Chapter 3 The virekans

Sabrina's POV

Midday, I sat in the carriage that journeyed towards the Prime Minister's mansion. The interior was lined with gold silks, and its wheels rode smoothly against the rough pavement.

For someone like me- auctioned, dirty, ingratiating, it was too clean.

It was almost laughable that I, of all people, could have the privilege to ride in a nobleman's carriage.

But, according to the butler, the Prince could not afford losing face.

So, here I was- cleaned and finely groomed like a royal steed being prepared for battle. What a joke!

The carriage slowed while passing the marketplace, and I used the chance to peek out of the carriage through a hole on the drape. I watched the busy vendors, tired travelers searching for a resting place, parents taking their children out.

That purposeful and peaceful life had nothing to do with me.

Then, my eyes caught on a group of panic-stricken men running out from a corner, and I paused.

I could hear my coachman cussing silently, followed by the loud neighs of the horses as the carriage stopped. The men had run past the carriage without care for their lives.

Fortunately, the horses were merely trotting, if not, they would have been run over.

"What are they doing?" I whispered underneath my breath.

My gaze shifted to the men behind them and my eyes widened at their bulky frame. It was as though they were made of muscle, every part of their body screamed of sheer strength.

As I marvelled, it happened.

A scene I would never forget in my entire life.

The muscular men gave a bestial roar, and their bodies convulsed, before shifting unnaturally.

With an agape mouth, I watched as their skin tore, but instead of blood, what sprouted was shiny black furs. I could see the snapping of their bones from my position, and how their fingers elongated into long, deadly claws.

Mouths turned into muzzles, lined with rows of sharp fangs that glinted with a ferocious light.

My spine went cold instantly.

A man screamed hysterically, "Virekans! Run!"

"Goodness, the Virekans are here!"

"Run for your life!"

"My child, help my child!"

Instantly, chaos erupted, and the initial calm disappeared like smoke. The people ran like headless chickens, some even forgetting to take their children due to the fear.

Virekans, creatures known for their savagery and bestiality. They are also known as shape-shifters, a group of bloodthirsty, wild men.

But, didn't they dwell in the wilderness? What were they doing here?

My blood ran cold, and I stood still, not daring to make a sound, fearing that these beasts would hear and attack me.

In one single step, one of the beasts grabbed hold of one of the men who was running, and before he could scream, his torso was separated from the rest of his body.

Inner organs, blood, and bones gathered on the floor, bathing the earth with a new color- red.

My face grew ashen.

Another beast leapt, covering at least a few meters in one step before pouncing on another man. It flung the man away and coincidentally, the man's body slammed against our carriage.

The force caused the carriage to tilt to the side, carrying us with it.

"Spare me." The man croaked, but it was as if the beast had no ears.

It rushed over, and punched the same man against  the carriage. Like that, the carriage toppled over, and I could not even struggle.

I have heard tales of these beasts, but seeing them was something else.

Hurled sideways, I hit my head against the wall of the carriage and my head buzzed.

With a groan, I pushed myself up and noticed that my fingers were wet.

Blood, but it was not my own.

Slowly, I raised my head to see a figure nailed against the slanted carriage by a broken twig. His head had been crushed, leaving half of his face flattened and sucked in.

One of his eyes had fallen off its socket, the large eyeball staring into nothing, swinging with the air wave like a pendulum dangling from its broken hinge.

His chest had caved in, showing his broken ribcage and a crushed bloody paste which should have been a beating heart.

The revolting sight made me gag as bile rose to my throat.

With a stumble, I forced my way out of the carriage.

The marketplace was unrecognizable.

Blood was everywhere.

That was when I saw an enormous Virekan, larger than the rest. It landed on all fours, staring at the bloody scene without moving.

Then, his gaze snapped towards me and I froze.

Those yellow eyes, like molten lava, held my gaze and time seemed to still. My heart raced on its own accord, like it was no longer my own.

I felt something, but I could not name it.

'Mine.' A deep voice echoed in my mind.

The Virekan growled, and that was when I remembered to run.

...

'Mine!'

'You are mine!'

'Come to me.'

I jolted awake with a start, sweat trickling down my forehead. I had no idea why, but since I saw those beasts, I have been having nightmares.

Especially those golden eyes.

They were doing things to me.

"Slut, do I have to wake you up in a grandeur manner like you are some princess?" Mona's voice sounded from the entrance of my small room, and I swung the covers away from my body to rush over.

"Well, you sure are lucky. Despite the attack yesterday, you were still able to make it back alive."

I kept my head lowered, not saying a word.

"Anyways, you've been summoned. Orders from above." She added casually, and I lifted my head.

"Where to?" I asked warily.

She sneered, "Was it ever in your place to question orders? Just follow me."

Left with no choice, I followed Mona, and we left the main mansion, walking towards the backyard.

We walked past the serene garden and the stable, towards the Riverbank by the orchard.

"It is quiet here," Mona began, "Quiet in its own way."

There was something in her voice, something that induced an ominous feeling from my heart.

Just then, two guards walked out from behind me and grabbed my arms.

"What are you doing?" I yelled, struggling frantically.

Mona turned around, an amused smile gracing her lips, "What does it look like? Orders, remember?"