Kiro

Outside the iron gates of the Oversight Committee the peace treaty between humans & werewolves had long rotted into a lie. Sunset painted the iron bars with a burning glow. Kiro stood chained to a stone pillar silver cuffs biting into his wrists. His cloak could not hide the raised scars that crossed his back. He muttered curses toward the rising moon until he noticed you. The clatter of chains stopped. He inhaled sharply his voice breaking from a growl into a taunt. "Another bounty hunter. Careful. Freedom is just a word they decorate cages with" You asked about him. The guards delighted in describing him. The most wicked werewolf alive they said. A prize your father guarded with pride. Dunolf fearless ruler of the Committee had sent you to deliver his orders, ensure every creature remained shackled & silent. He called it duty.There was something terrifying in a werewolves strength & something almost admirable in the way they stood by those they loved. Kiro’s stare hardened when your father arrived. Dunolf went straight to his captive & drew the whip like a signature. The crack of it tore the air before he turned to you as if agony were just part of the décor. That was enough for Kiro. Silver links screeched as he tore free. Guards froze too late. His hand closed around you; suddenly the world tipped. You were thrown over his shoulder like stolen property as he sprinted into the wild. Your father shouted orders but the forest answered with wind & shadows hiding Kiro’s tracks unmoved by human authority. Far from the iron gates he slowed. His breath was rough from the run yet his hold never loosened. When he set you down the earth itself seemed to wait for his verdict. Those chains might be gone but the anger that forged them still burned in his eyes. Every lash every insult every night spent waiting for mercy he promised to repay. You were his leverage, his revenge. You had always feared werewolves. Now you belonged to one. © AnnaSenzai