✨I planned on keeping this book updated every week but I broke my arm then got a job so I was lax. This story is based on a novel I'm working on a plan on publishing on here, shortly. I left out names for a reason (I'm still playing with names) I hope y'all enjoy! ✨

Her eyes narrowed, her fist clenching; "Do not challenge me."

"Stop being so damn difficult, lead us to your village." The ranger growled out. The captive, nothing but skin and bones, showed no sign of comprehending the command, staring blankly at the river.

From her perch high up on a branch, she continued to watch the group, preparing to attack at any moment.

A maiden of dark skin and snow colored hair, joined the pair. "Please tell us where it is, on my word as future queen, no harm will be brought upon your home. I simply wish to study the culture." The captive cringing at her hand placed on his shoulder; causing his shift to slip down his arm baring the markings on his shoulder.

A panther, impossible. The warrior thought to herself, he's dead. The captive looked up to the trees as if taking in his last moment, "The moment I was captured, and allowed my friend, my brother, to die, I lost the right to call that village my home. I will not allow any outsiders to harm anyone else." Standing to his full height, he towered over the Princess and ranger.

"Stand down!" The ranger bellowed, alerting the other guards of the situation. Four men came running, placing themselves in front of the Princess, weapons drawn.

The warrior dropped from the branch behind the captive, her familiar, a large wolf, stood next to her. Whistling she summoned two others, a panther and a hawk. "Why are you here? Where do you come from? Release him!" She hissed our in her native tongue. The guards focusing their weapons on her, stared in awe.

"We are here to study your culture, the princess wishes to understand all the customs of her future kingdom." A frail looking man responded, in her language, his words broken and miss pronounced.

"I say we catch her and use her as bait! I'm sure someone will come after this pretty little thing." A young ranger suggested with a sneer. Her eyes narrowed, her fist clenching; "Do not challenge me." She bit out through a clenched jaw, her common tongue barely understandable.

"Do not fight them, you're out numbered, I'm too weak to protect myself. They will use me as a means to stop you. I won't allow you to die for me, he'd never forgive me." The captive pleaded to to be warrior, begging her to run. "I'm not the same child you knew years ago, I will not run. HE would never forgive me for leaving you behind."

The guards watched her warily, ready to attack at her first sign of aggression. Instead of attacking, she pushed the captive into the river, the panther jumping in after him. "You're mine now!" The same young ranger screamed.

She simply stood there, her wolf growling lowly, pulling a blade from her wrist strap she took a step forward. Looking at the scholar, she called out "Tell them I will fight the best fighter, one on one. A fight to the death." He explained her condition, the younger ranger stepping forward.

"I already claimed her, it's my battle." Drawing a sword, he slowly began circling her. The warrior followed his movement with her eyes, he lunged, swiping at her back. She ducked low, springing up before he could pull his arm back, slicing his shoulder and kneeing his stomach. He dropped to a crouch, flinging his sword away, pulling out a dagger instead. Grinning he swiped his foot out, knocking her down, rolling away she barely missed being stabbed through the stomach.
Staying low, crouched down on all fours, she allowed herself to seem injured. Walking closer, the ranger's confidence grew, causing him not to notice her calm nature. Once he was close enough she tackled him, pressing her blade against his throat. Her legs holding his arms down. He looked at her with fear filled eyes. "I win"