Hunter 8: An Outsider in the City

Hunter 8: An Outsider in the City

My head aches every time I against the windshield of my Jeep Wrangler. I’m at a loss for what to do at this point; I can’t even act rashly for fear of endangering myself. I think it’s a mistake for me to not accept Grandpa’s request to bring someone along.

“What should I dooooo?” I let out a weeping sound while remaining in the same position, not until I heard a baritone voice that caused me to almost jump in horror.

“Do you perhaps need assistance, Miss?”

When I swiftly spun around to check who was speaking, I was shocked to discover a man who was just a few inches away from me. A man with a godly face and an exquisitely shaped physique. My heart is racing, almost leaving me breathless.

‘What the hell? Is this the meaning intended by the term “breathtaking beauty”?’

Especially when our gazes locked, successfully stealing my breath away. Literally. I’m positive that I don’t fear him, but I’m not sure why I feel this way toward him either. I glance him over right away since I can tell the difference between an archmage, a werewolf, and a vampire based only on appearance.

I roam around my eyes on him; he is tall, well-built, with a tan complexion, a small waist for a guy, and prominent veins on his arms and hands. I know I am tall for a woman, but I am assuming I can barely reach his shoulders.

Along with his jet-black hair, he has thick eyebrows that give him an imposing appearance, a strong jawline that clenches just now, a perfectly pointed nose, naturally red lips that look soft, and, of course, those fascinating silver eyes that oddly look familiar.

He’s dressed simply, yet he’s nonetheless attractive and captivating. After examining him, I’m positive he’s a werewolf. Vampires are effortless to figure out, while werewolves and archmages are not since they appear identical and normal, not until werewolves shift.

If I didn’t know about their kind, I’d assume he was just another human with a divine face and a well-formed physique. But I know he isn’t ordinary, which makes me realize that I’m already dealing with an immortal. Nonetheless, warmth consumes me rather than fear.

“Do you have any idea what kind of place this is, young lady?”

My heart begins to beat weirdly when I wake up from my trance and hear his oddly familiar voice. ‘He called me what, though.’ Young lady? Huh! Why does he address me as if he were a hundred years old?!

That idea took me by surprise. Who knows what age he is? He may have appeared young, but an immortal like him never ages. Age is nothing more than a number to them; they will always be youthful. They will live eternally as long as no one deliberately kills them.

“I…” I’m at a loss for words, making me gulp. I subconsciously moisten my lips with my tongue, but now I see this man staring at them.

‘Shouldn’t I be creeped out by now with the gaze he has on me?’

I noticed his Adam’s apple twitch, suggesting that he swallowed. I clear my throat to catch his attention, and I succeed when his gaze returns to mine. But the way he’s staring at me makes me feel instantly conscious. A kind of intense stare.

“I’m going to Primrose City, but I’m not sure which route to take.” I eventually respond, and I nearly applaud myself for not stuttering.

His stern eyes are still fixated on me. He still manages to seem more attractive despite that cold demeanor. My emotions are erratic, but one thing is certain: I’m attracted to this guy, which I couldn’t believe.

Who would have imagined I’d be drawn to a man who I know isn’t ordinary? In my whole life, nothing like this has ever happened. I have never been attracted to males, and I’m not sure why. The reason I haven’t had a boyfriend since I was born.

His silver eyes immediately sparkled with emotion, as I was still gazing at him. striking me as surprising. “You don’t know what kind of place this is, that’s why be careful on your way there,” His voice was deep and serious, yet I could tell he was in agony.

I was ready to speak when he abruptly turned away from me, perhaps trying to leave me by myself once more. He did something that left me stunned; I was staring at his back as if he had lost his mind. I was annoyed, but I also felt a twinge of discomfort in my chest.

‘Am I genuinely sad to see him leave?’

I felt a twinge of melancholy, but it quickly faded as I heard his voice once more. “Middle. That’s the path to Primrose City.” He remarked, continuing to walk on the left.

My face brightened, but I couldn’t shake the grief that was lurking in my chest. “Please don’t say that I’m upset over that man leaving me.” I whispered in a mournful tone, observing his back. “Ridiculous.” I shook my head before getting into my car.

I started the engine and drove immediately to the destination specified by the unknown man. As I drove, I didn’t look at the person anymore, trying to wipe away my melancholy. Having feelings like this for a strange person is just too absurd! This place is truly enchanted!

“Am I bewitched? Is he actually an archmage rather than a werewolf?” I said, still in shock at what had transpired. “Tss! I meant to say thank you, but I was too caught up in my haywire emotions earlier.” I’m a little upset right now, but my surroundings help me relax.

***

I’ve been traveling for about an hour and can now see houses from a distance. After traveling for an hour, I discovered that this city was surrounded by huge forests and mountains. I believe this is also why this place gets frigid temperatures.

The road was also no longer empty as vehicles began to appear. For me, this appears to be just another ordinary location; It’s a beautiful spot that makes me thrilled. But more importantly, shouldn’t forget what kind of place this is.

Now that I’m on the right track, I recall what Grandpa told me about getting to the heart of this city. I simply keep driving slowly and looking about; after a few more minutes of seeing nothing but towering trees, mountains, and cliffs, I eventually see houses again.

But this time they are nearer, as opposed to before when they were just modest dwellings. I notice a few folks about, and they all appear to be normal. Their very identical residences and attire are the only things that make them look like mortals to me.

“So this is what Grandpa meant when he said this place would look normal to me but not at the same time.” I whispered, focused on the road and increasing my speed slightly.

It was lunchtime when I finally arrived at Primrose City, causing my heart to race. I can see big skyscrapers here; they appear to be similar to the world I used to live in yet at the same time not. It was only in the city that I realized this area isn’t truly normal.

I was perplexed by what I was seeing around me, but I still made sure to drive cautiously and avoid drawing their notice, even if it was impossible. I was struck stunned when I saw folks with wands doing magic. To help me relax, I pulled over to the side of the road where I saw other cars parked.

While I’m still processing what I’ve seen, I place my hand on my face. I sat up straight, closed my eyes, and took a long breath. “Grandpa was right that my reaction would be like this.” I shouldn’t behave in this way since I must interact with them even if I don’t want to.

I opened my eyes once again and softly slapped my cheeks. “I need to get acclimated to this place this instant!” I exhaled and gathered myself before glancing at the hotel Grandpa had recommended.

I continue driving in search of ‘that’ hotel, but I can’t help but notice the archmages around me, particularly those who use magic. I just got used to it, while knowing the reality, until I discovered the hotel Grandpa was referring to.

“Artemis Suites…” I said, glancing around the hotel. Grandpa suggested I can stay here in the meantime as it’s one of the opulent hotels in Primrose City.

“Good afternoon, Ma’am! Welcome to Artemis Suites!” As soon as I pulled up to the hotel’s door and opened my car’s windshield, the valet attendant stated.

I returned the greeting with a smile. “Good afternoon, sir.” Feeling my knees trembling a little, I simply let him do his thing as I entered the hotel.

I sighed and returned the staff’s greetings as I made my way to the front desk. There are other people here, and I’ve observed that they’re moving their heads towards mine, which makes me uneasy. Behind their kind grins, I know the hotel staff are wondering who am I too.

‘Because there’s an outsider inside their city.’

***