You gotta be kidding me.
"What a coincidence to see you here again, Lady Yulianna. Destiny must have planned this well for us to meet so soon."
The one smile Yulianna dreaded most—the picture of perfection she wished never to see again— was now haunting her in broad daylight.
Celeste Valemont stood before her, that flawless smile firmly in place, as if fate itself had decided to mock her. The woman appeared the moment Yulianna arrived at the capital for the hunting competition at dawn.
This time, however, Celeste looked livelier—so unlike the woman she had met the night before. Was it the night's atmosphere that cloaked her in mystery back then? Yulianna couldn't tell. What she did know was that she wouldn't be able to slip away easily this time. She needed a plan to avoid Celeste without making it obvious. Otherwise, the woman would only find it amusing and cling even more.
"Now that I've gotten a clearer look at your face, I must say I'm stunned by the beauty you possess. Especially those golden eyes of yours, they look as though they're growling at me for simply existing. That alone excites me even more."
Celeste's voice was silk and flame all at once as she stepped closer, leaning in just enough for her breath to brush Yulianna's ear. "I'm so glad I decided to come today," she whispered. "Your presence alone has already set my heart ablaze with anticipation. I can't wait to see how this hunt ends."
Well, I don't. Why does she keep showing up like this? I should've just pretended to be sick instead of coming here. My patience is running out. One more word from her and I might just snap.
Luckily, before Yulianna could lose her composure, the warden in charge of the event stepped forward.
"Beyond the gilded gates of this capital lies the mountain of Morath, a forest shrouded in mist and old blood. Few dare to enter its depths, and fewer still return unchanged."
The capital buzzed with life as crowds gathered for the second day of the emperor's grand celebration. Participants stood ready for the hunt, their armor gleaming under the morning sun. Some were met with cheers and chants from their supporters, while others waited in silence, their eyes fixed on the distant, veiled outline of Morath.
"Each representative shall venture into the depths of the forest to hunt—be it beast, monster, or spirit alike. Whosoever returns with the rarest creature shall be declared the victor, and their chosen companion will earn the honor of marching through the Holy Hall to receive the Saint's blessing."
The air thickened with excitement. Noble ladies giggled at the thought of earning such privilege—not only to be blessed by the saint himself but also to gain recognition among the highest ranks of society. For many, it was a shortcut to climb the gilded ladder of power and prestige.
Yulianna, however, looked thoroughly unimpressed. She lazily flipped her fan back and forth, trying to ease the tension coiling in her chest. When she glanced back to where Celeste had stood moments ago, the woman was gone. Though relief washed over her, she couldn't shake the sense that something unexpected was bound to happen.
The thought made her expression tighten. She didn't like how Celeste's words had sounded earlier—it made her wonder if the woman was talking about the hunt... or something far darker.
Tsk. I should've shut that mouth of hers. She's such a nuisance.
"Please refrain from making that face, my lady. You mustn't forget that everyone can see you clearly in this daylight," Mira, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. Yulianna almost forgot she had company beside her.
"What kind of face, Mira? All I have is beauty," She replied, her tone dripping with feigned innocence as she glanced at her. "Aren't you done lecturing me from last night? Because of you, I barely got any rest."
Sighing, Mira could only force a polite smile. "All I did was remind you not to punch everyone you find irritating, my lady. I was pleased to see the changes you've made lately, but becoming vulgar in your actions is another matter entirely. What if you hadn't managed to save yourself from trouble? I can't even imagine how His Grace would react once we return. I'd rather not think about it at all."
"That's exactly what you said last night," Yulianna remarked curtly. "And I'll say it again, it was still your fault."
"I understand, my lady," Mira said, blinking in confusion. "But… may I ask how it became my fault?"
"If you were so worried about me, why didn't you come to the banquet? You could've stopped me then," Yulianna shot back, an irritatingly sweet smile tugging at her lips, one that made Mira's face tighten.
"If only I could, my lady, I would," Mira replied, her tone now serious. "But I had to prepare matters regarding your stay at the palace. You do realize you're being unreasonable right now, don't you, my lady?"
"I could be more reasonable, if you'd like…" Yulianna teased, her grin widening mischievously.
Amid the chaos around them, Yulianna found herself oddly grateful for the conversation. She hadn't meant her teasing, not really—it was a distraction. It helped ease the feeling of being watched, the same creeping unease that had lingered since she arrived.
Damn that woman. Even when she's gone, her presence lingers. Just who the hell is she to make me feel like this?
"Today's hunt will be judged fairly," the warden continued. "Every participant must hunt a creature before returning. Failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification."
He gathered a few scrolls from the table before continuing, "The names listed here belong to those who have chosen to participate in this year's hunt. Step forward once your name is called and select the weapon you wish to wield."
"Tsk, I don't see any reason why there are so many of them," Yulianna muttered, her tone edged with disdain. "It's not like they'll be rewarded with a mountain of gold for risking their lives."
"Until now, I still can't get used to how you speak, my lady," Mira replied with a patient smile that only grew more pitiful the longer she held it. "You used to be so gentle and graceful like a white rose. But now…" she sighed softly, "all I can see is a red rose covered in thorns."
Yulianna returned a generous smile, her tone light but laced with irony. "Why, thank you for the compliment, Mira. But if I'm to be compared with roses, I'd suggest you pick the black one next time. That would suit me better, to be honest."
Having this kind of exchange didn't bother Yulianna at all. In fact, she was glad her maid had grown more open lately. If she had to choose, she'd take Mira's nagging and lectures over the timid, skittish girl she'd first met upon waking.
However, what truly caught her off guard was hearing her name announced among the list of participants in the hunting competition.
"Yulianna McGregor."
Just what the fuck is happening?!