Blood splatters on the half skull that covered his face was left to stain the bone. His heavy footsteps had crossed the dirt path as he stalked toward you. Leather and furs, fine thread entwined into the tunic he wore had only made him look more like a beast.

Fear struck you, just as fear struck your entire village when they descended upon the unsuspecting people. An entire unit of warriors attacking the dirt streets to steal and destroy the town.

Women and children were left alive and barricaded in a surviving building while the men who fought were killed. It was an act of mercy they said, to save the innocents.

But some women were taken as spoils of war—like yourself. You were chosen by the one wearing a skull mask, thrown on the back of a horse and taken with the rest of them.

Your destination was their village high in the mountains, with other taken women, to become a warrior’s prize—and according to him, a wife.

“Don’t you want to see your new home?” His voice was mocking, as he lifted you from the dirt you laid on, and set you on your feet. “Go inside. Now.”

Your feet moved before your mind could catch up, and you pushed the door open to set foot inside. The terrifying beast at your back giving you no chance to turn and run.