Bound by command

The faint aroma of roasted meat spread through the air as I sat with my parents at the old, shaky wooden table. Dinner was simple—a stew made from the herbs and vegetables we had gathered—but the warmth of family made it feel like a feast.

My father, his hair streaked with gray, scooped some stew into his bowl, laughing at something my mother had said.

“Leah,” my mother teased playfully, her voice soft, “stop staring out the window and eat. The stew won’t stay warm forever.”

“I’m eating,” I replied, even though my spoon lingered over the bowl, untouched. My eyes flicked to the darkening horizon, unease settling in my stomach. “I just… I'm just having a strange feeling.”

Before my mother could respond, the noise of horses thundering down the road made us all freeze. My father stiffened, his spoon clattering against the bowl.

“Stay calm,” he murmured, his voice low and steady.

The pounding hooves stopped suddenly, followed by heavy boots crunching against the dirt outside. My heart sank as I heard the unmistakable sounds of swords and armor. My mother shot me a worried glance, and I instinctively gripped the edge of the table.

A sharp knock shook the door.

“Open up!” a voice echoed. “By order of the Silverfank Pack soldier's!”

My father rose slowly from his seat, his movements deliberate, and he gently opened the door. Two soldiers stood there, their uniforms as dark as night, the insignia of the Silverfamg Pack glinting on their armor. Behind them, two more soldiers sat on large warhorses, their eyes scanning the house with as if they were looking for something.

“What do you want?” my father asked, his voice calm but laced with a quiet defiance.

One of the soldiers, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. His presence was overwhelming, his tone harsh. “We’ve come for Leah, the herbalist.”

My stomach churned. I stood up quickly, my chair scratching against the floor. “Why? I asked.”

“The Alpha commands it,” the soldier snapped, his eyes narrowing. “You are to come with us at immediately.”

“And if I refuse?” I crossed my arms, my voice steady despite the fear swirling inside me.

The soldier sneered. “You don’t refuse the Alpha's command, you have to do exactly what he says. You should be grateful we’re even offering you the chance to serve.”

My mother stepped in front of me, her arms stretched protectively. “She’s just a girl,” she said, her voice shaking. “Surely there are others who—”

“Silence!” the soldier shouted, cutting her off before she could finish. “This isn’t a request. If the Alpha wants her, then she goes.”

I pushed past my mother, glaring at the man. “I’m not just some object you can just take. Why does the Alpha need me?”

The soldier’s lips curled into a snarl. “The Alpha has been injured. You’re a herbalist. And you're the only one that will heal him.”

“I’m not the only herbalist in this village,” I shot back. “Go for someone else.”

The second soldier, a lean man with a wicked smile, laughed mockingly. “You’ve got some guts, I’ll give you that. But guts won’t save you from defiance.”

The burly soldier stepped closer, towering over me. “Enough of this. Pack your things, girl, or we’ll drag you there with nothing but the clothes you're wearing.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I said firmly, grounding myself.

My father stepped forward, his face pale but determined. “Please, she’s all we have. She’s not a slave to be taken at your whim.”

The soldier grabbed my father by the collar and pushed him against the wall. “Don’t test me, old man. The Alpha’s command is final.”

“Let him go!” I shouted, stepping between them. “Fine! I’ll go, but only because I don't want you to hurt my family.”

The soldier released my father with a shove, his grin growing wider. “Smart choice.”

My mother grabbed my hand, her eyes brimming with tears. “Leah, you don’t have to do this. We can find another way.”

“There is no other way mum,” I whispered, squeezing her hand. “I’ll be fine, don't worry, I promise.”

The wiry soldier leaned against the doorway, smirking. “Touching. Now hurry up girl. We don’t have all the time.”

I glared at him as I grabbed my satchel and started filling it with medical supplies. The burly soldier watched me like a hawk, his arms crossed over his chest.

“You better hope you’re as good as they say,” he said. “The Alpha doesn’t tolerate failure.”

“And I don’t tolerate threats,” I shot back, slamming the satchel shut.

The wiry soldier laughed, a cold, abrasive sound. “She’s got a sharp tongue. This should be interesting.”

“Let’s move,” the burly soldier commanded, jerking his head toward the door.

I turned to my parents, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I’ll be back,” I promised, though I wasn’t sure if it was a promise I could keep.

My mother hugged me tightly, her tears soaking into my shawl. My father placed a hand on my shoulder, his eyes filled with sorrow. “Be strong,” he said.

The soldiers didn’t give me a time again. The wiry one grabbed my arm and dragged me toward the door.

“Let go of me!” I shouted at him, wrenching my arm free.

“Seems like you're stubborn,” he said. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”

When I stepped outside, and my breath caught in my throat. Gathered along the road were at least a dozen others—both men, women, even children—all standing in a straight line. They looked worn and defeated, their heads bowed as soldiers barked orders.

“This… this isn’t just about me,” I said, turning to the burly soldier.

“Exactly, you're right,” he said, smirking. “The pack’s short of workers. Happens every now and then. We come, we take what we need, and you humans work for us until we decide otherwise.”

My hands clenched into fists as I looked at the faces of my neighbors, friends, and strangers alike. The fear in their eyes mirrored my own.

“You treat us like cattle,” I spat.

“And yet, here you are,” the wiry soldier said, his grin widening. “Now, get in line.”

I didn’t move.

The burly soldier’s pat

ience snapped. He grabbed me by the arm and pushed me toward the others. “I said, get in line.”