A young she-wolf, about seventeen winters old, stepped into the sitting den and beckoned Emma. Emma rose and followed her. The she-wolf guided her toward the mating den positioned behind the main den. Emma had never known Mrs. Nazar kept additional mating dens behind her territory. She had only seen the fifteen close to the courtyard.
The beautiful dens each held only one small window, and several she-wolves were conversing with young he-wolves through them. All the he-wolves turned their heads and fixed their gazes on Emma. One of the she-wolves released a heavy sigh and shut her window. Perhaps she felt displeased with her mate—or rather, her client. He was not meant to admire another she-wolf before her.
Emma ignored their questioning gazes and continued walking behind the she-wolf guiding her. They circled the small dens since the windowed side was the rear. Perhaps Mrs. Nazar designed them that way to observe how they interacted with their clients.
Emma halted when they reached one of the small dens and watched as the she-wolf climbed the small ladder without fear.
"Come," she said when she turned and saw Emma and Amy staring. Emma carried her pet on her shoulder,moved forward and climbed the ladder slowly. She exhaled in relief when she entered the neatly arranged chamber. She lifted her gaze to the roof, feeling as though a serpent might be lurking there.
"Relax, we have repellents for insects and reptiles here; you are protected and safe," the she-wolf said with a grin.
"What is your name?" Emma asked.
"I am Elizabeth , but you can call me Beth."
"Are you related to Mrs. Nazar?"
"No, I am one of her servants."
"How long have you served her?"
"Two winters."
"How old are you?"
"I am eighteen."
"You are very beautiful, and I wonder why she did not place you in one of the mating den."
"I serve her," she said and turned to leave.
"Are you her personal maid?"
"Yes."
"I want to become one of her servants," Emma said, glancing uneasily around the small chamber.
"She chooses her servants; we do not choose ourselves."
"Will you help me speak to her?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Oh! my moon goddess," she rolled her eyes. "I am sorry, I cannot take your questions anymore,you asked so many questions at a go."
"Why? Did I say something wrong?" Emma asked.
"A she-wolf will come soon to explain the rules and laws to you," she said, then departed.
Emma opened the window for more air and saw that about ten young he-wolves gathered outside. She quickly shut it and panted heavily, as though she had seen dangerous beasts. She sat on the bed, clutching her bag tightly to her chest, staring toward the vast rice fields stretching far into the distance. Tears clouded her bright eyes.
Emma's cat Amy,instantly sensed her sadness. She stopped playing, her eyes softening as she padded over and jumped into Emma's lap. Curling up, she purred gently, offering quiet comfort. In that moment, Emma felt the weight of her emotions lighten, her cat's presence a silent, soothing balm.
After some time, a young he-wolf entered, placed a tray of food on the small table, and left without a word. The rich scent filled the room immediately. Amy rubbed her body against Emma, but Emma ignored her.
"Rule number one," a young she-wolf said as she entered without calling Emma's attention. Emma ignored her and continued staring absentmindedly toward the fields. She did not feel like she needed any rules.
"You must maintain an ally bond with everyone, including our esteemed pack clients. Mrs. Nazar does not tolerate arguments within this territory.
You must show respect to all pack clients, even those younger than you.
Never refuse a pack client. They pay a high price to be with you. You will be severely punished if any of them leaves your mating den unsatisfied.
Report anyone who refuses protection. Do not argue with them. Mrs. Nazar knows how to handle such matters.
You are free to explore the sights of this territory, but you must return before sunset to attend to your clients."
Emma slowly turned her head toward her. "Can I explore neighboring territories as well?"
"Your guards will decide."
"Oh my moon goddess… the guards will accompany me?"
"Yes. You cannot step outside this territory without two guards or more guards."
Emma sighed and looked away again.
"You may offer additional services to any pack client you favor. Mrs. Nazar does not object, but it must remain within your chamber.
Do not attempt to steal from Mrs. Nazar. She inspects every chamber occasionally and will show no mercy if she finds hidden silver."
"Why?"
"She is your trusted keeper. Your earnings are safe with her, and she provides everything you need. Simply ask, and the servants will bring it."
"Beth, are you also a servant?"
"I am not Beth. Beth is not a servant; she is Mrs. Nazar's closest companion. Be careful how you speak around her. She can pass information to Mrs. Nazar within moments."
"Who are you then?"
"My name is Leah. I am one of the mating she-wolves. My chamber is the first when you enter through the courtyard."
"What is your name?" she asked.
"I am Emma."
"Emma, are you not too young for this?"
"No."
"Oh… I am sorry… I…"
"How old were you when you began?"
"I was sixteen; that is the accepted age here. But you do not look sixteen—you appear fifteen, even fourteen."
"Well, it's my father's idea."
" Your blood- father brought you here at this age?"
Emma lowered her gaze.
"Will she send someone to me tonight?" Emma asked, changing the subject.
"Definitely. More than twenty males are already waiting. She will send the highest bidder to you. Please treat him well," she said with a coy grin before descending the ladder.
Emma quickly rose and began thinking of escape. She opened the window again, but the young he-wolves were still there. She shut it and began planning how to survive the night. Her heart pounded as darkness settled. She knew the moment had come when she heard a soft knock at the door.
She rose from the bed and slowly opened the door.
"Your hot water is ready," a young he-wolf announced before turning to leave.
"Wait! Where is the water?"
"There," he pointed toward an open courtyard with a stone floor. Emma frowned at him.
"Thank you," she said softly. He smiled and ran off. She looked toward the bathing space again and shook her head.
After some time, another knock came. This time, the visitor did not wait.
"I am the fortunate one!" a tall, heavily built he-wolf with a shaved head exclaimed excitedly as he stepped inside.
Emma froze instantly.