Captured Series Bundle

by Christina Hale

  I heard Vralius sigh again, but this time it sounded angrier. “I didn’t mean for you to go to them. They’re… savages. The others are too, but they’re the worst.” His tone was filled with disgust, but when he spoke again, he sounded more concerned. “I just need to know if they’re treating you alright.”

  I scoffed, not really believing that he cared. “You’re the one that exchanged me, Vralius!” This time, it was my voice that was disgusted. “They’re treating me fine. At least they don’t play games with me.” My anger at Vralius began to turn into sorrow, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “At least they don’t tell me they care about me, and then start to ignore me.” He just let me rant, for some reason. Even as my tears began to fall, and my anger began to grow at my own weakness, he let me go on.

  “At least they haven’t traded me!” I cried, getting up suddenly and shoving at his abdomen. I didn’t even make him budge, but he got the gist of my anger and stepped back. Even so, it made him angry, and he grabbed me roughly by the shoulders.

  “You don’t even understand why I did that, Nephele!” His voice was loud, but he wasn’t yelling. Yet. “Then tell me!” I countered, jerking one of my arms away from him. “What the fuck would you do that for?”

  Vralius clenched his fist, while his other hand gripped me harder. My shoulder started to hurt, but I didn’t protest. He took a few very deep breaths, released me, and then bent his face down towards mine. “They saw us, Nephele,” he told me, in a voice of forced calm and quiet.

  “Who?” I demanded, crossing my arms over my chest. “And what did they see? What in the world could they have seen that would warrant you giving me up?” Clenching his jaw, Vralius motioned for me to be quiet, but I was too angry to take heed.

  “Just… listen, okay?” he sighed after a moment. He ran a hand through his hair and then muttered, “A couple of the centaurs saw us, after we’d made out feelings plain and… well, they always had suspicions. Remember when Cazis asked why I was being so kind to you?” Warily, I nodded, my arms still crossed over my chest.

  “Nephele… your women, to us, they are just playthings. We use them and toss them when they’re no longer useful to us. Showing our slaves any kindness, it’s frowned upon. The centaurs talk, and rumors spread, and I… I couldn’t risk having my name slandered.”

  I stared, affronted, at his explanation. I shook my head and turned around, to go back to my bed, but he put his hand on me, stopping me and pulling me back around. “I gave you up to protect you. Nephele… we don’t just let slaves go. If they don’t fit our expectations, they’re killed. I didn’t want anyone to hurt you, and since I was the second in-command, Gisor let me give you up.”

  I frowned, and then I said, “Wait… you’re not the second anymore?” In response, Vralius shook his head, and I asked, “Well, then, who is?” Vralius sighed heavily and replied in a hollow voice, “Cazis. He was the highest ranking among the common centaurs, so he took my spot. It’s why Gisor let him take you.”

  I shook my head, slowly; all of this information was confusing me. I was still tired and aching from the night before. I sat down on my bed and closed my eyes. Sighing, I rubbed my face and then mumbled into my hands, “So what now?”

  Vralius touched my head gently and then replied, “I’m not sure. But… Cazis will tire of you, eventually. Once he does, it’s his decision on what to do with you.” Grimacing a little, I lifted my head and asked, “What’re the chances he’ll let me go free?”

  Vralius shook his head and muttered, “He won’t. He’ll probably kill you, but I’m… I’m trying to think of a plan. Try not to worry about it.” In response, I groaned and threw myself backwards into my bed.

  “Just go, Vralius. Before they get here.” I didn’t know what else to say, or do. There was nothing, really. I couldn’t escape. I didn’t expect Vralius to let me go free, either. I still didn’t trust him. I was still angry with him. I heard him sigh deeply, and he left without another word.

  Thanks to all of the sleep that I got the day before, I awoke the next morning before the sun was up. Luckily I was very well rested, and my body wasn’t as sore. I was stiff, though, and I stretched for a good while. Groaning, I got up from my bed and looked out the window. It was silent, and peaceful, and I got to watch the sunrise. When the birds woke up, it got louder, what with all of their songs and whistles, but it was nice. I smiled to myself, but then I was distracted by a scraping noise. Someone was coming. I turned from the window as the door opened, and in stepped Napius. He smiled at me when he saw me, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

  “I’ve brought your breakfast. Don’t… uh, don’t tell Cazis or Placias, but Vralius told me to give you extra, since you only ate once yesterday.” Napius had a chronic, nervous voice, but it made me feel relaxed. I laughed a little and shook my head, telling him honestly, “Please, I won’t tell them. And… thanks, Napius. Tell Vralius I said thanks, also.”

  I took the platter from him and moved over to my table before sitting down and beginning to eat. Like usual, he stayed in the room, but I wasn’t all the bothered since I’d gotten a lot of sleep, and he was the bringer of food.

  “How… how are you, Nephele?” he asked after a few minutes. Swallowing my food, I cleared my throat and said, “I’m okay, I guess. I woke up before the birds did.” He chuckled a little and said, “Me too, but I’ve always woken up early.”

  I smiled at him, about to go back to my food, but then I asked abruptly, “Hey – do you know when Placias and Cazis are coming back?” He shook his head, a little surprised, and then stammered, “I-I saw them working earlier. It might be a while? I’m not very sure. Um, do you want me to get them for you?”

  I could almost hear his thoughts, wondering why I would event want my masters to return. I shook my head swiftly, took another bite of food, and then sighed, “I don’t want them. I was just wondering if they were coming today. I sort of wanted a day alone.” As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I knew they sounded bad. Napius looked truly hurt, and I blurted, “No, I just meant – you’re fine, I just, I get tired when they visit.”

  Napius blushed, and I did too, and I turned back to my food, feeling my stomach twist uncomfortably. I saw him move closer, and he hesitated as he raised his hand, and then touched my shoulder for the smallest of moments.

  “I… I’m sorry, Nephele. You’re really nice, you didn’t deserve… this.” He muttered, looking away. I, on the other hand, got a little angry with him, as I snapped, “What, and all the other women did?”

  Napius’ eyes widened and he raised his hands in a pleading way. “I didn’t mean it like that! I’m sorry, I say the wrong things a lot without even meaning to…” He looked so dejected and surprised that I sighed, shaking my head.

  “No, it’s fine. I’m sorry. It’s just hard… I just want to go home…” I told him. Napius looked at me with concern, and then touched my arm. “I’m so sorry, Nephele. I wish I could say that I’d try to get you back home, but… I can’t. My dad would kill me – and you.”

  I nodded, dejectedly, and then finished my breakfast reluctantly. “Yeah, I know”, was my hollow response. I sighed quietly, and then handed my platter to Napius.

  “Nephele…” he mumbled, not meeting my gaze, “Do you… you know… like it?” Slightly puzzled, I tilted my head to the side. He inhaled shakily, and then continued nervously. “Do you like… being with centaurs?”

  I blinked, and then self-consciously crossed my legs and put my arms over my chest. “I… I guess I do. I mean, I grew up believing that you made love because you were in love… but it’s not the case here. I don’t really have a choice. It doesn’t matter anymore, not really. I’m stuck here and I’ll likely be killed one of these days. I’ve got to enjoy it while I can.” I hadn’t noticed, but my words were incredibly morbid. I laughed, a hollow sound, and then sighed, shaking my head.

  “You should go,” I told Napius quietly. He nodded, still avoiding my gaze,
and then ducked out of my room.

  I was left to myself for the entire day, left to stew and mull over my thoughts. I knew I needed to get out of here, to get home… But I also knew I was sure to die here. Normally, I would have shed tears over it, but I was too emotionally drained. My thoughts were disturbed when night fall, and Napius returned bearing my dinner. He offered me a smile, but I wasn’t able to return it.

  “Napius, why are you the only truly nice centaur?” I asked him as I took the food from him. He shrugged in response and scratched the back of his head. “I’m not sure. I guess it’s because I think slavery is wrong. That and my dad doesn’t think I’m ready for my own slave yet. He thinks I’m weak and unfit to be his heir.” At the end, he rolled his eyes, and I laughed a little bit, but then his words hit me.

  “Wait…” I said, looking him over. “Heir? Who’s your dad?” Despite my questions, I had a very good idea.

  “Oh. Um, Gisor. The chief.” I nodded slowly, too surprised to respond right away. After a few moments, I took a deep breath and told him, “I think you’d be a better chief than him.” He just smiled and ducked his head.

  “I’m not sure I want to be chief, though. I just want to… I dunno, I just want to find a girl and settle down I guess. Leave the herd.” I nodded again, and I placed a hand on his arm, tentatively. He looked at me, curious, and I just smiled before sitting down to my dinner.

  “I’m glad that you’re nice, Napius. But… why are you so nice to me?” Napius looked at me, surprised, and then told me, “Well, I like you. You’re nice.” I gave him a suspicious look, and said, “Okay, but I’ve heard that before. In case you haven’t noticed, Vralius and I didn’t end up so well.”

  Napius rolled his eyes, but he let me eat in peace. When I was finished, he told me bluntly, “Nephele, I’m not like Vralius. He might have seemed nice, but he’s too much like the others. He’s used to using women like you…” I sighed, knowing he was right.

  “Alright. Well, thanks Napius. You’re making my life bearable right now.” Napius just laughed and nodded. “Hey, it’s my pleasure.” He gave me a smile, took my empty platter, and went to leave.

  “You can come visit whenever, I like talking to you.” I told him honestly, moving over to the window. I heard him chuckle, and then he left. Surprised as I was, I saw neither Cazis nor Placias that night, and I began to wonder… had they tired of me already? I doubted it, for the most part; I was just glad for the time alone, and the rest my body got thanks to it.

  Morning came, and with it, Napius, and along with him, there was Cazis and Placias. I stifled my smile of the chief’s son and ducked my head as they all walked in; I had to admit, the room was more than a little crowded. Napius set my regular breakfast on the table while Cazis and Placias approached me. They ran their hands over my breasts, pinching them slightly. I winced and looked up slightly. From behind my masters, I could see an angered expression on Napius’ face. I bowed my head again, hoping Napius would keep quiet.

  “I, uh – I think you should let her eat first,” Napius cleared his throat and spoke up, a cold edge to his nervous voice. I lifted my head, mortified, while Cazis and Placias turned around slowly.

  “Really?” Cazis snorted, sarcasm dripping from his tongue, “I, uh – I think you should leave, and keep your nose out of our business,” he continued, obviously mocking Napius. Beside him, Placias snickered, and told the younger centaur, “She’s a slave, Napius. She eats when we tell her to eat.”

  I swallowed my own anger, and instead threw a cautionary glance towards Napius, who caught my eye. Placias seemed to notice our eye contact, and he nudged Cazis pointedly. “Seems to me that Napius is protective of our slave, Cazis.”

  Cazis turned away from Napius, scoffing slightly, and he looked to me. “Why is that, hmm?” His tone was demanding, not necessarily angry, but more amused, and I backed up slightly, shaking my head. “I – I don’t know,” I replied, my back hitting the wall. He turned on Napius instead.

  “Are you trying to protect her, Napius?” Cazis didn’t seem like he was going to relent, but neither did Napius. His hands had balled into fists, and I just hoped he was smart enough not to pick a fight with Cazis.

  “So what if I am?” Napius countered, his nervousness subsiding. “Why’s it such a hassle to just let the girl eat?”

  Both Cazis and Placias snickered. Cazis shrugged, as if to dismiss his anger. “Fine,” he said, taking a deep breath. He turned to me and then pointed to the table. “Eat.”

  I exhaled slowly and removed myself from the wall. “Yes, master,” I answered lowly, moving around the three centaurs to sit at the table. I began to eat, slowly, though to be honest I wasn’t feeling very hungry anymore. I was queasy, my stomach in knots, but I forced the food down anyways. I didn’t want this – I didn’t want Napius to stick up for me. I didn’t need Napius to stick up for me. It was only causing more trouble for me.

  I finished the food, albeit a bit slowly, and then I stood up. “Are you satisfied?” Cazis asked Napius. The young centaur glared at the second in-command, who sneered at him. Cazis turned to me and grabbed me roughly by the arms, and I gasped out in pain. He spun me around and forced me over the table, and he attempted to mount me. I heard Napius shout, and then Cazis was shoved off of me. I cried out in fear and ran to a corner, watching Cazis get up slowly. He rubbed at his side, and then he turned to glare at Napius.

  “I’ve about had it with you, boy,” he spat, moving in on Napius. I rushed forward and shouted out, “No! Don’t hurt him!” but all that got me was a violent backhanded slap, and then Placias moved forward to restrain me, not that I needed any more reason to stay away.

  “You like her that much?” Cazis asked Napius, voice chillingly cruel, “Then you can fuck her. How does that sound?” I whimpered softly, struggling slightly, but Placias only held onto me tighter. “Just leave her alone!” Napius shouted, clenching his fists.

  “Placias,” Cazis barked, “Restrain our slave, it’s time Napius is made a real man.” Placias nodded once and then tied me to the table as he and Cazis had before, and I cried silently into the table. I wasn’t afraid for myself – I was afraid for Napius. I didn’t care that I was being forced into this, but that he was. “Napius, just… just do it. Get it over with. I know you’ve been wanting to, I saw how you looked at me when you met me,” I told him wearily.

  I heard Napius struggle for words, and then I felt his torso and he was forced against me. “I don’t want them to hurt you,” I pleaded, “I don’t care! I – I want it, alright? I want you to want it; I want you to want me… I want you to take me, Napius.” I heard him swallow, and then he whispered, “Nephele, I’m so sorry.” I personally didn’t care for apologies, because I hadn’t been lying. I really did want him to take me. Better him that Cazis, and when I felt him slide into me, I felt an odd sense of peace settle into my stomach.

  I knew enough about Napius by now to know he was a virgin, and I knew he didn’t want it to be like this. Even so… I knew he was enjoying it. I knew when the forced thrusting became reflexive, and my body’s natural responses to him taking me likely bolstered him. I moaned softly, for he was a sort of gentle lover. I didn’t really believe Napius had a single harsh or cruel bone in his body. He cared for me, in a way Vralius had never… and I realized then, as he took me, that I cared for Napius in the same way.

  Our session was short, his body not having the amount of control the older centaurs did, and when he pulled out, I was immediately unbound. “Get her out of my sight,” Cazis told Placias, “I have no use for her anymore. We have no use for a disobedient slave.”

  Placias sighed, and opened the door. He took me out, for the first time in days, and I felt a thrill of fear course through my veins. I felt sure I was to die, right here and now, and it was made worse when Cazis came outside, forcing Napius to walk in front of him.

  “Even so…” Cazis murmured coldly, “This whore doesn’t deserve death. Get Gisor. And take Napius with
you.” Placias grimaced a little, but he took Napius. Cazis didn’t speak to me while we were alone, but he kept his eyes on me nonetheless. I didn’t know how much time had passed – each second felt a year – but eventually we were joined by the other two, and Gisor.

  “Cazis,” the chief said slowly, “What’s going on?” Cazis jerked his head at me, and then pointed to Napius. “Your son is too soft, Gisor, and this slave is of no use to us anymore. She’s too disobedient. We’d like to give her to our brother herd.” Placias stared, surprised, at Cazis, but Gisor didn’t even look his way.

  “Very well,” the chief sighed, motioning for Placias to release Napius. “I’ll send the messenger in a moment. But what does my son have to do with any of this?”

  Cazis smirked a little bit and said, “He got in our way just a while ago. He wouldn’t let us fuck her, so we made him do it.” Gisor looked surprised, though I expected anger. Clearly, I didn’t know the chief.

  Aghast, I watched as he clapped his son on the back and said, “Really now? I suppose you aren’t that soft then!” Napius didn’t say anything, he just stared at his father, a hardened expression on his face.

  Gisor chuckled and then sighed, before he turned to me. “Alas… for you, your future just got a lot darker. Our brother herd, well, there’s a reason we’ve separated… You’ll be lucky to survive past a week.” With that, he left, taking his son with him. I stood there, feeling my legs beginning to shake. Countless thoughts were running through my mind, and then, I fainted. When I awoke, I was staring upwards into the face of a savage centaur, and he leered down at me.

  Sanctuary

  Book Three

  I felt my life coming to an end, as I stared upwards into the face of an unknown centaur. He looked savage, and brutal, so much so that he made Cazis and Placias look sweet and caring. I whimpered softly as he held my chin tighter, forcing me to look at him, while he examined me. I knew I would not survive, be it with him or any of his herd. His shoulders and chest bore deep marks, like that made of a whip, and I realized that they tortured their own, not just their prisoners. I would have run, but I was paralyzed by my fear, and by the bindings around my wrists and ankles. There would be no escape. “Father, please,” I head Napius’ quiet voice, desperately pleading with Gisor, the chief. “Why can’t I take her? I was supposed to get my own once I came of age!” His words cut into me, knowing that he thought of me as just a slave… but then I realized, it was just a ploy. He only talked like that in an effort to save me from the centaur that still gripped me roughly.