Chapter 4

Athena's Point of View

Because of what Arius told me, it seemed like time had paused for a while. I could even hear my heartbeats racing. Because I was still speechless, no words would form on my lips.

“You… Arius, you have no idea what you're talking about…” Arius only smiled from my words.

“Good evening, Athena. I'd like to see you again tomorrow. Please be cautious,” he cautioned me. Arius had already left me alone, still in my widened mouth, after that. I was stunned for a few moments after emerging from my deep thoughts.

“What a goofy vampire,” I exclaimed, shaking my head. So, I decided to turn around and drive away. What I did tonight was adequate to call it a day. Of course, I am a human being, and my body requires rest. By tomorrow evening, I'll be doing the same thing. This is my destiny. I am still alive because of my endeavors in hunting and saving. This is the only way for me to forget everything that happened to me the last time.

My mind was so engrossed with the past that I didn't notice someone blocked the road. I had already bumped into her, so I pulled over and walked down to check on her.

I just hit a woman, and it wasn't on purpose. She was already in the center of the road, but it seemed strange because she had no blood. I prepped my weapon until she awoke from her slumber.

“Surprise?” I suddenly felt my mouth drop open when I saw a woman who was now floating. She does not exist as a human being. She is not a vampire in any way. She is a witch. I was shocked because I wasn't expecting that I would encounter a witch. Witches are so powerful, and I should be extra careful with her.

“What do you expect from me?” I inquired.

“You're the most popular hunter in town, aren't you? I came because someone told me you're flirting with one of my men,” she explained, widening my eyes. I don't remember ever flirting with a man.

“You are simply mistaken. I don't flirt with anyone. I'm not sure what you're talking about. If I were you… You should get out of the way. I'm done fighting,” I said, but she chuckled. Because of what she did, my teeth gritted.

“Would you like to know how many innocent men I seduce? Would you like to find out what happened to them?”

Because of what she said, my teeth clenched. I know I told myself I needed to relax now, but my enemies don't want me to pass.

“What exactly did you do to them?” I inquired, but the witch smirked. I was about to draw my bows and arrows when I realized I couldn't move my hands.

Damn.

Something was wrong with me, and I now know who did it. Witches are extremely powerful.

“You are under my spell, and you must do what I instructed you to do,” she explained.

“Athena—” I turned to face the man who had called my name. Arius had just arrived, and when I saw his handsome face, my heart pounded. I never expected him to come over.

“This is fantastic timing, Arius. Didn't you reject me because of this hunter?” The witch inquired, and I now see who she was desperately trying to insinuate previously.

“Wanda, leave her alone. Don't get too close, Athena. You want something from me, don't you? So, talk to me…” Arius said something. And that irritated me.

“Sure, I'll talk to you, but… I really wanted to punish her!”

Wanda said those words with her tone full of rage, and then she did something to me. Something just descended on my legs.

“Damn it, Wanda!” Arius yelled, but Wanda, the witch, merely chuckled.

“You're not going to fool me, Arius. I understand you don't want to talk to me. Here's what I want you to know… I'll never let you go because you're mine. All the women who dared to approach you will perish,” Wanda said as she soared away. Because of how excruciating my legs were, I just grimaced in distress.

“Are you okay?” Arius questioned as he approached me.

My blood began to boil as I realized it was all due to Arius. Wanda was the way she was because of him. But I'm sure Arius wasn't expecting that. Wanda must be grateful that I was distracted earlier, because if not… She was doubtlessly already dead on the ground.

“I'm very sorry, Athena,” Arius stated as he assisted me in getting up from the ground. I tried to move my legs, but the cut from the blades Wanda had used earlier was excruciatingly painful. I'm unable to walk.

“It's entirely your fault, Arius!”

He's to fault. What he did next, though, astounded me. Arius just carried me like a bride, and my heart began to accelerate.

“I'll treat your wounds, Athena. Just hold tight because I'll use my vampire speed to get us to my house,” he continued, making me bite my bottom lip.

I was tempted to disagree. I don't want to seek the assistance of my foes, but I know I won't be able to reach my house with this wound. I was on the verge of passing out at any moment. Now I have to swallow my pride. I needed Arius. He will be the one to assist me immediately. Maybe it's time to let go of my rage and let him help me.

“Please help me…” I pleaded with him. I even wrap my hands around his neck. I just felt Arius moving so quickly. My vision began to dim. I simply closed my eyes and allowed Arius to bring me to his place.

“Hold back, Athena, because we're getting close…”

Because of what he stated, a smile appeared on my lips. Despite how terrible I've been to him, Arius never leaves me. He was there to help me whenever I needed it.

I said something from my heart before my vision took over my senses.

“Thank you, Arius,” I said, until everything went black.