Chapter 2. Meet

Justin tried to mute the inner turmoil with a spell, but it persisted. The fact that he had been humiliated was hard to swallow, hard as his clenched fist. This has occurred with an Omega, the lowest rank in the werewolf pack. It happens often.

Justin is a REDCA member, the only one-pack hunter from the Red Wolf clan. To survive with the herd, you need to be strong. The Red Wolf population is in danger of extinction because of a big forest fire. Those who avoided people at first had to create a gang of five bounty hunters led by a real human named Madam Jenn.

“She is calling us,” Marco reported, briefly informing his four companions: Madam Jenn and him.

Justin trailed behind with his head down. The five of them went into a pretty big bamboo house on the shores of Paramour Beach. A woman in her thirties wore pearl necklaces as she sat cross-legged.

“Good evening, ma’am,” said Marco, placing his hand on his chest and bowing slightly. The others followed suit. Justin stayed at the back, observing silently. Madam Jenn remained mysterious despite his efforts as a black veil partially covered her face.

“The orphanage has an impressive mission,” said Madam Jenn, her voice both affectionate and firm.

“Lunatic Asylum. Room 108. Azeeva Cassie Liona,” said Madam Jenn, “Bring me the body of that witch girl, whole and undamaged. I’ll pay for this task in cash.”

Arkan stared in shock, trembling all over. Upon learning the target’s status, he already felt intimidated.

“They typically accept missions… humans to other humans. Is it true that they have to face beings of their kind this time? Supposedly, witches are wily and frightening.”

“Are you sure? Azeeva is the daughter of the mayor of Paramour.” Letta said.

“We will attempt to obtain another witch girl’s assistance!” Ravin exclaimed, his lips shaking with frustration.

“I only want that girl,” Madam Jenn declared, “but I will not coerce.”

Madam Jenn opened curtains, examining each REDCA members individually as she walked slowly.

“I need to remind you that the full moon will be in two days. Your wolf cubs would greatly benefit from me feeding them fresh venison, even a thousand tons. They can grow instantly to your age. Is this what you have been waiting for?”

They waited as she pondered the situation.

“Do you think we’ll be success?” Marco asked with a hint of uncertainty, his hands clasped behind his back. Madam Jenn’s musky scent stings as she grips Marco’s shoulder.

Marco avoids Madam Jenn’s gaze and looks down.

Justin is surprised; how could an Alpha be so easily intimidated by humans? Justin knows that without Madam Jenn, he would be reduced to ashes. But that doesn’t mean he has to appear desperate. It’s up to others whether they buy in or not. Justin sees this as enslavement. Unfortunately, it only exists deep within his heart.

“My words could be hurtful. Red Wolves can function without you all. I can always find new hunters.”

“But you all, without the Red Wolves, are betraying them.”

“That’s not true!” Marco exclaimed. “We’re loyal to one another in couples or pack!”

“Well… you just have to choose—either die as a hero or a traitor.”

“Who said we were going to die?” Justin retorted, his voice louder than the crashing waves.

Justin’s choice to move forward could make him a beacon of hope or a disappointment. Letta and Arkan loudly scolded the younger members, commanding them to retreat quietly. However, Justin stood his ground despite the agreement that made his clan seem inferior. That lady’s impolite language can be easily criticized, so don’t ignore it. Madam Jenn turned her bright eyes towards Justin.

“You’re very enthusiastic, Justin,” praised Madam Jenn. Marco, however, thinks it’s sarcastic.

“I apologize, his mind is immature, and we need—”

“Also, there’s no way, right?” Justin interjected, earning a glare from Marco.

Marco was upset that Justin’s statement was correct. He didn’t have enough time to ponder any exceptions. The upcoming full moon is only a few days away. Marco let out a sigh of defeat and pushed Justin away. “We’ll do the mission,” he said firmly.

Madam Jenn’s shoulders relaxed in relief. “I knew monogamous creatures were cool.”

“Yeah…forced to be cool,” Justin joked, “haha cool to die.”

Letta left, calling Justin an idiot.

“You guys—” Marco coughed, turning his attention back to Madam Jenn. “We begin the mission tonight.” Justin interjected, “Count me in on the operation!”

“Pipe down, cleaners,” admonished Arkan, his anger building.

“Carl Justin… why the eagerness?” Letta sighed.

Justin desperately looked to Ravin for help but avoided eye contact and gazed at the bamboo ceiling instead. Justin cleared his throat, frustrated.

“This world is so heartless,” he muttered under his breath.

“Marco, I appreciate Justin,” Madam Jenn said, “the more work, the merrier.”

Marco agreed. “Yes, ma’am.”

Letta rolled her eyes lazily while Justin clenched his hands happily.

***

White Torture. Torture is often used to drive people insane. Though it doesn’t work on witches, who control two realms, John Robbert—the mayor of Paramour—uses this punishment on his daughter to weaken her powers. Instead of feeling tired, Azeeva liked being alone in that space.

No bed.

No chair.

Just a white room shaped like a cube.

Azeeva moved, following the music inside her head and singing tunes quietly with her lips. Her shiny grey hair hardly blended in with the room walls but was more splendid. The girl’s ear moved slightly.

After she stopped spinning, the grey-haired girl played with her white lace dress that went down to her knees. She waited for the faint door to open. Her face was glowing with excitement as she waited for dinner to arrive. The wall split open as the door creaked, revealing a boy of the same age wearing a red uniform and hat similar to that of a pizza delivery man.

“Here are boiled potatoes for Your Highness, Azeeva Cassie Liona,” he said.

“Don’t call me that, Dino!” Zee frowned, walking towards her friend, who was moving to the corner of the room.

“You have five minutes.” Zee danced around Dino.

“I’m going out tonight.”