CHAPTER 5

Sandy’s POV

The noise of chattering, screeching, and scowling droned in my ears as I entered the market in Halterland. My eyebrows scrunched in disgust. I don’t know what I expected but I definitely didn’t expect the market to be so crowded and noisy. Apart from the goods that were sold, it was no different than a chaotic human market.

Letting my irritation ooze out through a long sigh, I tried to focus on the positive side. It was easier to blend in with all the chaos around. I ran my thumb along the ring on my finger reflexively; checking if it was still in place. My beating heart calmed just a little bit as my fingers grazed the cold metal.

I raised my hand; letting myself admire the glint of the multicolored ring for a moment. This was a five-gem illusion ring. It could delude even the greatest of witches to think that I was a human. I had to spend the entirety of my life’s savings to forge this ring but I think it worked. None of the witches had doubted me till now.

Thud! A Loud sound of something crashing against a hard surface startled me out of my thoughts. My eyes swept over the crowd of swarming people trying to figure out the source of the sound. For a moment, all I saw was a strange buzz of chaotic movements.

Then, I saw her, leaning against the wall in a corner. My heart skipped a beat and for some unknown reason, my face flushed. I had seen many beautiful women in my life but there was something alluring, something mesmerizing about her. I don’t know if it was her appearance or the vibes she gave off; I was strangely drawn to her.

Her face was pale and her features sharp. The dress she was wearing was dusty but that only made her look more attractive. I found myself rushing to help her, “Are you alright?”

She raised herself with a soft groan but the next moment, she staggered and bumped right into me. My breath got caught in my throat as she rested her head against my shoulders.

She lifted her head albeit a bit groggily and then slowly cracked her eyes open. They were the deepest green I have seen. All of a sudden, her pupils radiated a strange golden glow.

A gasp escaped my lips and I stepped back. Damn! She was a witch! Obviously, she was a witch. What else did I expect to find in Halterland?

She lifted her hand in the air as if reaching out for me. Her tender lips parted and she whispered, “Please hide me….” Then her body went slack and she slid to the ground.

I clenched and unclenched my fingers several times. This girl was fleeing from someone; probably some other witch. There was no reason for me to get caught in this crossfire. I should have left instantly but a part of me was reluctant. A few moments later, my mind brewed up the perfect excuse for why I should help her.

If I had her gratitude, she wouldn’t suspect me. She could also show me around and this help me in my investigation. I helped her to her feet and rested her head against my shoulders as I led her along the street.

It was a very different feeling, walking with her. It wasn’t a simple liking or dislike. It was way more complicated than that. I felt happy but my wolf was restless; as if afraid something will go wrong. I had heard many stories about wolf spirits having different feelings but this was the first time I experienced it. Usually, my wolf was in sync with me.

I led her to the dingy inn I had rented just outside the boundary of the Halterland. The man at the reception threw me a lewd glance but went back to looking at his phone. I heaved a sigh of relief and led her up the cranky staircase.

With every step that we took, the wood would let out a squeaky screech in protest. My eyes drifted to the man at the reception several times but he seemed to be engrossed in what he was doing. Walking over to the last room on the second floor; I kicked it open.

It was an old-fashioned room with wooden furniture that seemed ancient but antique. I led the girl to a single bed in the room before laying her down. Her face had become paler and her lips were taking on a whitish tint.

My eyes darted to the jug of water. It was empty as usual. Shaking my head, I grabbed the jug. I would never have stayed in such a shitty place if it wasn’t so well concealed.

When I stepped out of the room, I found the man waiting for me. With a swift move, he pinned me against the wall and pressed his elbow against my throat. His eyes bore into mine as he snapped, “Didn’t I say that witches are not allowed here?”

I pretended to be shocked and gasped, “Do you mean to say that… she… she is a witch? I just saw her fainting and helped her…” I paused for a moment before biting my lip nervously. “I didn’t know witches could faint too…”

My heart pounded against my ribs; as his gaze lingered on mine relentlessly. If he saw through my lie, it would become difficult to conduct my investigation. This was the only place in proximity to the Halterland that was deemed to be safe for humans. The owner of this inn hated both witches and werewolves alike. If he had recognized that I was a wolf, I would be lying dead now.

After an eternity of waiting he finally release me. He was about to leave but at the last moment, he grabbed my collar. Narrowing his eyes, he gritted out slowly, “The moment she wakes up, you have to send him away. We don’t want any strife with their lot. Is that clear?”

I bobbed my head in understanding. He pushed me away and sauntered down the stairs with long, boastful strides. My nostrils flared and I glared at his descending back. If I didn’t have to maintain secrecy, I would have taught him a good lesson…

He halted abruptly and he spun around making my heart sink. For a moment, I was afraid that he figured out the truth. But he squared his shoulders and barely stated, “You will have to pay double for today.”

I was so relieved that I didn’t even protest. I had about a hundred spirit stones; enough to last a fortnight. I had braced myself for a long search but with the witch girl’s help, I could wrap it up sooner.