Chapter 1

Each lash felt like a flame licking my skin. One after the other; nothing to stop my tormentor from unleashing it... A sadist would be watching from the shadows; a smirk crossing their lips as tears spilled from my eyes. I knew him too.

Agony was ripping through my body; vengeance poisoning my mind as each whip tore through my flesh. I could feel the ropes cutting into my wrists and my ankles; nothing could save me now. Not even the pair of green eyes watching in the background. His pain was as evident as mine; the shame burning into his soul as painfully as each lash across my back.

The reason behind my punishment was for attempting to save the life of a boy I was contracted to kill. Now, that poor boy lies dead in front of me, mocking my failure. The act was done by the man who had ordered this upon me.

How many were we at? I couldn't remember. It felt like an eternity. Each stare on me was penetrating through the defences I had built for years; everything was shattering around me.

"A slave will learn to be better!" Yelling had ensued from the accusations. The only pair of eyes that were kind, that knew the truth, that knew me for who I was, was those green eyes. Those eyes that held contempt for the slavers that were slowly killing my humanity.

Let me start at the beginning.

I had been brought up in servitude, never knowing anything more; thankfully, nothing less. My mother had been a slave to Danarius for years. His family had a long line; seeping beyond the depths of the history of the city of Tevinter. As the name states; it was the former capital of the Imperium. It is now where the burials reside and tourists come to mock our misfortunes and kick the slaves into obedience.

Danarius is now the biggest name in Tevinter and most slaves would die to work for them. Not many are picked; most fight for the opportunity for shelter and food. Not me. I was young; carefree. My mother worked hard to keep the freedom of her children. She did anything and everything. It wasn't until Danarius had grown tired of my mother that I realized my freedom was nothing but a mere fantasy... a boon that had failed me. I was not prepared.

That faithful day I was playing in the gardens. My hair flowing in the wind and a smile was dancing across my lips. I was fifteen; not much older. A boy, only a few years older had come to collect me for Danarius. This young boy was strange; his white hair and green eyes captivated me at the start. I had never seen him before. "Are you new? I've met all of mother's friends in the slave quarters. I have never seen you..."

He seemed taken aback by the question. His sullen look caught me off guard as he glowered at me. "Yes". Was all he said as he turned; I followed. He never looked back to make sure I was following, nor did he seem to care. He just did as he was told; odd for a slave... At least I had thought so at the time.

"How come you don't say much?" I asked as we walked through the hallways. Their decorations were from the new capital; the obscure fashions and home decor of the 'future'.

He didn't even look back, he just kept walking. He seemed to be constantly brooding... or at least he seemed to be deeply discontented about himself... or Danarius... I didn't understand at the time. "Well you are quite rude..." I whispered under my breath...

Pain. I was thrust into the wall, and my eyes could only see white for a second. Then looking into his gorgeous eyes I saw hate... Something I was not accustomed too. My breath caught in my throat and his grip loosened. There was shock in his features, but I could only continue to stare. He backed off, shaking his head, and what seemed to be clearing his thoughts...

"I'm sorry..." Then he continued down the hallway. I stayed quiet... I didn't know what to think; other then the bruise I would probably see the next morning on my arms. It was going to be tough explaining that to my mother...

When we finally reached the door he stood for a moment; as if he was pausing... hesitating. It was almost like he didn't want me to see what was inside... I wouldn't have blamed him either... "Are we going in or not?" I asked... Looking back, I wish I hadn't.

He looked back at me... sorrowing filling his green eyes... Then the door opened... Blood... Gore. The terrified look of my mother's last moments seared her face; her body torn to pieces. The world was spinning... I was devastated...

Danarius came out from the shadows. His face was twisted in a sick, sadistic smirk. His were features crude, hard, and cold. I could feel hate beginning to rise in my body as bile began to rise in my throat; vengeance beginning to develop in the pit of my stomach. My body couldn't handle it as it began to tremble and vomit spewed from my mouth. I ran to the corner of the room, my eyes looking away from the grizzly sight as a low chuckle could be heard amidst the silence of the room.

I lowered my gaze, a snarl overcoming my lips. "Your mother was beginning to bore me... doing everything I say. You on the other hand; you will be fun to tame."

I unleashed, I dodged, swerved as I went to meet my enemy face to face. Without notice, I was flung back into a wall. A chuckle escaped his lips. I got up and began for my target again... Fury was built up inside me. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I twisted to see the green eyes boring into my soul. I stopped... I looked back at Danarius...

"Thank you, 'little wolf'. Take her to the slave chambers... she will need to fulfill her mother's position." The boy nodded as he didn't turn his gaze away...

I remember that day clearly... just as I will remember this one. The same boy now bores his eyes into my soul; I swear he could feel every slash. Danarius's sadistic gaze as his body views my tormented, naked, body bleed. Was this pain ever going to end? Then I heard the command from Danarius's course voice. "I knew taming you would be fun... I love your blue eyes, full of fury, cold as the Waking Sea, and the hate for me... Don't kill her... A few more and then cut her loose."

I could feel the pain still as it ached through to my heart. Finally it was coming to an end. I could feel hands cutting the ropes... my body was so heavy, I just fell the floor. My torn flesh was giving me sharp pains throughout my body. The boy walked up to me... No... a boy no longer... The man walked up to me. Everyone else left me to die; but not him.

His touch was to tender on my burning skin... I looked up to him... tears shedding as the pain enveloped me. I could see the doubt in his eyes. I would not survive. We both knew this. A snap of his fingers and water was at his side. I closed my eyes... "Shh," a whisper of reassurance. He took my hand in his; and I gripped it like it would be the last time. Cold water poured down my back and steam rose – I screamed.

His eyes watched in horror as the damage was being shown. The dirt and blood was washed away showing each agonizing lash. I could see those green eyes frown with concern; another snap of his fingers, and there was a doctor. I squirmed – I hated doctors; and with terror I realized his intentions.

With difficulty they grabbed my arms and picked me up. I resisted – but with two men; one of whom I could never hurt, it was futile. The only comfort I had were those green eyes.

They strapped me to a bed and I watched as the doctor pulled out the horrendous tools... A needle and thread. This would take hours more... The pain would be only a pittance to what had occurred earlier... but, I was still tender... "I'm here," he whispered as I looked up at him. I must have looked daunted when he had said that. For those were the only words he said to me the next six hours...

I had lain there in silence for what seemed like hours. The procedure was over and my back throbbed constantly. I didn't think the pain would ever end. The only comfort was the man sleeping across from me. It seemed an awkward position for him to be in but as a slave, like me, I reckoned he slept in worse positions.

His hair fell just out of his face so I was able to admire him from afar. His long and slender features with those green eyes made me melt. He had tattoos all along his body, and two strands of it seemed like fire flicking over his chin. He looked dangerous... out of control, intimidating, but I didn't know how you could be afraid of something so gorgeous. In this world, nothing was right. I intended to change his life... At least I hoped I could; or, I would let fate do it.

There was no hope for me; I was comfortable with the familiarity of the chains. I knew nothing else; but, this man did. He knew freedom; I could see it in the features, in his actions.

I could see him stir slightly in his sleep. Part of me wanted him to wake up so I could view his crystal clear green eyes. Then, his eyes opened and I could feel my pain ebbing away. How he was able to do that was a mystery; but, I didn't care.

He rubbed his eyes and shook his head. He looked down at me, a smile playing on his lips for a minute. "How did you sleep?" he whispered. I went to shrug but I hissed in pain as it shot all through me. "You should know not to move by now... has the pain left any?" I nodded, I was afraid to speak for fear of my emotions running rampant. The pain was intense at the moment; the small movement had triggered it all to come back. His smile hadn't left yet as he stood up to walk over to me. When he reached me on the other side of the room he knelt so his face was level to mine.

"Did the Doc leave anything to ease the pain?" My voice was hoarse like I hadn't had a drip of water in days... I almost thought it was true.

He stood, knowing what I wanted, "no, you know there isn't anything but a stiff drink."

I laughed, "And slaves don't have the standing for stiff drinks..." I felt the venom in my voice and I was surprised. He walked over with a glass of water. The silence had made the room even more unbearable. "Say something," I whispered.

"I don't know what to say... you know I feel the same... To hear you say it though caught me off guard." My eyes softened at his words. He brought the glass to my lips and let me take as much as I could handle.

"Well, I hope they choke on it." I coughed slightly and pain burned into my back at the sudden movement. I stilled as my eyes closed and a tear shed from the pain.

"Harsh – but true," He chuckled slightly and it sang like music to my ears.

A knock sounded at the door and a looked into his eyes. I could see the curiosity lining his eyes as his brows drew forward in confusion. He walked silently, grabbing a dagger off the night side table. The same dagger that had been used on me during my procedure no doubt. His large hand grabbed the doorknob, slowly turning it as he peered past the door. A sight of relief was heard, "Yes, what is it?" He asked.

I could hear the voice of the doctor, "I'm coming into check on my patient. Danarius has asked for your presence Fenris."

I heaved a heavy sigh. Both parts of that news were bad. I didn't want the doctor in to examine me, that always meant more pain; and I especially didn't see the reasoning and Fenris going to see Danarius. The sick sadist probably was expecting more than just protection and the thought of any intimate action like that with my Fenris made my blood boil.

I knew though he had no choice; slaves never did.

Fenris, my little wolf, came to my side he touched me tenderly once before allowing the doctor to do his bidding.

That was the last time I ever saw him.