HOSTAGE

I swallowed instantly. 

"Now get out." He ordered me. 

I jumped at his demand, and then I calmly got out of my seat. 

He opened the door for me and led me out. 

"You better don't try anything funny, princess." He said. 

I didn't say a word. 

As soon as I stepped out of the carriage, I saw the chaos of the attack. 

No one would notice if I slipped out and was taken hostage. There were blood and dead wolves on the floor.

He grabbed me and held the sword to my neck. 

Then he forced me ahead of him, and all I did was walk. Soon we were down into the forest.

"Move!" He snapped at me and prodded me forward.

I walked on, silent, wondering what to say. 

"Where are we going, please?" I asked him. 

"You don't ask any questions!" He snapped at me. 

I remained mute. 

Then he took me to where the other wolves were. 

They were part of his rogue pack. 

"Who is she?" Someone asked. 

"She is important to them." He snapped. "I found her in the carriage. Waiting like a princess. Look, she is dressed as one!"

"We need to leave." Another said. "We are outnumbered. We're almost all dead. They killed us."

"Yes, but we will take her along." He said. "We can use her to exchange and bargain with Xaden. I'm sure she is important to them."

"I'm not important to him." I said. "Whether you kill him or not doesn't matter. He won't come for me or pay a dime over my head."

"So why were you in a carriage?" He asked me. 

I went mute. 

"I thought as much." He gave a wry smile. 

Then he snapped his fingers.

"We'll leave with her." He said. "Get her ropes and tie her. She is coming along with us."

I tried to flee, but I was dragged back. I struggled until a punch knocked me silent. 

Then someone tied my hands and ropes around my body. 

I was forced to stay put. 

"Toss her on a horse; let's get going." He ordered. 

A big man walked towards me in what seemed to be an attempt to lift me up and toss me on the horses. 

I felt a sudden presence and bolt of energy. 

I didn't need to turn. 

I saw Xaden standing in front of everyone. 

And he didn't look too happy.