Hunter 9: Grandpa’s Mysterious Friend

Hunter 9: Grandpa’s Mysterious Friend

I remembered what Grandpa had warned me as I waited to check in: “They would instantly recognize you as an outsider since you didn’t grow up and new there. But as long as you pose no threat to them, they won’t harm or bother you; most of them won’t harm an outsider like you, but we can’t be sure.”

That’s why I know why they’re staring at me like that. Additionally, Grandpa informed me that these immortals would perceive me as either someone who was one of them and that I grew up outside of this realm or someone who was destined to be here despite being mortal.

The latter indicates that certain mortals are destined to enter this realm due to being fated with a werewolf or a vampire. Something that even immortals cannot stop. I’m the next in line, so I was surprised to see someone unexpectedly approach me.

“Hi, miss! Excuse me.”

When I turned to face her, I noticed that she was a sophisticated-looking woman. Her hair is short and in a manner that suits her. She is likewise dressed in opulent attire and high heels. She appears exquisitely gorgeous, but I’m not sure why she’s talking to me.

Despite my bewilderment, I faced her without looking around. “Yes? How can I assist you?” I inquired nicely as her smile widened. Looking into her eyes, I observed that they were gleaming, as if she was delighted to see me.

“Are you maybe Sabrina Hart?” She inquires, perplexing me as to why she knows my name and she notices it. “Oh! Did not Hussien inform you?” When she noticed my bewildered expression, she understood Grandpa hadn’t told me anything. “That dude, seriously. Tss!” She said, shaking her head in disappointment.

‘She knows my grandfather?’

“Uhm. May I ask why you know me? My Grandpa didn’t tell me anything about you, so…” I added, sounding doubtful. I’m hesitant to talk to her right now, and a lot of questions are running through my head.

The lady smiled sweetly at me before switching to a look I couldn’t decipher. “I understand that you are suspicious of me, but I can assure you that I will not endanger you,” she said, and the mysterious emotion on her face faded. She glanced around, then back at me, and added, “But you have to go with me if you want me to answer your questions.”

I hesitated to go with her. She is a stranger, and this city is unfamiliar to me. She saw my reluctance and sighed, and I just noticed her taking something in her bag. However, she did not entirely take it out it as if it could not be seen by others.

Instead, she only revealed it to me when it was still in her purse. But I was frozen in place when I saw what was in her purse. I inspected it thoroughly, and when I verified that it was not a forgery, I stared at her with wide eyes. She grinned at me as if she had won the jackpot.

‘Why the heck does she have our family crest?!’

“Can you believe me now?” I can only nod in response to her question. “Then follow me, dear.” I did, and we stepped into a private elevator. She pressed the button for the fifteenth floor, but I’m still not sure why she has that.

“How come you have the crest of our family?” I inquired as I felt the elevator moving.

Our family crest consists of a full moon and a bow and arrow, both of which signify hunting. It was simple, yet the intricate designs made it appear outstanding. Furthermore, Cadwell’s crest was exclusively granted to family members, not ‘outsiders’.

‘But why does she own one?’

I looked at her; although she is youthful and beautiful, it is not feasible that she is one of Grandpa’s children. This is one of the drawbacks of being immortal: you never know their true age. She appears to be about my age, but I’m certain we are not.

“Your grandfather and I know each other… ‘really-really’ know each other.” She said, winking at me.

I frowned, but I remained silent and bided my time until the elevator door opened. Although I’’ still wary about her, I had a gut feeling that she was trustworthy. I’m confident that my grandfather would never endanger me. I know him; he may not be present, but I am confident that I am protected.

‘That old man wouldn't be able to trick me.’

When the elevator did eventually open, I just followed her until we reached a hotel room. She opened it with her key card, and we both stepped inside. However, I was shocked to learn that this was a presidential suite; it looked really classy, opulent, and cozy.

I looked around with my mouth slightly open. A glass pane in front of me allowed me to glimpse the bustling metropolis beneath. As I near the window, the view outdoors astounds me even more. It was more spectacular from this vantage point, and I could see more of the city.

“I was notified of your arrival by your grandfather,” my gaze shifted from the cityscape to her, “Requesting me to look after you while you stay here,” ‘Did Grandpa do that?’ Her lips twitched slightly as she added, “He personally looks for ‘her’ here for you because he doesn’t want to give you a hard time.”

I was stunned but after a short while, my eyes softened. “He’s a wonderful grandfather, isn’t he?” My voice sounds cocky, and she laughed at it. “However, did he find ‘her’?” I can’t stop myself from asking.

Her smile widened as she walked closer to me and looked down at the scenery. “Certainly, he did. That guy would do anything for his grandchildren, even if it meant putting himself in danger.” She said, sounding as if she really knew my grandfather.

“It sounds like you and Grandpa are really close to each other.” I remarked. It dawned on me why my grandfather had wanted me to stay at this particular hotel. Perhaps she owns this hotel and they really know each other.

I overheard her chuckle. She laughed meaningfully before facing me: “Anyway, I haven’t introduced myself. Mirena Forbes, your grandfather’s ‘very close-close friend’.” She teased, but I ignored it.

I don’t want to interpret what she said, especially the expression on her face: “Nice to meet you, Miss Mirena. And I appreciate you giving me such a lovely, comfortable place.” I retorted as we shook hands.

“Well, I can see you are exhausted. I’ll leave you here for now so you can rest. You can carry out your mission again tomorrow. Because the forest is enchanted, you will need a companion. Something could happen if you go alone, especially since ‘that’ witch dislikes people,” she shrugged, softly patting my shoulder. “You won’t have to leave your room because I’ll bring you meals here. I will come to you immediately if you need anything; just ask the front desk personnel about me.”

I frowned because of what I heard, “Am I not bothering you…?” I inquired in a quiet voice, ashamed.

Her expression softened, and her hand was ready to brush my cheek, but she paused midway. She let out a sigh and pulled herself together, leaving me staring at her in confusion. “No, you are not. I’ll even come to you right away if you need me,” her smile returns, “so don’t be concerned, sweetie. I’ll look after you while you’re here.” Her tone is nice and compassionate, which comforts me.

I smiled and nodded. “Alright. Thank you very much.” I just responded before she left, leaving me alone but less anxious.

I sighed, relieved this time. I was a little less nervous after meeting Miss Mirena than I had been before. She appears odd to me, particularly given the expression she gives me. It was both delight and yearning.

I was first distrustful of her, but now I feel at ease with her. I sense that she’s not a bad person, and we seem to have an inexplicable connection. I groaned and placed my stuff on the couch. A little while later, I heard a knock on my door and assumed it was already my food.

***

I awoke feeling better this time. It’s already four in the afternoon. I stretched my body while admiring the scenery outside. Even at this hour, the city is still bustling. I’m wondering now whether Mom used to reside here and how was her life in this place.

This is the type of place I wanted to visit, but now that I had the opportunity, I can’t even stroll around. It’s perilous, therefore it’s best to stick to my plan. I sighed and was satisfied with glancing out the window.

Later, as the night was approaching, I decided to read the book I had packed. The hotel personnel had previously stated that they would send my dinner later, and fortunately, the food here was close to what I was used to.

The sound of knocking drew me in from reading about nightwalkers. It’s dinnertime, and I just discovered that it’s already dark outside, revealing the city lights. “Another breathtaking view.” I had no idea Primrose City was more stunning at night.

‘But at the same time dangerous.’

 

***