Page 4 of The Unwanted Mate of the Lycan Kings
Granny told me stories of the barbaric ritual called The Maze Games.It’s a sport for them.The lycans give humans a false sense of hope that they could live and be set free if they make it through the night and leave the maze alive.The humans would be led to slaughter, all while trying to navigate the deadly maze full of monsters in hopes of being pardoned of their deaths or offered jobs within the kingdom.
Despite knowing my fate, I follow his instructions, closing my eyes and trying to rest.It may be my only chance of making it out of the maze alive.
Screeching tires startle me awake, and my body jolts as the truck lurches to a stop.My eyes snap open seconds later to the screams of the girl who was tossed in here with me.Her feet drag along the pebbled truck floor as she is hauled out into the night by her hair.Her legs flail out while she reaches above her head to clutch his wrists, trying to relieve the pain of his grip.
He shoves the door open and tosses her onto the asphalt.Without hesitation, she scrambles to her feet and takes off.Shebarely makes it four steps before another man slams her back to the ground and drags her back.Another lycan male climbs aboard the truck, signaling the three young men to get up and follow him.Seeing how their friend was handled, they don’t put up a fight.
“Only two girls?That is all you found?”From the back of the truck, I search for the angry voice until my eyes land on a man dressed in red jewel-encrusted robes.His graying hair rustles in the cool breeze, and just over his shoulders, I catch a glimpse of turrets and dome windows.
The granite castle walls stretch toward the dark sky with pure menace, but the ivy-like vines with purple blooms creeping up the stone offers a beautiful contrast I didn’t expect.Roses fill the gardens surrounding it, and the sound of trickling water catches my attention.As I turn, I spot a magnificent marble fountain through the grated walls of the truck.In the center of the fountain, there are statues of a man and woman with three boys, and by the crowns on their heads, I know they must represent the king and his family.
I stare in awe; it is far more exquisite than the ones I have seen in the books my granny acquired over the years.
“Yes, sir.The rest were far too old to be of any good to the kingdom.”
“No, it’s fine, Malachi.Just put them with the other three and—” The man who is clearly in charge of our kidnapping turns to look at the men.He waves a hand dismissively at them.“Find someone to put them in their workstations.”
Instantly, the girl is separated from them, and her screams ring out loudly as she is dragged off.The men are led in the opposite direction.“I thought you said there were two girls,” the man states.
“Yes, My King, the other is still in the back,” Malachi assures his king.
The king’s eyes find mine, and he tilts his head to the side.“Her calmness is a little unnerving,” the king states, watching me.“And clearly, she lacks manners, too.Even being human, sheshould know better than to meet her king’s gaze.”
“You are not my king,” I speak the words I am supposed to only think.He scoffs, and a smile graces his lips as his eyebrows rise almost to his wispy hairline.
His guard and my captor climb into the back of the truck to untie my hands, and I twist my wrists, rubbing them.Not wanting to be shoved off, I move to the edge and jump down to the ground, relieved to be able to flex my limbs and stretch my back.
“My, my, she is a peculiar one.It will be interesting to see how long she lasts in the maze,” the king huffs.
“Just as the others, King Theron.No one ever survives the games,” his guard tells him, seizing my arm tightly.
“She hardly seems noncompliant.Why is she tied up while the others were not,” the king inquires.
“Because this one knows how to use her hands.She caught me by surprise,” Malachi tells him.
That seems to pique the king’s interest.“Very peculiar indeed,” he says.
“Well, hopefully she does survive the games.I think it would be interesting to see if she can keep the kings in line,” The king chuckles.
“Sir?”the guard asks.
The king waves him off.“I have added a twist to the games this year.I can’t decide on my successor, and they won’t agree either.”I watch the old man, desperate for information about this maze of death I will soon face.
“I don’t understand, My King.”
“I have changed things up.My sons will take part, whether they like it or not.If either of the girls survive till morning, I will send my sons in to hunt them.Whoever grabs their future bride first will win the High Kingdom,”
Bride?Does he really think any of us would agree to marry his monster sons?I would hardly call that a prize worth dying for.
“But no one ever survives,” Malachi adds, tugging meafter him toward the back of the castle.My feet crunch on the rocks.
“I’m hoping this year will be different.The High Kingdom relies on a new king, and I can’t choose.This gives them all an equal chance.”
“And when the women die in the maze, My King.”
“So pessimistic, Malachi.Have you no faith in the human race at all?”
Malachi glances down at me and snorts “No!”
