Another One

Chapter Eleven

Another one

~Ariee~

“Insect.”

I should have kept my head down. Stared hard into the ground until he walked away completely, yet the familiar word, coated with the same irritation as that night made me look up.

My eyes raised, assuming he was facing ahead since he was already walking away, only to lock with his corner eye.

A small gasp fell off my lips at the intensity of the sapphire blue eye on me. Then I did something utterly stupid.

I stood up and ran. If he wasn't suspecting me before, then this was the biggest clue in history.

I didn't dare look back, especially not when I felt the intensity of his gaze at the back of my head.

The minute I was out of his sight, I let out a deep breath. Gods every time I came across this man, it felt like I was going to die and I ended up doing something very obvious.

Just as I glanced back, relieved there was no one behind me, only to come face to face with a man infront of me. I staggered back in shock, almost tripping on my own foot.

“W…who are y…you…” I stuttered out, my lips quivering in fear. Just like the other Lycans, his presence was strong and the expression on his face, I'm not sure I've seen anything that icy.

Except for… you know who.

He was ridiculously tall with striking green eyes and curly dark hair. I involuntarily held my breath, willing my body to stay still as he approached me with an assessing expression.

He scanned me, up to down, left to right, carefully so he wouldn't miss a detail.

“I assumed since he took an interest in you, there might be something I missed,” His voice was a raspy baritone that sent shivers down my spine. “But there's simply nothing striking about you,” he rested a hand thoughtfully on his chin. “If anything, you are rather plain-looking.”

I swallowed. “W–What?”

His lips pressed tightly in disapproval. “i shouldn't be surprised since Kai is one with unique taste. I'm sure there's something…”

My heart pounded as he slowly circled me but beyond his frightening presence, my mind was racing with dreadful questions.

By Kai… he meant King Kaiziah right?

Why on earth would he think the Lycan King had interest in me? The man literally called me an insect and glared at me like he wanted to dissect me.

Right, there's no way he could have known since he wasn't there to begin with.

“I… I think you are mistaken,” my voice shook. “Please let me go… I… I don't want trouble…”

“Oh you are already in a lot of trouble sweetheart,” he snorted, then his expression turned serious. “Who are you?”

I blinked. “What?”

The look on his face told me he wasn't going to repeat himself.

But how do you stop someone and go all fierce and judgemental on them without even knowing who they are.

“I… my name is Ariee…” I started slowly. “I… I came here with my mistress. She is one of the candidates.”

“That's not what I asked,” he stated. I gulped. “For the past few hours, I have watched you run every time you come in contact with him,” he took a step closer and I stepped back. “His eyes follow you until you are out of sight. That's not normal, is it? Kai rarely takes interest in anything so why you?”

“I honestly think this is a big misunderstanding,” he didn't stop approaching so I had to keep stepping back. “We really don't know each other. You… you saw him back there. He doesn't give me any special treatment. I only ran because I was scared of him, anyone would do same.”

I wasn't sure it would work but he stopped moving.

“You're right. I must be overthinking this. Kai doesn't keep any special relationships. If you were one, you'd be dead already,” he mused.

Thank you very much for that scary piece of information which I definitely DID NOT NEED.

And what did he mean by I'd be dead already?

He put more space between us, running this hand through his hair.

“Pardon my manners, Ariee,” he backed me. “I mistook you for something worth exploring.”

For some reason, those words made my stomach twist. He glanced at me, waving lazily.

Something worth exploring? Is he in some kind of competition with Kai? Who is he anyway?

“See you later, Ariee. Remember, all liars go to hell," he smiled then vanished out of sight, just like as he appeared.

My knees gave out and I collapsed to the floor.

I honestly hope never to see him again.

What's with these Lycans and their crazy abilities anyway? I grabbed my chest, heaving heavily. I was practically going from one scary experience to another.

There were hundreds of noble women here, so how did I always somehow manage to catch their eyes?

I steadied my breathing and exited the hallways. That was when I finally caught sight of them through the window.

They were right outside, sitting in the grass. Relief washed through me as I hurried downstairs, hoping to catch them before they vanished again.

Their expressions changed when they saw me. I guess they already why I was here even before I could utter a word.

“Hi,” I waved awkwardly but they rolled their eyes. “Look, I know Lady Fiona can be a lot sometimes but this is a group project. You need her to participate in order to win.”

“You think we don't know that,” the curly haired lady huffed. “She is just insufferable. We came here with one goal yet she thinks everyone is inferior to her.”

“Lami is right. You should be talking to your mistress, not us,” the blonde responded.

Oh, so her name is Lami. I could tell she was the backbone of this group and the only one able to stand up to Fiona.

“I've got an idea,” I said suddenly. “May I sit please?”

I wasn't expecting a yes from them. I was a servant after all.

“Speak,” Lami hissed. She was not taking any chances.

“How about I join you in place of my lady to pick an activity? Since we have different opinions, everyone can pick an activity and put it in a box. We shuffle and pick one. That way, it would be fair,” I suggested.

They exchanged glances but didn't comment so I went one.

“After picking the activity, you can assign roles for each person. I believe the reason it's a team work is because they want to see everyone shine together in their different roles. You can assign whatever role you like for my lady and I will make sure she takes it. She won't be a hindrance, I promise.”

They exchanged glances once again.

“I hope you're not just talking big,” Lami finally broke the silence. “I don't see anyone taming that lady of yours but if you say you can do it, fine. We'll give you a shot.”

My eyea lit up immediately. I was about to thank her when she added. “But if she screws up, we're done. We'd rather withdraw than have her insult us.”

“Understood.”