The Kingdom of Wolves

Chapter 1

I stumbled, grabbing a tree to catch myself. I could hear the voices behind me, see the woods ahead of me.

The woods.

They were my only chance at safety, but the searing pain in my leg told my I wouldn't get there.

The voices behind me were steadily getting closer.

Just a few more yards...

All of a sudden, my legs gave out. I felt bile rise in my throat as I fell hard on my arm. I rolled over and vomited, then saw my bloody twisted leg and vomited again. You would never survive out in the world, she had said.

I guess she's right, I thought. The voices were upon me. There were hands, grabbing me, pulling me. I didn't have the strength to fight back.

When I woke, I was alone. There was a cast on my leg and my arm was in a sling. I tried to jump up, but my head swam and I almost blacked out again.

I leaned back against the bed I had woken up in (It felt like heaven after two weeks on the run). Carefully, I pushed off, teetering a bit before wobbling over to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, I hardly recognized the girl staring bak at me. My hair was long and twisted with sticks and grass deeply intwined in the tangles. My skin was so caked with dirt and blood you couldn't tell what color it was.

My clothes were tattered and dirty. The person standing before me had short, well-groomed hair, clean skin, and a soft, white robe covering her body. Her eyes were mine, though. Dark, cautious, and piercing. Untrusting but fierce. I have to get out of here.

"There you are!" Shouted a man's voice. I jumped, reaching for my dagger...that wasn't there. I cursed loudly.

"Whoa, no need to get mouthy!" Said the jovial man who had spoken before with a wink. He seemed incapable of speaking at any volume quieter than a shout. "We took away your weapons and clothes and cleaned you up," He said, stating the obvious.

"We?" I growled, narrowing my eyes suspiciously. I raised my fists, ready to fight this man if need-be.

He held up his hands as though he was trying to show that he wouldn't hurt me. Pfft. "My name is Horace Mundo. And I swear on my life that I will not hurt you, Lucia."

My eyes widened. "How do you know my name?" I demanded.

Horace only chuckled. "I work for someone who knows you."

"Who?" I narrowed my eyes again.

It was Horace's turn to look surprised. "I thought you would know. I'm surprised he hasn't told you."

"Who?" I repeated, more insistently this time.

"Your father."