Melisandre's eyes widened in disbelief. Her cheek paled and her shoulders fell.

He met the pain in her eyes, apathetically. “ When you are done looking, get out and shut the door.”

She jerked, startled by the thunder of his words. Obediently, she closes the door and rubs her head. Headed for the the storeroom which has been her bedroom for two weary long years. Kendrick's presence had made life worth living. 

Cursed by the vivid replay of the scene of Kendrick and the Blondie, her ears tilts at the sound of approaching footsteps. The usual flutter was replaced by a cramp in her belly. The sight of him bent over her body brought inexplicable pain.

“ You are wanted.”

The voice wasn't his. She turns and meets the Beta. He was the only member of the park that treated her kindly in the past two years. Maybe, because she was sold to him.

And then, there was Kendrick, the young son of the alpha. He had promised her the whole world. And tonight, as she turns eighteen, she had decided to give him what he has always desired—her body.

Melisandre followed the beta, with her eyes lowered.

" Whatever happens, don't say a word and remember I'm by your side, " he said and ushered her into the council hall.

" she's the one..." Kendrick's voice came.

Her thoughts panned in that direction, but she couldn't look his way. 

" She will do. Prepare her and set out at once to the keep. Take a horse. Humans are slow and clumsy like old hags."the alpha said.

Everyone choked with suppressed laugh. All except the beta.

Without a word, he led her into the bath at the pack house. Melisandre felt out of place. The warmth was strange on her skin thanks to years of dipping herself in the cold bath of the storehouse. In winter, it was freezing.

Coming out, she was attended by maids who dressed her in exquisite apparels fit only for the Luna. 

Melisandre was led out, and deserted by the maids. She walked towards the beta and Kendrick suddenly came out from the corner before she could get to the beta.

" You look good,"he said, " since you never wanted me to have you. I thought I should return the favor by sending you off to someone who would do better," he mocked and flounced away before the concerned beta could reach them.

“What was that about?”

“Nothing...”

He weighed it for a moment and marched outside. Melisandre followed quietly behind him, afraid to ask where she was being sent or what she was to do. 

"Whatever happens, don't forget that I'm with you." He assured her, as though he read her mind.