The Hunter

"Uh...no. Greetings," She dropped her gaze.

The young man flashed a thin smile as he looked down from the balcony and saw the Alpha walking away. He fixed the puzzle instantly.

"I see. You are one of my brother's admirers, are you not?"

Sheera's jaw dropped slightly with surprise. He was the Alpha's brother?! 

The Alpha had two stepbrothers. Sheela was certain the one in front of her was Malkar. 

"Greetings, my prince." Her head went lower.

He passed a scrutinizing stare. "You didn't know who I was initially. And... I do not think I have seen this face around here. Who are you?"

Sheera bristled under his scrutiny. An unpleasant chill snaked down her spine. There was something about Malkar, something dark and unsettling that lurked beneath the surface of his youthful charm.

"I am...I am actually new here. My name is Sheera."

"Hold on!" He clicked his fingers. "I have definitely heard of you! The Alpha's toy. Am I correct?"

She didn't respond. How many others knew of her? And was that all she was known for? The Alpha's toy?

"Well..." he went closer. "You can call me Malkar. And... I must say you're too good to be a toy. What do you say about having tea with me?"

Sheera's heart made a thud. She lifted her head and saw two maids coming before her. They looked at her suspiciously, greeted the prince when they got to where he was before walking away.

"I appreciate the gesture. But I have to go now. Thank you." She bowed her head and ran off as quickly as she could, not wanting to hear any more from him.

.....

Sheera hadn't gone too far when she met another maiden who seemed to stand in her way. 

She reined in her haste, forcing her hurried steps to slow to a measured walk when she noticed the maiden was still in her path, . The only thing that kept her at ease was the welcoming smile she had on her face. 

"Wise were you to to avoid him. Prince Malkar can be very cunning," She said at last, stepping out of the way. 

Sheera regarded her without knowing what response to give. She didn't want to say anything that'd get her into trouble. 

The maiden noticed Sheera's unease. "I was asked to bring this to your room. I'm Tabitha, by the way." She smiled.

Oh...food at last. 

"Thank you," Sheera bobbed. 

Joining the lady, they started towards her room. 

"I take it your stay in the Fortress hasn't been too pleasant." Tabitha said as they walked. 

"Why would your think that?" Sheera quirked a brow. 

"Isn't it obvious? Who would be happy to be here as a toy?" She scoffed. "But I get it, tho. It's the Alpha we're talking about. Not everyone gets the privilege to be touched by him. You're lucky. Only difference is - it gets worst when he's through with you and sends you back to your place. You might have a hard time finding a partner."

Anguish ripped through Sheera's soul. It wasn't until Tabitha saw the glum look on her face that she realized she may have spoken out of point. 

"Oh, my! By the hunts, I'm so sorry. I am so careless with words." She seemed genuinely sorry. 

Sheera managed a faint smile. "It's fine."

A lull fell between them for a brief moment. 

"You know, you might just become lucky and find your mate. It'll make everything easy for you." Tabitha continued the conversation. 

Sheera nearly rolled her eyes at that. 

"I don't think it's possible." She scoffed. 

Centuries ago, after the great war, the wolves were cursed with the loss of their mate's scent. They couldn't tell their mates from the other wolves, making every one of them to seem the same. As a result, the wolves only got mated to who they chose and were attracted to. Only a very very few could still find their mates. In those cases, it was considered a miracle. 

"You can't be so sure. Some people are born lucky." Tabitha shrugged. 

If Sheera had been anything, it was unlucky. Her father's history with the late Alpha had put her family through a lot, they had to be their own friends. The only time Sheera got attention from people was when men 'lusted' after her which was very common. 

It was very rare for any man she came across to go by without lusting after.  She couldn't explain nor comprehend why they seemed to be so attracted to her beauty.  While her sister always teased her saying she was blessed, Sheera felt it was a curse.

"Did you witness the execution yesterday?" Tabitha asked.

She seemed to be one cheerful soul.

Sheera nodded, the pain and pity she had felt for the lady crawling into her head. 

"Ugh! I couldn't watch it. I wonder how all those people were able to stand it at all." Tabitha spoke as if the words themselves were a foul potion she had to swallow. 

Sheera became curious. 

"How was she caught? Did someone rat out on her?" She questioned. 

"Not at all. Ratting out on a witch is almost never needed - not when we have Zandov."

Sheera's pulse quickened on hearing that name. She couldn't tell why. 

"You've heard of him, right? The famous witch hunter and executioner. He grew up hating witches that he dedicated his whole life to executing them. I don't even know how he does it, but the moment a witch is around, he senses it and goes after them. He always isolates himself in his private hut and only comes out when he's on a mission." Tabitha explained. 

Zandov was a name everyone knew - the witch hunter with one of the darkest hearts. 

"He is the reason a lot of people is scared of harbouring a witch. Because the moment he finds a witch, he kills whoever was found with them." Tabitha added. 

"I see." Sheera simply mumbled.