As dawn broke through midnight, my thoughts became clearer.
After thinking for a while, I came to a simple conclusion: it's fine if I can't find a suitable mate and If everyone despises me, so be it. I'd rather stay without a mate and be called an outcast until I find one worth my time.
When I first woke up here, after dying in the modern world, I was lost. The first person I saw was the Healer—an owl beastman who was treating the original Aria. It took me a while to understand that I wasn't in my own body, and even longer to act like the original owner so no one would notice. She didn't have much presence in the clan anyway, so I guess that helped me blend in.
Past life thoughts and new life plans helped me survive. My sudden knowledge got people talking and Some even started whispering about the prophecy, the "Witcher" who would help change the Beast World. I lived in the moment back then. The rumors, the attention, everything I did made me live a better life. But honestly, I couldn't care less about being a legend now.
My plan now is simple: find a strong beastman, collect more spirit stones, build trust with people, and slowly climb my way up and maybe screw people over, who knows. I'll earn their loyalty and eventually get crowned as the Witch.But first, I need to find out when the mate selection ceremony is or, if possible, find a mate before it begins.
It was still pretty dark outside. Standing at the edge of my cave, I could hear the wind whistling through the rocks. It wasn't winter yet, which meant I still had time to prepare. Beastmen are loyal to their partners, but females usually have more than one because surviving winter alone is almost impossible especially in a world where the strong rule over the weak.
I turned back inside and fixed the mess on my straw bed, shaking out bits of fur and dust. Then I tied up my hair again. It kept falling apart even after tying it with straw. Finally, I just let it down and figured I might wash this irritating mess. My clothes were simple and rough, made from stitched tanned hide that scratched a little against my skin, but it would do for now. A short skirt cinched by a pelt belt, a few claws strung together along a cord so it didn't look plain. A strip of leather crossed my chest , just enough to cover what mattered.
I noticed an anklet too, made of small stones and beads. It clinked faintly when i shake it deliberately. Maybe the old Aria liked looking pretty, and I guess I don't hate it. Perhaps this will help me blend in. I grabbed my small basket because I might find something edible on the way. It was still early, but I decided to go to the stream nearby. Water always helped me think, and I didn't want to start the day looking like I just rolled out of a cave, even if I did.
The forest outside was quiet. Mist hung around the trees, and the ground was cold under my feet. I followed the narrow path I'd taken so many times before. A few animals scurried away as I passed. Somewhere, a hawk screeched. Typical morning.
When I reached the stream, I set my mini basket down and crouched by the water. The surface was still, reflecting the light of dawn. I scooped some water and splashed it on my face, then sighed. It was cold but refreshing.
I stared at my reflection for a bit. Same green, tired eyes. I wasn't ugly, but I looked fragile, like someone innocent and needed protection from someone stronger the longer they stared at me. My white hair was longer than shoulder length, just like when I first possessed Aira's body before cutting it short. The white strands weren't luscious; they looked dull, almost gray in the stream, probably from lack of care. No shampoo or conditioner and honestly, I couldn't care less about that now. This wasn't my first time, I started washing it slowly with plain cold water , untangling the knots.
"Maybe I should just cut it off again," I muttered. And that's when I heard it, the sound wasn't a twig snap or a soft step. It was a low dragging of something heavy moving through the grass.
"...Who's there?" I asked quietly.
No answer. Just the sound again. Then, from the shadow of the trees, a dark shape moved in a smooth and fast pace toward me. The faint morning light caught on black scales that shimmered like dark green and gold the more the light peered over the shadow looming around. A snake beastman.
Of all things to run into this early. He didn't attack, though; he just stayed there, half in shadow, watching. I stayed crouched, not moving.
"You're not just a wild snake, are you?" I asked,
No reply came nor any movement. "Don't just stare. Say something."
Still nothing.
The way he watched me was unsettling, but also… curious. Like he found my reaction strange.
Finally, after what felt like forever, he moved closer, slowly, and then he transformed. His upper body turned human, but from the waist down, he was still a snake. As he moved closer, the faint light hit his deep black hair with highlights of gold and green. His long hair was attractive, and it shimmered just like his scales. His sharp eyes were deep emerald green, which caught mine and held them in their sight.
For someone who barely spoke, his presence was noticeable. It felt calm but dangerous at the same time. Something about him felt… doubled. When he leaned forward, the air around us stilled. His scales shimmered under the mist. He finally spoke in a low and cold voice. "You don't seem scared, for a female that's alone."
My lips twitched and my heart skipped, but I didn't let it affect me much. I felt this might be it.
"And you make a habit of looking for scared females?" I asked skeptically, one eyebrow raised. He didn't reply right away; he just moved a bit closer. His long hair fell over his shoulders, with tiny sigils and scales scattered around his upper arm like tattoos or like toddler doodles. I didn't miss how he bent slightly to match my eye level, staring straight at my face.
"Most females scream when they see me," he said.
"I'm not most females," I said flatly. His gaze flickered over me, like he was checking if I was joking, and I wasn't. I'm not just a female; I'm a two-time Aria. Death doesn't scare me anymore. I've already met it twice.
I stood and grabbed my basket. "You know," I said casually, "I might need a mate soon. You look strong enough."
That made him lift his head, eyes narrowing. "You don't even know my name."
"Then tell me," I shot back.
He hesitated a bit and said, "What will my name do? Make me your mate?"
I nodded eagerly, feigning innocence. "Yes. My mate should have a great name."
His expression froze mid-breath. For a second, I could've sworn his tail twitched, and his eyes flashed gold. Then again, maybe my eyes were just playing tricks on me. Probably.
"Are you a sheltered female? Which tribe are you from?" he muttered, sounding like he wasn't sure if he should even ask.
I burst out cackling with laughter—a loud and unrestrained one, the kind that came from deep in the gut. It sounded more like a hyena finding its prey than a proper female. My stomach hurt from it, and before I knew it, my knees gave out. I dropped straight to the ground, still laughing, then rolled onto my back to stare at the sky like I'd just had the funniest revelation in the world. He immediately moved closer, probably thinking I was about to pass out.
We both stared at each other for what felt like eternity before he turned to leave.
"Think about it," I called after him. "I'm serious."
He didn't answer, but the faint hiss that followed almost sounded like a laugh. I figured he wasn't taking me seriously, so I said, "You know, as a feral beast, I could accuse you of trying to harm me."
Still lying on the damp riverbank, I slowly grabbed a claw among my belt pelt, and I pressed the tip against my neck hard but not deep enough to kill me. I just needed it to draw blood. It stung, but I didn't stop. I knew he could smell it. My brain was processing fast, and something drew me to him it had to be him. I just felt it. He was strong, and when he was about to leave, it became vivid that I didn't want him to go.
"Be my mate," I said this time, not as a suggestion but like a decision already made. He slithered back and hovered around me. I saw confusion, coldness, and fury all mixed in those green eyes.
He hissed and said, "Okay."
My smile probably looked devilish or maybe even cunning. I didn't care. If he was feral, then I might as well show him my viper side, and I guess that seemed to catch his attention. I was sure he could speak without showing that forked tongue of his, but maybe he just liked scaring people. Then, without a word, he took the claw from my hand. His movements were slow, deliberate, like he wanted me to see every bit of his movement. He leaned closer so that I could feel his cold breath against my skin. Then his tongue brushed over the thin line of blood that trailed down to my collarbone. The touch wasn't rough, but it was cold.
Slowly, he lifted me up. His eyes still held mine. "I hope you're serious and don't regret your decision," he said.
"Never. You can mark me now if you want," I said, half-smiling. "Preferably on my breast or wrist."
For the first time, he smiled—not a kind one, but amused and fleeting, almost deceiving. Finally, when my brain started working again, I smiled innocently.
"So, what's your name?"
"You already want me as a mate before knowing my name or beast rank?" he asked.
"Well, you look cute. I fell in love with your snake form," I said in a playful tone.
"The name's Kai," he said.
"Wow. My mate's name is Kai!" I shouted.
He stared at me like I was a strange alien. "You must have a reason for choosing me. Before I accept, I need to know why."
"Oh, I'll definitely tell you," I said. "Since you're my mate. But not here."
"So where?" he asked.
"At home," I said with a grin. "And since you're my mate now, you can relax—and start by washing my hair. Don't bite."