Caged

Chapter 21

Yes, this is the whole chapter. No, none of it is missing. Yes, it really is this short. Enjoy! I hope to have the next one up soon-ish.

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**| Sang's POV |**

I was trapped in a cage better fit for a small dog. I couldn't move, my leg was twisted at an odd angle, and just breathing hurt. I whined, wanting out. A shadow drew my attention and I moved my head just enough to see her.

My stepmother.

She grinned down at me, her eyes completely black, the beast within her in complete control. For a human, she really knew how to act like a monster.

She laughed and then I heard it.

The familiar stomping of feet. The fur on my back stood up as I went on alert. I knew what that meant.

Floodlights lit up the arena. My cage sat in the middle, surrounded by blood splattered sand.

And before me stood wolves; wolves I fought, wolves I'd killed. They were back, their fur matted with blood, their expressions blank as they stood there. The weight of their deaths threaten to flatten me to the ground.

My stepmother cackled and the cage disappeared, leaving me without any protection against those wanting to come tear me apart for revenge.

I growled, ready to stand my ground.

They charged.

We fought.

I sat up in bed, feeling the phantom pain of teeth around my neck. I patted my body down, realizing it was only just a dream. I wasn't there. I wasn't at The Gallows fighting for my life and losing. I was okay.

Alive.

Safe.

My stepmother's face came to the forefront of my mind from the deepest darkest depth of my memories. Her pale skin, dull eyes, messy hair, the sneer on her lips. My wolf growled, my chest rumbling. My wolf was just as frustrated as I was because we couldn't do anything about this enemy. She wasn't around.

Slowly, all the thoughts in my head spun around and around until it narrowed down to one thing.

My stepmother.

Her existence.

Instinct took over. I threw off the clothes twisted around my body thanks to the nightmare. If she wasn't around, then we just needed to find her. My wolf was in agreement with me. We didn't even think, didn't hesitate. We strolled over to the window, threw it open, and then jumped out. Before we even landed on the ground, we were already on four legs.

I threw my head back and let out a howl, loud, echoing through the cool night air. With that we took off, disappearing into the woods. Heading toward the city, our determination keeping us going.

The hunt was on.