Misguided Wolves

27. Gilded Cage

The outskirts of Vintr’s lands revealed a stark divide: gaunt farmers with sunken cheeks and glazed eyes lived in ramshackle huts, barely surviving under the weight of Charles’s greed. As Kate’s caged cart rattled closer to the castle, escorted by Castiel’s guards, the conditions improved. Miners and blacksmiths appeared healthier, their eyes holding faint sparks of life. Near the castle, training grounds bustled with young recruits—some younger than Kate, well-fed and vibrant, molded for war. The castle itself was a monument to excess, its marble walls gleaming, gold gates encrusted with gems forming Vintr’s insignia.

Kate’s rune-etched chains dulled her senses, the aconite from Castiel’s vial still muting Tove’s voice. Her tanzanite bracelet flickered faintly, a defiant pulse against the magic binding her. Hova’s prophecy echoed: Play it smart—what seems a loss today could mean a win tomorrow. Fror’s people were safe in Logi with Hova and Jackson; her sacrifice had ensured that. Now, she’d outwit her captors.

The castle doors swung open as they passed the gates. A young woman sprinted out, throwing her arms around Castiel. “My love! You’re back! I missed you so much!”

Her dark blonde hair cascaded over a dusty pink dress with purple embroidery, her deep blue eyes bright with devotion. Castiel chuckled, prying her off. “Good to see you, Cassie. Have you been good?”

“Of course!” Cassie pouted, fiddling with her dress. “Your sister still doesn’t like me, though…”

Cassie’s eyes flicked to Kate, jealousy flashing before softening. “Who’s this?”

“Cassie, meet Kate, former Princess of Fror,” Castiel said smoothly. “Kate, this is Cassie—”

“His mate,” Cassie interjected, stepping forward.

Kate offered a sincere smile, extending her hand despite the chains. “Nice to meet you.”

Cassie hesitated, surprised by Kate’s warmth, then shook her hand eagerly. “I can’t wait to have another girl around! There’s plenty here, but…” Her voice trailed off, a shadow crossing her face.

Castiel cleared his throat. “Cass, show our guest to an open room in the women’s dorm.”

Cassie’s face fell. “Y-you mean… your brother’s…”

“No, mine,” Castiel snapped, eyes glinting green. “We lost my Raven today, and Kate will… fill that void.”

Cassie’s excitement vanished, replaced by disappointment. “B-but you promised—”

“I wasn’t asking,” Castiel cut in, his gaze silencing her. “Go.”

Without a word, Cassie gestured for Kate to follow, leading her through extravagant halls adorned with chandeliers and gold trim. They reached a guarded wing, where two burly guards bowed to Cassie and opened thick doors. Inside, a lush chamber resembled a greenhouse, with a central pool surrounded by flowers and trees, glass ceilings mimicking an open sky—a gilded cage. Nine young women lounged or whispered, their eyes locking onto Kate, curious yet guarded.

Cassie stopped at a door on the back wall. “Your new home…”

The room was lavish: a massive canopy bed draped in soft fabrics, a clawfoot tub, a stocked vanity, a lounge area, and bookshelves brimming with tomes. Traces of its former occupant—Bex, the “Raven” Kate had killed lingered: a feather on the vanity, a dagger’s scuff on the table. Cassie noticed Kate’s gaze. “Sorry, with Bex’s… sudden departure and your arrival, we couldn’t clean up.”

Kate waved dismissively. “It’s fine. Thank you, Cassie. I hope we can be friends.”

Cassie bit her lip, fidgeting with her dress. “I… don’t think we can. Castiel’s my mate, and I can’t get close to his… playthings.”

“I’m not here for that,” Kate said gently. “Maybe it’s to humiliate Charles and Castiel after I bested them. I won’t come between mates.”

Cassie’s eyes brightened, though caution lingered. Kate pressed on, sensing an opportunity. “I had a mate once—rejected me. The bond’s emotions, good or bad, are overwhelming. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I wish you well.”

“You… had a mate?” Cassie’s face softened.

Kate nodded, her voice quiet. “He rejected me. It broke me, but I’m still here.”

Cassie’s eyes welled, and she hugged Kate tightly. Kate smiled, returning the embrace, hoping for an ally. Cassie gave a shy smile before leaving. Alone, Kate explored the room. The bed invited rest with fluffy blankets, but the bookshelves drew her attention. History tomes lined the shelves, one catching her eye: Vintr’s Battles and Strategies. A smile tugged at her lips—knowledge was power.

On the table, an open book and scattered papers revealed Bex’s diary and notes on Kate’s movements, confirming her role as Vintr’s spy under Deborah’s influence. Kate’s pulse quickened. This was a treasure. She clawed a discreet slit in the mattress, hiding the diary and papers inside. Satisfied, fatigue crashed over her. She climbed into the bed, the soft fabrics a stark contrast to her chains, and drifted to sleep, Tove’s absence a hollow ache.