Mia had grown used to the pit's brutal rhythm—the endless grind of heavy rocks, the clanking of chains, the sweat-soaked air thick with exhaustion. It was a place meant to break men, and yet she had endured. Her muscles had hardened, her body reshaped by the grueling labor, but no amount of strength could shield her from the dangers that lurked beyond the physical.
She had learned to keep her head down, to avoid drawing attention from the guards or the rogue workers. But tonight, the guards came for her.
She was resting against the damp stone wall of the pit, her hands raw and blistered, when two guards approached. Their faces were cold and unreadable, their sharp gazes locking onto her.
"The commander wants to see you," one of them said, his tone devoid of emotion.
Mia's stomach twisted. Kael—the rogue commander—had not summoned her since her failed escape attempt. Whatever he wanted now, it couldn't be good.
The guards didn't wait for her to respond. They grabbed her arms, their grips firm and unrelenting, and dragged her up the winding staircase that led out of the pit. The air grew warmer as they ascended, the damp chill replaced by the faint scent of burning wood and leather.
When they reached Kael's quarters, the guards shoved her forward. The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing a room that was both imposing and lavish. Animal pelts covered the floors, their fur worn smooth from years of use. Weapons of all kinds adorned the walls—gleaming swords, axes, and daggers arranged like trophies. The firelight flickered, casting long shadows across the stone walls.
And at the center of the room stood Kael himself.
Kael was a towering man, his presence commanding and dangerous. His long black hair framed his sharp features, and his golden eyes glowed like embers beneath the flickering firelight. He wore a dark leather tunic reinforced with steel plating, his broad shoulders giving him the appearance of a predator poised to strike.
The guards stepped back, leaving Mia standing alone in the center of the room.
"Leave us," Kael ordered, his voice low and smooth, yet laced with menace.
The guards hesitated before nodding and retreating, the heavy door closing behind them with a dull thud.
Mia stood her ground, her green eyes fixed on Kael as he approached. Her heart pounded, but she refused to let her fear show.
"You've been quite the thorn in my side," Kael said, his tone laced with mockery. "First the escape attempt, then surviving the pit longer than anyone expected. You're not like the others, are you?"
Mia didn't respond. She knew better than to speak unless absolutely necessary.
Kael smirked, circling her like a predator stalking its prey. "You're stronger than I gave you credit for," he continued. "But strength isn't enough to survive here. Do you know what keeps people alive in a place like this?"
Mia's jaw tightened. "Fear?"
Kael chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "Close. It's obedience. Submission."
He stepped closer, his golden eyes narrowing as he studied her. "And you, little lamb, have yet to learn either."
Mia's breath caught as Kael reached out, his fingers brushing against her arm. She jerked away, her green eyes blazing with fury.
"Don't touch me," she snapped, her voice sharp and defiant.
Kael's smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. "You're bold," he said, his tone darkening. "But boldness won't save you here."
He grabbed her wrist, his grip like iron. Mia struggled, her heart racing as she tried to pull away, but he was too strong.
"You should be grateful," Kael said, his voice low and menacing. "Most women would kill for my attention."
"Let me go!" Mia hissed, her voice trembling with both anger and fear.
Kael's smirk returned, his golden eyes gleaming. "Not until you learn your place."
But before he could do anything more, the door burst open.
"Kael!"
The voice was sharp and commanding, cutting through the tension like a blade. Both Kael and Mia turned to see a woman standing in the doorway.
She was tall and striking, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders in loose waves. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto Kael with a mixture of fury and authority. She wore a fitted leather tunic and boots, her presence radiating strength and elegance.
"Serena," Kael growled, his grip on Mia loosening. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Serena replied, stepping into the room. Her gaze flicked to Mia, her expression softening for a moment before returning to Kael. "What do you think you're doing?"
"This doesn't concern you," Kael said, his tone hardening.
"Oh, but it does," Serena shot back, her voice cold and sharp. "You think I don't know what you're doing? You're trying to take advantage of her, to break her spirit. But I won't allow it."
Kael's jaw tightened, his golden eyes narrowing. "You forget your place, Serena."
"And you forget that without me, this fortress would fall apart," Serena retorted, her voice rising. "You think you're in control, but the men don't follow you because of your strength. They follow you because I keep the chaos in check. And if you cross this line, Kael, I won't stand by your side any longer."
The tension in the room was suffocating, Kael glaring at Serena while she held her ground, unwavering.
After a long, tense moment, Kael released Mia's wrist and stepped back. "Fine," he growled. "Take her. But don't think this changes anything."
Serena didn't respond. She simply nodded toward Mia. "Come with me."
Mia followed Serena out of the room, her legs shaky but her head held high. The guards outside watched them pass, their expressions carefully neutral.
When they reached a quieter part of the fortress, Serena stopped and turned to face Mia.
"Are you all right?" she asked, her voice softer now.
Mia nodded, though her heart was still racing. "Why did you help me?"
Serena studied her for a moment before answering. "Because I've seen what he does to people like you. And I'm not going to let him destroy you."
Mia frowned. "Why do you care?"
Serena's gaze grew distant, her blue eyes clouded with something like regret. "Let's just say I've been in your position before. And I wouldn't wish it on anyone."
She didn't elaborate, and Mia didn't press her. But as Serena led her back toward the pit, Mia couldn't shake the feeling that the rogue commander's wife was more than just an ally.
She was a survivor, too.