Rise of the Wolves

by J E Reed

  Kiuno all but growled. “I had concerns because of my loyalty to him. Now he believes me a traitor.”

  Atilla clicked his tongue and poured himself a drink. “He’s still alive then. That’s a shame. No matter, if he thinks you a traitor that’s enough reason for you to stay. We’ll crush what’s left of him with your lightning abilities.”

  Kiuno clenched her fists but remained silent.

  Atilla raised his brows. “Didn’t think I knew? You covered your scars at our first meeting, yet you failed to do so a few nights ago. It wasn’t hard to piece together.” He set a glass on the table. “We can work together. You and me. We can rule this entire realm.”

  “You’ve already betrayed me once.”

  “You’re upset.” He rubbed his brow in agitation. “It was strategy, nothing personal. Defeat an enemy while they’re distracted.”

  “And how do I know you won’t hurt those I care about?”

  “Is that why you left them outside? I haven’t done anything yet, have I?”

  Kiuno’s jaw ticked.

  “Pledge your allegiance to me and I’ll ensure it stays that way.”

  She glanced at each man in the room. They tightened their hold on their weapons, colorful stones displayed openly. Even Atilla’s blood red one stood out against his thick wrist.

  Her blood pulsed in her ears, but Kiuno fought the adrenaline coursing through her body. She drew her sword slowly and his men did the same. Atilla raised a hand to still them. She placed the tip of the blade in her palm and dropped to one knee.

  “I didn’t expect such formality from you, but I can’t say I mind it.” Atilla set down his drink and crossed the room until he stood before her. “Does K.J.—”

  She lunged, sinking the blade through his gut all the way to the hilt. Blood poured over her fingers as she jerked up and twisted.

  “Do not say his name.”

  Atilla’s features contorted in pain and his flames rose, but they were nothing compared to the lightning surging through her body.

  For a split second no one moved, then angry shouts echoed off the walls and his guards charged.

  The static crackling snaked through the air and collided with any close enough to meet its deadly voltage. Cries of pain, then writhing bodies, then silence. Kiuno stood over them and her gaze met those left standing.

  The clattering of a sword hit the floor. Followed by another. Kiuno took a step forward and most took several steps back.

  The stone had been charred in places, painting the walls in a similar pattern to the scars on her skin. She hadn’t meant for the blast to hit as many as it had.

  The smell of burnt flesh filled the room and people clung to their seared arms and legs. They cowered in corners, but she couldn’t afford to let them see her sympathy yet.

  “Anyone else?” she challenged.

  None moved.

  Kiuno let the hum around her body fade then glanced at Atilla’s body. “Is there anyone left who can answer my questions?”

  They kept still, but a few quick glances pointed to one man along the wall.

  He stepped forward of his own accord. “What can I assist you with my lady?” His hands were clenched, but his voice remained even.

  “Atilla claimed he knew where my friends are. I want them brought to me. Safe. Otherwise,” she glanced at those on the ground, “After that, bring the soldiers inside and close the gates.”

  “If I may, they were stationed in case of a counterattack.”

  “That’s irrelevant now.” She hoped. If K.J. chose to retaliate, he’d expect to see Atilla, but if he saw her… Her mind floated back to his face. To the anger. Perhaps he’d attack anyway. Everything still rested on whether Palindrome survived.

  “Should I bring them here?”

  “Yes, and I expect it to happen without incident. Is that understood?”

  He nodded, and she raised her voice so all could hear. “Let it be known this castle is under new leadership. If someone attacks my people, you’ll all pay the consequences.” Her body still shook from the adrenaline, but she grimaced as the man turned away. Fear wasn’t the way she ruled, but she’d have to make do for now.

  Muffled cries of pain had Kiuno turning toward those who still hunkered in the corners. “I assume you have healers?” Another nodded. “Take the injured to the infirmary. The rest of you can wait until my group arrives.”

  Kiuno tapped her foot and paced the floor. Those in the corners hunkered as her shadow fell over them and a part of her heart tugged. She hated this. Hated using the same tactics as the man now lying face down in his blood.

  She didn’t turn away from the carnage. He’d deserved it. Kiuno paced the length of the floor again and her heart nearly jumped out of her chest when familiar voices echoed down the hall. She kept her air of composure, folded her hands behind her back, and waited.

  Elite and Silver walked through first, their eyes scanning the vicinity until finally landing on her. Blue whistled when he saw the carnage and a smirk crossed Vixin’s face. Liam stood there motionless, his eyes scanning the victims of her wrath.

  Those seated whispered amongst themselves, but Kiuno didn’t silence them. She’d have to gain their trust eventually. It would be hard earned. To them she was nothing more than another tyrant who’d barged in and taken over.

  “Guess the cat’s out of the bag about your abilities,” Blue said as he gazed around the room.

  “Atilla already knew. I sent the injured to the infirmary.”

  Kiuno approached the man who’d escorted her friends. His eyes met hers in quiet defiance.

  “If anyone has an issue with my leadership, it’s best you speak up now. I’ll allow you to leave in exile. You won’t be harmed.”

  “Why not?” The one before her asked. He drew his shoulders back. Proud. Determined. She glanced around the room. Every eye watched them. Some pleading for him to stand down. Others determined to fight should she choose to act against him.

  Kiuno met his gaze again. “I don’t enjoy senseless violence. Atilla attacked and killed several people. He paid the price for it.”

  “Atilla was a joke. His people are starving and most in this room sought to overthrow his rule.”

  “So, you’re the leader of a potential coup d’état?”

  He smirked. “Something like that.”

  She definitely needed his support.

  “What would you say to following me in his stead?”

  He crossed his arms. “Depends on your aim in all this.”

  Kiuno’s gaze softened. “Home. To prevent more people from dying than necessary. To convince the alliances to work together.”

  His smirk faded. “That’s all any of us have ever wanted.” He turned to look at those still seated and Kiuno noted the bit of confidence they seemed to have gained. “You’ll have my allegiance for now.”

  She nodded. For now would have to do. “Good. I need someone familiar with the people to help organize.”

  “Before you do that, might I suggest feeding the people?” He inclined his head. “Those within these walls ate fairly well, but the ones outside. Well, let’s just say it’s a problem.”

  “Wouldn’t he let you hunt?” Kiuno asked.

  “No, he wanted the people dependent.”

  Kiuno’s lips parted. “What kind of leader refuses to feed his own people?”

  “A bad one.”

  She cringed and the earlier rage bubbled to the surface. She’d known Atilla wasn’t the most pleasant of people, but starvation?

  She took a breath then held out her hand. “I’m Kiuno.”

  He eyed it, tracing her scars all the way up to her shoulder before taking it in a firm hold. “Daren.”

  “Well Daren, care to show me around?”

  He inclined his head again. “What are you going to do with them?”

  She followed his gaze to those seated. “Nothing yet. I promise nothing will happen to them in your absence.”

  “Unless th
ey’re stupid,” Vixin said.

  Kiuno and Daren both eyed her, then Daren turned and proceeded down the steps. Elite and Vixin followed.

  Now that some of her rage had quelled, Kiuno took the time to observe her surroundings.

  Run down houses. Muddy streets. And the smell. Kiuno fought the urge to cover her nose. Sweat and feces floated through the air like a rotting perfume.

  As they passed, many people ducked into their houses or shops. Planks had been nailed over broken windows and doors hung on the edge of their hinges.

  A woman scooped a child from the street and ushered it inside. A far too skinny child.

  Starving.

  Why would someone willingly cause this kind of devastation?

  “Let go of me!”

  Kiuno’s head whipped toward the voice. Several soldiers—judging from their uniforms—shoved a teenage girl against the side of a crumbling building. None stopped to intervene, and bile rose in Kiuno’s throat as they tugged at her clothes.

  Daren drew his blade, but Kiuno stalked toward them first.

  Her anger flared, stirring the magic that ran through her veins. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  Lustful gazes shifted to her. “The girl was stealing and Atilla has strict orders to punish thieves.”

  “She wouldn’t steal if she weren’t starving.”

  He shoved the girl to his partner, then ran his gaze up and down Kiuno’s form. “Pretty little thing like you all dressed up for war. You must be part of that resistance group.” He let out a mocking laugh. “What do you think you can accomplish?”

  “Atilla’s death.”

  He let out a roar of laughter and his friends echoed it. He twisted a blade in one hand and took several steps forward. “You better watch your mouth.”

  “And you ought to shut yours.”

  His face scrunched and he gripped the blade. Kiuno drew her dagger in challenge. The two stared at one another for a moment then he lunged. His arm barely raised before Kiuno sank her blade into the pit of his arm.

  Daren and Elite dispatched his friends while Kiuno planted her foot in the back of their leader’s knee. He howled in pain and fell forward.

  Kiuno twisted his arm back and whispered in his ear, “How does it feel to be helpless?” She cut his throat and let the body fall to the ground.

  Magic pounded in her veins and Kiuno met Elite’s gaze. She couldn’t decipher what she saw there. Shock?

  “You’re all right now,” Daren said.

  The girl cried and Daren escorted her to a small group of women waiting further down the alley. They seemed to thank him as they cradled the shaken girl.

  Vixin laughed, drawing them all from the moment. She pointed to Kiuno. “You know, I wasn’t sure I liked you all that much.” Vixin tilted her head toward the body. “But I think you’ve changed my mind.”

  ~~~

  KIUNO PAUSED at the gate, staring at the pitiful livestock that looked just as starved as the citizens. The crops were worse, if they could be called crops at all. Strangled plants struggling for life was more like it.

  “How many men can you gather?”

  “For what?” Daren asked.

  “To hunt.”

  “I have enough. We can head out anytime.”

  “Please see to it.”

  “How do you know I’ll come back?”

  Kiuno looked out over the crops again. “I saw how much you cared about the people when you helped that girl. They look up to you and you don’t seem like the type who’d abandon them.”

  Kiuno left Daren outside and returned to Atilla’s chambers where she’d left Silver in charge. They had removed the dead bodies, but those alive still sat against the wall.

  All heads turned to her as she entered the room.

  One man stood. “What have you done with Daren?”

  “I sent him hunting. We need food if anyone plans to survive.”

  He opened his mouth to speak, shut it, then opened it again. “And what do you plan to do with us?”

  “I need to get this place back in working order. The livestock need tending. As do the crops. And I need people who will bring arising problems to my attention.”

  Whispers spread around the hall, but no one stood.

  “I don’t want to see anyone else go hungry, but I need your help to do it.”

  An older man rose on shaky legs. “I can help with the animals.”

  Kiuno nodded. “See to it. Fix the pens, separate the sick, do whatever is needed.”

  After a moment another stood. “My father was a farmer. I grew up working the land with him.”

  She gave a nod of approval. “Take whoever you need.”

  ~~~

  NIGHT FELL and Kiuno collapsed on the furs laid across their bed. She needed to bathe, but with tensions high she didn’t dare make herself any more vulnerable than necessary.

  Elite slid their thick lock into place, but when he didn’t join her in bed, Kiuno glanced up.

  He stared at her; his eyes confused.

  “What?”

  “You killed that man today.”

  She shifted to sit up on the bed. “And you killed his friend.”

  “But you enjoyed it.”

  She opened her mouth to deny it, but the words didn’t follow. So what if she’d enjoyed it? He’d deserved what came to him.

  “And?”

  Elite sighed and ran one hand through his hair. “I know we have to do unspeakable things to survive, but don’t let this world change you.”

  His soft eyes sent a pang of guilt crashing through her gut. It wasn’t the first time she’d enjoyed a kill. At one point Kiuno had made a promise to herself. That no matter what she wouldn’t let this world change her.

  But it already had.

  52: A New Future

  Realm: 5

  Day: 334

  Two days later, in the early light of dawn, Daren delivered. Kiuno watched from a window as he sprinted ahead of his convoy and greeted the villagers. They eagerly obeyed his every word. If she weren’t here, he’d be the new lead, of that she was certain.

  Kiuno sent a messenger to inform those in the kitchens to prepare for a feast. She needed to mingle, let herself be known and with time, gain the trust of these damaged people.

  The sun faded fast and it seemed as if the halls were cleaned and fires lit before she had a chance to ask. Many acted as though they’d never set foot in the castle and eyed the place with wary glances. Those still manning the kitchens even erected tables outside for the people unable to squeeze within.

  She walked among the pillars, keeping to the outskirts. Some saw her and pointed, whispering of the woman who’d slaughtered Atilla in one fell swoop. Others had no idea who she was, but it didn’t stop them from staring.

  The kitchen hands who’d taken charge ran from table to table with plates of food while others kept mugs full.

  She hated Atilla for this. She hated him for concealing food in the basement while it rotted, and the people starved.

  She took a breath and focused on the laughter in the hall. They were starting to believe a better future could exist.

  Kiuno met Elite’s gaze from across the room. He kept a sharp eye out, but Kiuno watched Daren. Most trusted him and he seemed okay with her role for the moment, but that didn’t mean others felt the same. She had to tread carefully, gain his trust.

  Silver and Blue’s voices echoed over the crowd as the two indulged in a drinking contest. Maybe she could learn a thing or two about their ability to socialize. Several men had joined them, and she couldn’t help but laugh. They’d be at it for the rest of the night, though she’d ensure they were safely tucked in bed before she retired.

  Kiuno led Elite to the front table, and a hush fell over the masses when all heads turned in her direction. She placed her fingers on the smooth wooden surface then looked over the sea of questioning faces. Her stomach fluttered, and mouth went dry.

  She wasn’t a leader, or at lea
st she’d convinced herself she wasn’t, yet her friends would say differently. Scorpios would say differently; he’d done so several times. And these people. How did they view her?

  Her eyes scanned their faces, some still dirty, others washed and clean as they picked at plates of warm food. Their stomachs were probably fuller than they’d been in months. They waited for her. They waited for the person who’d delivered their freedom to speak.

  She wasn’t Palindrome or K.J. and even Scorpios would have known how to better handle the situation. She wasn’t clever or good with words. She didn’t know how to encourage them and the longer she stood with their expectant eyes lingering, the more she felt she couldn’t do this at all.

  Blue stood. Then Silver. Liam did the same and a man in the back clapped his hands. Others joined, the sound echoing through the halls. One man yelled, and another slammed his mug on the table.

  Then it hit her. She didn’t need words. Words were nothing more than empty promises and they’d heard their fair share of those. The actions of the last few days spoke far louder. They were freer now than they’d been since entering this realm.

  Blue stumbled up and handed her a mug, almost tripping as he righted himself much to everyone’s amusement. She lifted it and many around the room did the same.

  “To a new future.”

  “To a new future,” they echoed.

  53: Queen

  Realm: 5

  Day: 335

  The sun illuminated their room too early for Kiuno’s liking. She pulled the blanket over her head, hoping the simple cloth might hide her from the responsibilities she’d soon face.

  She remained still and listened to Elite’s deep breathing. Sleep hadn’t come easily and even now her heart quickened and thoughts raced.

  Kiuno sat up, but kept the warm furs wrapped around her body. This room was far larger than her last. And far too extravagant. A fireplace rested in the far corner, but it’d long since died out, leaving a chill to the air.

  She placed her feet over the bed and her toes ran through the soft fur rug lining the center of the room. A waste. Especially when she knew others were suffering.