The village was nestled deep within a hidden valley, a cascade of stone and wood structures built into the mountainside. The moment the leader led her through the entrance arch, a thunderous roar of welcome erupted. Every eye was on her—filled with curiosity, joy, and a disturbing kind of admiration.
"The Leader has finally found his mate!"
"New blood for our children!"
"She is beautiful—strong enough to be our Queen!"
Praises rained down on her as she was dragged along the path. Ava kept her face a mask of stone, hiding the raw terror and disgust boiling beneath the surface.
"Oh!" she gasped as a group of children swarmed toward her, their eyes sparkling as if she were a new toy.
One little boy had tiny horns budding from his forehead, blending into his dark hair. He tugged gently at her skirt and peeked up at her.
"You're so pretty, lady," he chirped, his large eyes wide with wonder.
"Yeah, just like our mothers," another added.
"Not exactly... she doesn't have horns on her head," a third pointed out.
Ava felt a jolt of horror. These children were half-bull, just like the man. They weren't wearing costumes; they were a different species entirely.
"My love—soon, our own children will be running around just like them," he whispered in her ear. His voice was a thick mix of affection, hope, and cold authority.
"No. Never," she snapped, turning her face away to stare at the sky. He was insane. If he thought she would spend her life serving him and breeding his heirs, he was dead wrong. Even if she had to crawl out of here with broken limbs, she was going to escape.
He led her to his private residence, a grand structure perched on a high ridge. The thick bark that usually sealed the walls parted to welcome them.
Inside, the home was more opulent than she expected, but her attention was immediately seized by the dozens of half-bull people gathered in the great hall.
"My brothers," he announced, gesturing with his hand. "And my kin. Meet my mate."
Suddenly, a young woman stepped forward. She was graceful, with smooth skin and eyes that glowed with genuine happiness. She was human.
"Welcome, sister-in-law," she said brightly, offering a warm smile. "My name is Liya. I am the wife of the Leader's younger brother."
Liya reached out and took Ava's hand gently.
"You... you're human?" Ava whispered, stunned.
Liya laughed softly. "Yes, I am."
"How did you get here?" Ava asked in a low hiss, desperate for answers.
Liya led her to a quiet corner and set a cup of warm tea in front of her.
"It's a long story, but the short version is... Allan, the Leader's brother, brought me here." Liya pointed to a man talking to relatives nearby.
"He kidnapped you too?" Ava felt a surge of hope, thinking she'd found an ally in misery.
Liya nodded, but her expression wasn't one of distress. "Something like that. But I'm happy here. It's better than the city—no more lies, no more pretending, no more slaving away for pennies."
Ava stared at her as if she were looking at a madwoman.
"What are you talking about? Our freedom was stolen from us!"
"A freedom spent looking over your shoulder and competing with
everyone?" Liya raised an eyebrow.
"I don't see the appeal."
"But... at least we had a choice!" Ava argued, her voice hardening.
"I have to get out of here."
"I used to think that way too," Liya said, her eyes softening with pity.
"But in time, you'll understand."
"I don't want to understand anything!" Ava's voice rose.
"If you have any humanity left in you, please. Help me escape."
Liya sighed, her eyes filling with genuine empathy. She knew exactly how hopeless those first days felt.
"I know that feeling all too well."
"Then help me," Ava pleaded, gripping Liya's hand. "I can't stay here."
Liya nodded slowly.
"Fine... I'll do what I can."
That night, the valley echoed with the sounds of celebration. The tribe gathered around a massive bonfire, their strange shadows dancing under the moonlight as they toasted their Leader's new mate.
"I don't feel well," Ava told him, her voice weak and her face pale.
"I want to stay in the room. I don't want to go to the party."
He hesitated, his sharp eyes searching her face. Finally, he sighed.
"Very well." He leaned down and kissed her forehead tenderly.
"Rest, my love. I will be back soon."
He locked the door behind him with a heavy click. Ava waited until his footsteps faded into silence.
A moment later, there were three soft knocks on the door.
"Liya?" Ava whispered.
The door creaked open. Liya slipped inside the dark room, carrying a small backpack.
"I've marked a path for you," Liya whispered.
"The exit is to the north. It's a shortcut out of the valley."
"How far is it?" Ava asked, her heart racing with hope.
"On foot, it'll take about three days," Liya replied.
"And it's very dangerous."
"I don't care," Ava said, almost lunging for the bag. "Anywhere is better than here."
"Be careful," Liya urged as she handed over the supplies. "There's food and water inside."
"Thank you, Liya. Thank you so much." Ava threw the pack over her shoulder, glancing nervously at the door.
"Go, quickly. Before he comes back." Liya opened the door, and with a final nod, Ava vanished silently into the night.
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Author note 🗒️ : Hello! Nice to meet you. My name is Sunisa. I hope you like my story.
Please be advised that I exclusively write the following genres:
• Non-con | Dub-con
• Dark Romance | Dark obsession
• Forced Love | Unwilling
• Erotic | Fantasy Erotic | werewolf
If you don't want to miss any of my stories, make sure to follow me for all the latest updates on Facebook. 👇🏻
Dark Romance By Sunisa