Rogue Royalty, The Rebel Princess

Allowing my wolf to emerge, my body shuddered as I shifted. I opened my eyes and observed my black paws. I was entirely black, a rare occurrence among leaders of any pack. Most had a secondary color in their fur, but I was the exception. Black signified a true leader chosen by the Moon Goddess. My father and the rogues knew this, expecting me to be the strong and true leader of the Rogues. I would do anything to prevent that fate—anything, even if it meant facing death.

I raced through the forest, the wind rustling through my fur, an invigorating sensation. In this moment, I felt truly alive and awake. You might wonder, why not run away from this monster? Well, during the day, I was constantly shadowed. Even now, I could hear the footsteps of a wolf following me. I wouldn't get far. They'd call for backup, and my fate would likely be sealed.

Taking my position about fifteen meters away from the border, easily detectable by scent, I hid behind bushes, concealed enough to observe the border. I watched the first patrol run by and started timing until the next one. Fifteen minutes later, another patrol passed.

For the next four hours, I continued this surveillance, deducing that patrols passed every fifteen to thirty minutes. About to leave and make it back before curfew, a patrol came to a halt. A group of five stood, and in the middle, a huge black wolf, entirely devoid of any other color. I couldn't get a glimpse of the wolf's face due to the wind blowing away from me.

Realizing they might have caught my scent, I kept my head down, hiding my wolf form. The wolf pack seemed suspicious, but they eventually moved on.

Swiftly, I made my way back to the tree where I left my clothes, shifted back, and dressed. Returning to the meeting room where my father was conversing with the main rogue warriors, I stood, awaiting his command.

"Speak!" he ordered.

"I watched from cover, and their patrols pass every fifteen minutes, assuming they're on time. This pattern held during the entire observation period. The patrols are organized and well-planned. The Alpha also takes part in patrols," I reported confidently.

My father nodded. "Good. Anything else?"

"Nothing," I replied.

"Fine. You are dismissed," he ordered.

I left and headed straight to my caravan, changing into training gear. I needed an outlet for the stress building up within me. Dressed in leggings, trainers, and a sports bra, I headed to the training area. Some people were already training, but I spotted an available punch bag hanging from a tree.

Fiercely, I punched the bag, strike after strike. It shuddered under my force, my strength evident. I had a very toned stomach, a result of relentless training by my father since I was ten. He was cruel and unforgiving, pushing me to my limits for hours on end.

This relentless training was the source of my strength, speed, and power. Yet, I dared not challenge my father, for the consequences would be fatal. I pummeled the bag, releasing all the anger and frustration bottled up inside me. I was infuriated with my life, with everything.

Each kick at the bag was a release, a fierce strike of power growing with intensity. The bag could only take so much, and the chain eventually snapped, sending it crashing into a tree, fragments scattering in all directions. Onlookers gazed at me in awe, but I simply walked away.

Returning to the caravan, I took a shower and downed a couple of glasses of water. I changed into my pyjamas and indulged in some chocolate from my stash in the cupboard, munching on it as I sat on my bed.

I chose not to inform my father about the Alpha being a pure black wolf. I purposefully withheld the information, knowing it would put my father at a disadvantage. Perhaps this larger pack could prevail. I hoped for it. I couldn't bear to witness another pack's demise. I was sick of this life.

Exhausted, I fell asleep, grateful to have survived another day without additional injuries. I longed for a change, a different life, something beyond the pain and torment. I yearned for a chance at a new beginning. Please, Moon Goddess, grant me a better life.