The word rang in my ears as I doubled over, clutching my side. To them, this was entertainment. A game.I stumbled forward, trying to put space between us, but Jake grabbed me from behind, twisting my arms painfully behind my back."Got her," he said, his voice smug.I struggled, but his grip was very strong."Time for target practice?" Kara suggested, holding up a sharp stick she'd picked up from the ground."Not yet," Eric replied, stepping in front of me. His eyes shone with cruel amusement. "l think we can break her spirit first.""You wish," I spat, my voice hoarse but rebellious.Eric chuckled. "Oh, Alice. You really don't know when to quit, do you?"He reached out, grabbing my chin and forcing me to look at him. "You're nothing," he said, his voice low and venomous. "No wolf, no strength, no place in this pack. The sooner you accept that, the easier it'll be."Anger flared in my chest, hot and fierce. I opened my mouth to retort, but before I could, a new voice cut through the darkness.

"Let her go."The command was sharp, authoritative, and filled with a quiet fury that sent a chill down my spine.All eyes turned toward the source. Clara.She stood at the edge of the clearing, her posture rigid, her expression unreadable. Her auburn hair was tied back, and her piercing blue eyes burned with an intensity that made even Eric hesitate."Clara," Eric said, his tone shifting to something almost playful. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the ceremony?""Shouldn't you?" she shot back, her voice steady and cold.

Eric smirked, but there was unease in his posture. Clara wasn't just anyone. She was one of the strongest wolves in the pack—and one of the few who treated me like a person instead of a punching bag."This isn't your business," Logan said, stepping toward her."It is now," Clara replied, her eyes locking onto his.For a moment, the tension was so thick it felt like the forest itself was holding its breath."Leave her alone," Clara said again,her voice like steel.

Eric's smirk faltered, but he quickly recovered. "We were just having a little fun," he said, releasing his grip on the rope and holding up his hands in mock surrender."Fun?" Clara repeated, her voice dripping with disdain. She took a step closer, her presence commanding. "You call this fun?Ganging up on someone who can't fight back?""She started it," Kara muttered, though her voice lacked conviction.Clara's gaze snapped to her, and Kara shrank back slightly."Let. Her. Go," Clara said, her tone leaving no room for argument.Reluctantly, Jake and Jonah released me, and I stumbled forward, catching myself against the tree.Eric gave Clara a look that was equal parts irritation and grudging respect. "Fine," he said, brushing past her. "Have it your way."One by one, the others followed him, their laughter fading as they disappeared into the trees.

Clara waited until they were out of sight before turning to me."Are you okay?" she asked, her voice softer now.I nodded, though my ribs ached and my pride felt bruised beyond repair."Come on," she said, offering me herhand.I hesitated, then took it, letting her pull me to my feet."You shouldn't have come," I said quietly, my voice cracking."And let them do whatever they wanted to you?" Clara said, her tone sharp. "Not a chance."Her hands gently touched my arms,her fingers brushing against the bruises forming there. Her touch was warm, grounding."I can handle myself," I muttered, though the words felt empty even as I said them.Clara gave me a look, one eyebrow raised. "You don’t have to prove anything to them," she said. "Or to me.Before I could respond, a distant sound destroyed the quiet atmosphere.

"A bell"

Loud, urgent, and unmistakable. The attack bell.Clara's head snapped toward the sound, her eyes narrowing. "The pack," she said, her voice tense. "They're under attack."My heart leapt into my throat.Clara grabbed my hand, her grip firm. "We need to move. Now."And just like that, the forest around us seemed to come alive with the sounds if battle everywhere.