Two years later
"Get him!" One of the commanders yelled.
I ran through the woods as fast as I could, clutching my cross bag as arrows flew past me. The guards chased after me, occasionally yelling profanities at my unnatural speed. I smirked, running even faster and frequently dodging the arrows.
Then I found a perfect spot and hid. They stopped and panted, searching.
"Where the hell is he?" The first guard asked in frustration.
"I-I don't know, it's like he disappeared," the second guard replied nervously, much more afraid.
"Why are you sounding scared? It's just some masked guy with no magic," the third guard declared.
"Y-you don't know who it is we're chasing?" the second guard said incredulously, obviously more terrified.
"No, should I?" The guard questioned confusedly.
The fourth guard which I assumed to be their leader, emerged while saying, "That's the most wanted man in all five kingdoms. They call him the Winter wolf, because no one has ever truly seen his face and live to tell about it. He's also rumored to be the best hunter in all the kingdoms, making him formidable despite having no magic. So he knows these forests like the back of his hand, that's why he lured us here,"
"So what should we do?" The second guard asked.
"It's best we retreat, we don't know what traps he set up for us," the fourth guard decided.
"Commander Silver won't be happy," the first guard grumbled as they retreated.
I exhaled. Well, they got every detail right except for one thing, I'm a woman. I just put on masks to conceal my identity once and it became a habit. I sighed, looking at the plain gold ring on my finger. Well it's time for my monthly report. . .which to be honest is just an excuse to see Isha.
I closed my eyes and concentrated, thinking of where I wanted to go. You'd be thinking I'd have mastered this whole teleportation thing by now. But honestly, it's really hard to conjure magic, especially when you have no magic.
I clenched my fists hard, feeling the ring starting to glow. Then the wind blew stronger, and after a moment it stopped. I opened my eyes to see I was in the dark castle. I stood up from where I knelt down, walking forward.
"You're early," a very familiar voice said, making me flinch.
"What can I say," I played it cool, smoothening my leather jacket, "it was a piece of cake."
"Really?" Elaine mused, calmly walking out of a dark corner. My violet eyes fell on her.
She wore a long black dress that complimented her hourglass figure. It parted by the side, showing her long slender leg. She just seems to be getting more alluring every time I see her. I averted my gaze, frowning at myself.
"Yeah," I said casually, plopping down on one of the royal couch, "Tahalis and Cirada are planning to form an alliance."
She scoffed, walking towards a table, "I doubt it'll last, those two kingdoms are always at each other's throats."
I shrugged. She smirked and turned to me, seemingly remembering something.
"So," she began, her amused smile stretching, "I heard you made a name for yourself huh. . .the Winter wolf?"
I paused, stunned, "How did you—"
"Oh come on, you think something like that could possibly happen and I wouldn't know about it?" She asked.
"Not really," I mumbled.
She smirked, "Wanted in all five kingdoms within eight months? I mean at this rate the student is going way faster than the master."
I looked at her sharply, "Firstly, I am not your student. And secondly, you're the one who sent me to all those places for your so-called missions."
She shrugged, "I mean, I didn't name you the Winter wolf."
"That was the locals!" I said exasperatedly, "they were the ones who decided that name. I didn't even know I was being called that, until I saw my mask on a wanted poster last week."
"Okay okay," she finally agreed. I exhaled.
"Has a nice ring to it though," she then said. I groaned in annoyance.
She chuckled, bringing up a bottle of wine, "Alright, you've been successful these past few months so I'll give you a break from missions."
I shrugged, watching how she gracefully poured the wine in her glass cup. Then picked it up with her smooth long fingers and brought it up to her full, plump lips. . .
"You're staring," she snapped me out of my thoughts, the glass halfway to her lips.
I lowered my gaze, my heart beating faster, "Sorry I-I wasn't. . ."
"It's okay," she cut me off with an amused smile, "I don't mind."
I frowned, standing up, "Well I came to deliver the news so, I'll be leaving now."
She looked at me, something briefly flashing through her eyes before I could grasp it, "Where are you going?"
"To. . .check one of my hunting traps?" I lied.
"Why are you even hunting again?" She asked, confusedly.
"Habit," I said truthfully.
I know local hunting is no longer a common thing now since everyone uses magic or magical items to hunt whatever animals they want. I mean it was faster and more efficient. But it was the first skill I was trained in when people realized I didn't have magic, like a few others.
Everyone looks down on people without magic in this world, they weren't allowed to train with soldiers or attend academies meant for those with magic. It was even hard for a non-magic human to have an official position. They were mostly employed as servants from what I saw, in all kingdoms. I was lucky to be friends with the chief's daughter, that was why I didn't have too much hard time.
So I decided to be the best in hunting since it was the only action skill I was allowed to have.
"Alright," Elaine said indifferently, waving me off. I nodded, then turned and left.