AT THE BRINK OF DEATH

"I can't believe they are getting me married to the Prince. I don't even have a say in what I want!" I punched the punching bag with all my strength, transferring all my anger to it.

"I'm certain they have your best interest at heart Imelda," Caleb said, clearing the training room.

"You have the mouth to talk because you've met your chosen mate, one that you have a connection with and you're also not a woman that will be given off in marriage as an exchange for power," I glared at him, and punched the bag as it came back at me.

"You're taking it all too seriously. Who wouldn't want to get married to the Prince? He's a whole lot of package plus I heard he is handsome," Caleb winked at me and I threw a cup at him.

"Hey, you could have injured me there," he scowled at me.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I said sarcastically and he scoffed.

"After being rejected, getting married to some unknown guy is not on my list," I grabbed a towel wiping away my sweat as I scoffed angrily.

"You should know women have no say around here and your main work as a lady is just to get mated with someone. Whether he is your destined mate or not and then bear pups for him."

"And why is that? We are as much equal as the men and should have a say in what we want. Our lives should not be dictated to us and this issue of marrying wolves that are not our fated mates should stop." I glowered angrily. I felt like punching someone and breaking their nose; the punching bag wasn't enough.

"Look," Caleb said, sitting beside me.

"I understand how you feel but you can't just change things overnight. These laws have been in place for centuries. It will take a lot of revolt to be able to stop it."

"I don't care how long it takes, it needs to be stopped. Women should be allowed to fight in wars and not just bear pups only. We should have a say in matters concerning our lives. This actually needs to end for good," I deadpanned.

I hated the traditions and I hated the status quo. I hated the fact that all women were always looked down upon.

My father forbade me from fighting even when I was a child. I could remember him clearly telling me that it was forbidden for women to fight in battles but that didn't deter me. I kept on training on the training grounds with Caleb, my best friend, in secret when nobody was watching. It was my dream to become a warrior but with the rules against women, no one will ever let me fight.

"Think of it this way."

"What way?" I quaked my eyebrows at him, confused.

"Don't think of it as obeying the rules but saving your family and me as well. You know Irina is my fated mate and if she rejects me I won't be able to survive it. Also, if Irina refuses to marry the Prince and you do the same, they'll come for your family."

I sighed, "you're right, I'm doing this for my family not for some stupid laws. One thing is certain, I'll most definitely demolish these stupid laws."

"I don't doubt you for a second. If there's anyone that can do it, it's you." He smiled encouragingly at me and I looked away flushed.

"How are you coping with the rejection?" Caleb looked quizzically at me and I rolled my eyes.

"I'm coping quite alright but I can't say the same for Arla. She's been sulking and wouldn't talk to me. She only talks when it's something really serious.

"She still has a heart that's why she is really affected," Caleb taunted and I elbowed him.

"Whatever," I rolled my eyes, looking away.

I looked around taking note of every single thing in the room because I'll be getting married soon and might never come here again.

"Caleb, it's time for patrolling, there are signs of war dogs and rogues close by." Namor yelled from outside, beckoning him.

"It's time to move. I need to lock this place up. I can't leave you here alone and risk you getting caught," Caleb whispered into my ears.

"I want to go on a patrol with you guys," I pouted and he looked away avoiding my eyes.

"Your eyes won't work on me this time around," he giggled and I scoffed.

"I can't keep allowing you to join us. You could get caught or get hurt. I don't want either of that for you."

"I know what I want and this is exactly what I want. Do this as a parting gift to me, plus remember you owe me," I pleaded not giving up.

I know I was putting him at risk but this was my chance to train with real enemies and I always looked forward to it. I was not going to stay back and watch.

"Fine, wear your mask and make sure your face is properly covered," he sighed as he walked away.

"Yes!" I bumped my fist in the air happily and rushed to get prepared.

"You all need to be careful. The war dog will calculate all our moves and take note of our weaknesses before it attacks," Caleb warned and we all nodded nodded prepared. I was set and ready to take on a war dog. The rogues usually released them as the first slides of attack before attacking in full strength.

"Don't hold back, one bite from the dog makes you paralyzed. Kill without mercy," Caleb warned us and we all nodded, waiting for the war dogs. They were five in number or so I thought and once they were close enough, we attacked, in full force at Caleb's command.

We were fighting in our human form and saving our strengths for when the real rogues attacked.

One of the war dogs leaped at me, pushing me to the floor. It blared it's canines at me threateningly. I used my leg to kick it from it's belly, flipping it over and then attacking it.

I buried my knife deep into it's neck, killing it with one strike.

I grinned in satisfaction at my kill and when I wasn't watching, another war dog leaped at me from behind.

"Imelda!"

"Look out!" Caleb yelled in warning.

But I was too late, the war dog pushed me to the floor and then attacked. I watched eye bugged rooted to one spot.

I wouldn't have to marry the prince after all when I'm dead.

I closed my eyes, ready to welcome death.