Wolves in the Shadows (The Wolf Clan Chronicles) Read Online Free PDF Page A

her sister and threatened me with a weapon that she knew was worthless against me there was a dignity and grace and fearlessness to her that I could not ignore.  I shall never forget the image of Anya on her knees before me begging not for her own life but for that of another.  It was a thing of beauty.  I could not help but be moved by her fierce loyalty and gentle kindness towards her sister. 
    ‘Lady Anya,’ I said, for truly she deserved such a title though she had not a drop of noble blood in her veins.  ‘You are indeed a strange woman .  You will come to the castle of the Wolf Clan and swear fealty to me and my clan forever more and serve as my own personal servant and seer.  If you do this, then I will spare your sister.’ 
    She turned deathly pale, as well she should have.  The mortals that entered the castle of the Wolf Clan rarely left alive.  And those who did were forever changed.  She would be entering a life of terrifying servitude to the deadly Wolves as the lowest of slaves.  I will not deny that it gave me pleasure to see her finally show fear. 
    She bowed her head respectfully and said, ‘My lord, I swear that I will come and serve you and your clan, but I beg you to let me first take my sister home and say farewell to my father and brothers, for I may never see them again.’ 
    It baffles me to this day that I gave her permission.  I warned her that I would rain down destruction upon her entire family if she failed to come to me by sunset the next day.  She stood before me and bowed low promising to come as I commanded.  Without another word, she led her sister away, and I stood stunned at what had just occurred.  I, Sir Reginald, mighty prince of the Wolf Clan, had willing let two such beautiful creatures slip through my fingers.  I would be the laughingstock of the clan. 
    Part of me was certain that she would not keep her vow and that the next night I would feast upon the blood of her entire family.  How foolish I was!  My sweet Anya, ever fearless and honorable.  Never in her wildest dreams would she have broken her word, even to one such as me. 
    The next night, as soon as I had awoken, I readied myself for battle.  Surely Anya’s father and brothers would fight to the death to protect their dear daughter and sister.  I was eager for such a fight, for the thought of their blood running down my sword filled me with excitement.  I alone would destroy Anya’s family, and all who saw the fierceness of my wrath would look on in terror.  But it was not to be, for when I reached the courtyard, I found Anya waiting for me.  She had kept her word. 
    Augustus, the captain of the Wolf Guard, stood beside her.  He told me later that her whole family had followed her to the very gates of the castle, and that from his post, he had seen her say her final farewells just as the sun had begun to sink in the horizon.  Her younger sister, the fair Elise was the last to leave her side. 
    She never saw her father or her sister again in her life.  Her brothers she would see one last time, but it only brought bitter pain that I shall not speak of yet. 
    She worked hard and served me well.  Any tears that she might have shed for her family, she hid from me, but it was clear the greatness of her loss for never had she been apart from her family.  She fascinated me.  No creature ever had such a diligent and gentle servant.  She was a sweet balm to my unholy soul.  With all of her purity and goodness, how could I not fall in love with her?  Every second that I spent with her was a moment in that blessed paradise that I shall never enter.  Oh , the damned creature that I was!  That I still am!  She was the most glorious gift that heaven could ever deign to bestow.  And she loved me!  This angel loved me as no cursed monster could ever hope to deserve.” 
    As Lord Reginald spoke, his face seemed to glow with an ethereal light.  His eyes were filled with joy and love.  His