Chapter 2 - Runaway Slave

Third Person’s Point of View

Maximus was stunned as he longed to see his mate’s face – he had waited his entire life for it. With the split eye contact they shared, he immediately knew his mate was of ethereal beauty.

“No dirt on your face can hide the beauty you harbor,” he unknowingly muttered.

He smelled her as well, saw her glow – he looked down to see her name. “Natashian Rynne Elboser,” he read – her name glowing on his right arm.

“Brother?” Zonner, his most precious older brother became increasingly worried as Maximus stood still for far too long.

Maximus staggered for a moment, before looking up to see the people anticipating his words. He looked on to see the lady has long since disappeared into the alleyways of the slum – which people do not dare to take even a single look into.

“I can’t reveal this too soon,” he thought as he slightly shook his head to his brother.

The event’s host caught on with the signal, “The youngest Alpha has not been given the prophecy for his mate!”

Instead of sobs, the town broke out in a festive mood. “He’s still available,” all the unlinked women in town thought – somewhat glad that the lottery for his mate was still available.

“The pack’s women sure are lively,” Zonner remarked as he approached his brother.

Maximus chuckled, “Let’s party while we’re single!” Zonner dragged his brother along as they went into a bar, planning to drink until dawn to celebrate the youngest Alpha’s coming of age.

Meanwhile, Natashian was occupied inside the hut situated deep inside the forest. “Fuck, fuck – these aren’t enough,” she muttered as she gathered all the pheromone inhibitors and disguises she saved up.

Natashian Rynne Elboser’s Point of View

I barely have any money saved up, and now I need to buy a lifetime supply of inhibitors – I couldn’t even buy the dress I’ve been eyeing for my whole life.

However, if I don’t do this – I’d only be humiliated and would die either way. I need to survive, no matter what the price.

I have to do something about this slave insignia first, it’s pretty easy to get rid of. A little reverse spell is nothing, they call me the witch of the woods for a reason.

“Apage!” I exclaimed as I touched the symbol, and voila! Cheap bastards hire cheap mages – it’s nothing new.

I put on man’s clothes covering any feminine features I have, cut my hair to a two-block haircut, and locked up the cabin before going into town.

The people were still rejoicing as I arrived – I knew the youngest Alpha was near, however, I couldn’t sense him at all. “Well, that’s a good sign,” I mutter as I looked around town.

All the shops were closed; however, stalls were still displayed all across the town. “I just hope I can buy some that can sustain me for a little while longer,” I mumble as I looked around.

After getting distracted by a few stalls which I didn’t even buy from, I finally found it.

“I’m going to buy all the pheromone inhibitors you have,” I said as I pointed out everything. The stall lady’s eyes widened, “A-all of these?”

I nodded, “How much are all of them?” She turned away for a moment to discuss with her husband, I frowned – “Don’t even think about it, I’m way smarter about these things than you think.”

“That’s 10-,” before she could even say anything more – “35 pheromone inhibitors, I’m sure that’s 5 golds.”

I smirked as the lady had a defeated look on her face, I prepared all my life for this moment. I studied everything that would come to my advantage.

In the end, I was the one walking down the street with a big smile on my face – another day of not getting scammed. I chuckled as I remembered the look on the couple’s faces – must be disheartening to not get double the price.

“Get us another drink!” People were rejoicing all around – however, I need to get to the most famous tavern in town.

I eventually got past the sea of wolves, literally – jumping around and throwing booze everywhere. The previously fragrant flower petals scattered on the ground are now tainted with vodka – the same way innocence gets stripped away by a single droplet effect.

“Ahh, this isn’t the time to get sentimental over useless things,” I mutter as I shook my thoughts off.

I inhaled sharply and exhaled as I looked down. The tavern’s lights seem to have gotten brighter, and the slightly crooked signage just at the top reassured me somehow – this picturesque scene can be flawed yet perfect at the same time.

“I seriously need to stop overthinking, I’ve played this in my head thousands of times already,” I mutter as I pushed the door open – I slightly winced as the overwhelming smell of cigarettes and vodka greeted my nose.

I forced myself to trudge towards the very front of the tavern, where my good friend worked as a bartender.

“Markie!” I called out to him – however, he was far too busy to even hear me from his spot. Must be tough…

There weren’t available seats either, there were people left and right shouting to get their booze.

As I was standing around, a random person suddenly handed me a tray – I was dumbfounded as I had no idea what to do.

“Bring it to table 15, be careful with that one,” the guy said as he ran off somewhere back into the counter. I had no idea where or what table 15 looks like.

“Excuse me, table 15 is waiting!” I heard a group of men shout out – I turned around and immediately ran over to their table.

“I apologize for the dela-.” I paused – it was faint, however, I’m sure I felt it. The feeling is unique to that of meeting your mate.

I turned around to see him, he was sitting with his brother… along with a dozen of women. I sighed in relief, I’m sure he wouldn’t even notice me.

“What’s wrong?” the men at table 15 asked – I snapped out of my trance and shook my head.

“Nothing,” I smiled as I finished serving them. I succeeded in preventing death and humiliation, I’m sure I can change my life slowly.

To stray far away from the prophetic yet haunting dreams,

“I believe my life will start to get better now…”