{"Third person pov"}
In a beautiful room filled with gorgeous women, hips swaying, girls Chatting, it's a beautiful party, the king couldn't attend as he had things to do but Zexon sat at a corner observing all the girls. They were all dressed so beautifully that a man can hardly keep his cool but this was more than beauty for Zexon, it was deeper and powerful. He set this contest up for a reason and he hopes to accomplish that reason. Standing up from his seat, he made his way to the centre of the dance floor to speak, weaving his hand as a signal for everyone to be quiet. The music stopped instantly, bringing everyone's attention to him.
"Thank you ladies for making it this far and you are all welcome to the castle. Moving on, here are some rules governing your stay here."
"You are not to leave your quarters for any reason whatsoever unless for training or by instructions.
"Training is compulsory for all.
"Violence or manipulation of powers is highly forbidden.
"Prepare yourselves always as the king might demand a night with you.
"You are not to interact with the opposite sex.
"Your lockets should always be around your neck as it holds a huge significance.
"Your first challenge will be in seven days and the challenge will be the wolf hunt. Am sure you all know what that means?" He furrowed his eyebrow giving a questioning look to the girls who were all shocked. Of course, the wolf hunt is one of the deadliest games of the werewolves.
"Make sure to prepare," He continued.
"Mrs Mary will provide all your needs and then, enjoy your stay. Thank you". He concluded and walked away leaving the room.
Aliya was scared out of her mind, 'The wolf hunt?' she thought to herself, trying to retain the fears running through her body. She knows what a wolf hunt is even though she hasn't witnessed the hunt before. She has also read and heard awful things about it. It's one of the reasons she hated the wolves as they are cruel, she slumped down on her chair ignoring the party. This new information was a big blow to her.
Werewolves are scared of the hunt, talk less of a small human girl like her. 'I have to figure out a way' she mumbled to herself.
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It's been a stressful four days for the girls as training has intensified for the hunt. Aliya hasn't been more serious than this before and sleep was even difficult for her to achieve since she buried herself in training and researching more about the wolf hunt.
At this point, she was standing at the kitchen door eavesdropping on the maid's gossip about the hunt. One of the human maids was already well acquainted with her. Aliya slowly made her way into the kitchen and when the maids noticed her, they all kept quiet, leaving the kitchen except the human maid.
"You want something, Miss Aliya?" The maid asked with a smile. Aliya shakes her head hiding her worry.
"No I don't but I want to ask you for a favour" she finally responded giving the maid a hopeful look.
"Okay, what is it?" The maid asked as Aliya glanced around making sure they were the only ones there.
"Where can I find poppy flowers?" She asked, causing the maid to gasp in shock. Realising her action could cause a stare, the maid composed herself immediately.
"Miss Aliya, why do you ask?" she questioned curiously and then realisation hit her.
"You mean you want to use it for...". Aliya quickly covered her mouth, stopping her from saying anything further. They both would be dead should any werewolf hear them.
"Quiet" Aliya scolded as the maid blinked her eyes still looking at her in shock and slowly pried Aliya's hands off her.
"Why do you want to get yourself killed? The wolves hate the poppy flowers" the maid whispered. Aliya was surprised, the flowers were harmless as far as she knew.
"Why?" Aliya asked curiously. The maid peeped around making sure no one heard them.
"It's poisonous to the wolves, please keep this a secret"
"But how do you know". Aliya was getting confused.
"My father told me, he was researching the werewolves before they killed him and took me in". The maid answered as her countenance changed to sadness.
"I'm so sorry about that Leah," Aliya tried to console her with a warm hug.
"How did you know about the poppy flowers?" Leah asked, pulling away.
"I read about them in a book I found in the main library, it has a lot of information about their kind," Aliya replied. This caused the maid to be amazed at her guts. 'Humans weren't allowed in the main library so how did she get in? The maid thought to herself.
"How did you get it?" she finally asked with concern. "The Alpha will rip your head off if he finds out."
"Well that's if you tell him. Look, just tell me where I can find the flowers and leave the rest to me". Aliya pleaded.
"Well, you can only find it at the king's garden but that will be a death wish because you are not allowed to leave this building except for training and everyone is prohibited from visiting the king's quarters unless summoned".
"You really want to do this don't you?" Leah asked, shrugging her shoulders. Aliya didn't answer but waited for her to continue.
"Fine, but I can't exactly tell you where it is" Aliya cocked her brows gazing at her in confusion.
"Look, I can only show you. The castle is complicated." Leah assured but Aliya, still gazing at her, searched for reasons why she would want to do that.
"So when do you want to go?" Leah questioned pulling Aliya out of her thoughts.
"Um... look you don't have to go with me, you can just do your best in describing the place for me," Aliya replied with a concerned look. She doesn't want to get the maid in trouble.
"Don't worry about me, worry about how you can escape the hunt."
"Fine," Aliya shrugged. It would have been better if she did this alone and not put anyone in trouble. "Is 1:00am tonight okay for you?" She asked.
"1:00am, Why that time?" Leah was surprised at Aliya's willingness.
"Well, am sure you wouldn't want anyone to catch you going to the king's quarters when you have no business there right?"
"Oh! True. Fine then, 1:00am it is and don't worry, I am not doing this for you. I have my reasons so meet me here by 1 am then, we will leave from here". Leah finished and stood up to leave.
"Thank you for this Leah" Aliya muttered with a grateful smile before the maid walked away leaving her in the kitchen.
"Where is the king's garden?" Aliya asked after a long silence. This was her only hope, she did not have the inhuman speed of the werewolf nor any abilities to mask her scent, the poppy flowers was the only and best way to mask her scent during the hunt and she was determined.
NEXT CHAPTER....